The Connaught Hospital Mortuary, Sierra Leone’s principal facility for post-mortem care, has been officially closed for a six-week period beginning Monday, 21st July 2025, to allow for comprehensive renovation and structural upgrading.

The announcement, jointly made by the Management of Connaught Hospital and the Ministry of Health, marks a critical step in the government’s broader agenda to modernize mortuary services and improve standards of deceased care across the country.

The current mortuary infrastructure, which has served the nation for decades, has long struggled with aging cold storage systems that have reached the end of their functional lifespan. Despite regular maintenance, frequent breakdowns have severely hampered operations, prompting urgent calls for long-term intervention.

“We are at a turning point,” said Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health. “We have acquired 10 brand-new mortuary refrigerators for key hospitals, including Connaught. However, such advanced equipment cannot be installed in a facility with outdated electrical systems and structural limitations. The good news is that we’ve mobilized the needed resources, and work will begin immediately.”

During the closure period, alternative arrangements have been made with other public health institutions, including the 34 Military Hospital, Jui (Chinese) Hospital, and the Police Hospital. These facilities will temporarily handle the preservation and processing of both civil and medico-legal corpses. Meanwhile, embalming services at Connaught Hospital will continue, but will be limited to in-hospital deaths and subject to a two-day maximum holding period for families to collect their deceased loved ones.

The planned renovation will see the installation of modern cold rooms, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, and improved amenities designed to support grieving families and healthcare staff. Once completed, the facility is expected to set a new national benchmark for post-mortem care, forensic services, and public health surveillance.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been officially informed and will be actively involved in coordinating the transition process during the closure.

Hospital management has expressed regret for any inconvenience the temporary shutdown may cause, but assured the public of its commitment to providing dignified and improved mortuary services.