29/01/2026
A&E UNIT: THE LIFELINE OF HOSPITAL CARE AT UNIMEDTH
Accident and Emergency (A&E) units remain the backbone of effective hospital care, serving as the first point of contact for patients facing life-threatening conditions. This was the central message delivered by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, Dr. Michael Gbala, during a recent refresher training programme organised for doctors and nurses in the hospital’s A&E department.
Dr. Gbala described the A&E unit as a critical 24-hour service hub designed to provide immediate, life-saving care for patients suffering from severe injuries and acute medical conditions such as trauma, heart attacks and strokes.
“The Accident and Emergency unit is the eye of the hospital,” he said, emphasising its role in stabilising critically ill patients, reducing mortality and preventing long-term disabilities through timely intervention.
According to the CMD, effective A&E care relies on specialised multidisciplinary teams made up of doctors, nurses and paramedics who work round the clock to respond to emergencies such as severe haemorrhage, breathing difficulties and poisoning. These teams are supported by rapid diagnostic tools and triage systems that ensure patients with the most critical conditions receive immediate attention.
He noted that the A&E unit is equipped with advanced medical technologies, including ventilators, defibrillators and imaging facilities, which enable fast diagnosis and stabilisation. Beyond clinical intervention, the unit also serves as a coordination centre where various specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive emergency care.
Dr. Gbala identified the children’s emergency unit and the labour ward as other major flashpoints in emergency care, but stressed that the A&E unit remains particularly challenging due to the emotional and physical pressure associated with emergency situations.
“Patients who come into the A&E are usually anxious, and so are their relatives. It is often a chaotic environment. Apart from managing disease conditions, healthcare workers are also managing fear, tension and sometimes aggression,” he said.
He revealed that there have been instances where doctors and nurses were assaulted while carrying out their duties, describing the A&E as a high-risk environment that demands resilience, alertness and professionalism from staff.
Despite these challenges, the CMD reaffirmed management’s commitment to improving emergency care services at UNIMEDTH.
“We must give patients the best possible chance of survival. As management, we are determined to raise the bar and improve on what we met. In emergency situations, patient care must come before discussions about payment, and all essential materials must be available ahead of time,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of the Department of Accident and Emergency, Dr. Babatunde Yusuf, explained that the refresher training programme was part of the hospital’s continuous efforts to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
According to him, periodic training is essential to ensure that doctors and nurses remain competent, responsive and prepared to take prompt and decisive actions during critical situations.
“When emergencies occur, there is no room for hesitation. That is why refresher courses like this are necessary. The programme is largely in-house, with our own staff serving as resource persons, which helps to minimise costs while strengthening capacity,” Yusuf said.
He commended the hospital’s management for recognising the A&E unit as a flashpoint and for taking steps to address its unique challenges, while noting that more still needs to be done.
Speaking on medical errors, Yusuf noted that they are often the result of multiple factors, including pressure and stress caused by long working hours and manpower shortages.
“No clinician wants to make an error, but it can happen under intense pressure. This training will help reduce such occurrences and ultimately improve patient safety and quality of care,” he added.
The refresher training underscores UNIMEDTH’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare delivery and ensuring that patients who arrive in critical conditions receive timely, effective and compassionate care.
Oluwatope Akinjide
Head, Media and Publicity
UNIMEDTH Ondo State
27th January, 2026