Bishop Mark Hanson speaks at the dedication of Phebe Hospital's re-opening on February 14th.  Click here for more photos of the Phebe hospital renovation

Phebe dedicates hospital building renovation

On Monday, 14 February, 2005, Phebe Hospital’s main building reopened amid thanksgiving and ceremony.  In attendance were Lutheran Church leaders, representatives of the European Union, United Nations Military Officers from five different countries, Liberian government representatives, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Phebe staff and local citizens. Representatives of Phebe’s Board of Trustees included Mr. Pewu Subah, President, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mulbah, Secretary.

Dignitaries from the Lutheran Church included the Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Bishop Mark Hanson) and Liberia (Bishop Sumoward Harris), the Secretary General of the Lutheran World Federation (Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko) and Lutheran World Federation Secretary for Africa (Dr Musa Fillibus).  Bishop Hanson was the Keynote Speaker.  He delivered a sermon emphasizing accompaniment with Liberians during both their struggles and peace. While in the country, the Lutheran delegation also visited the National Election Commission, the leadership of UNMIL, and IDP (Internally Displaced persons) Camps.  Throughout their trip through West Africa, the delegation highlighted the need to help the poorer countries in  social and religious aspects.

After the ceremony, the ribbon (in this case a rolled bandage, called a missionary bandage) was cut to dedicate the Hospital. The keys to the hospital were given over from the contractor to Phebe’s Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel M. Sandoe and Administrator, ELCA missionary David Jones, who then led a tour of the hospital for the Lutheran Delegation.  In particular, they toured the pediatrics and obstetric wards as well as the Supplemental Feeding Unit for malnourished children established in collaboration with the French NGO Action Contre le Faim (Action Against Hunger).

The contract funded by the Danish Evangelical Mission (DEM) renovated the core portion of the hospital.  Funding was in the amount of approximately $177,000.  The design concept included greater use of natural light and ventilation and substantial reconfiguring of space.  The DEM contract renovated 35% of the entire building (17,376 sq ft renovated of a total of 49,176 ft sq). This was the core area of the hospital including the Operating Rooms, Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit/Isolation ward, Information and Admittance, patient waiting and lounge areas, business offices, and the Medical Director and Chief of Surgery Offices. 

An additional 13,773 sq ft encompassed by the “1984 Wing” (an additional 28% of the hospital) was repainted, plumbed, rewired and new ceiling board installed. This wing included the pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology Wards as well as the Supplemental Nutritional Unit for malnourished children.  Also, the Medical/Surgical Ward encompassing 8,990 sq ft (18%) was repainted, rewired and replumbed, and new ceiling board. This also includes the Intensive Care Unit and the Isolation Wards.

Thus, 81% of the hospital has been renovated.  Specifically, the renovated main building consists of:

Wards with 151 beds

  • 3 operating rooms

  • 1 emergency room

  • 1 observation room

  • 1 laboratory

  • 1 X-ray room

  • 1 exam room

  • 1 pharmacy

  • 1 pre and post operative anesthesia room

  • 1 dressing room

  • 1 central supply room

  • a waiting area

The area of the hospital not renovated in any way encompasses 8,372 sq ft (19% of the building).  This includes the kitchen (Dietary), laundry and bathrooms behind the Business Offices.  The morgue has been partially renovated but needs a new air conditioning system.

Plans to renovate the remaining portion have been presented to both the European Union and United States Agency for International Development to see if there is interest in funding support.  Phebe may also may present a proposal to World Health Organization if they proceed with plans to make Phebe a Lassa Fever referral hospital.  A strong argument can be made that an improved laundry system is critical to containing Lassa. And it is obvious that providing proper nutrition is part of holistic treatment.

Phebe also continues to enhance its management and infrastructure through two new grants with the European Union.  The first is a Management Study to determine alternatives for Phebe to transition toward self-sufficiency.  It will review Phebe’s current organization and management structure and provide alternatives strategies for managing Phebe. That study began in January is scheduled for completion in late April. 

The second is a “Design and Build” contract to rehabilitate Phebe’s water line systems.  The purpose of this Small-Scale Project Scheme proposal is to continue a 2004 project funded by the EU to develop a sustainable and reliable water system at Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing.  The EU funded a successful project to redevelop four deep water wells for Phebe. This project also included the purchase of new submersible pumps.  However, Phebe’s water line distribution system, built in 1964, is decrepit and failing.  The water lines are brittle and are constantly breaking and requiring repair. This grant is to fund the replacement of approximately 1200 meters of 1960’s-era asbestos pipe.

Congregational support in terms of prayer, thanksgiving messages and gifts has continued to raise Phebe to the people of central Liberia.  It is your support which brings us ever closer to our goals. Thank you.