How Reddington is Transforming Healthcare in Nigeria

In an industry prone to stories of what has gone wrong and what is not working, there seems to be a breathe of fresh air with the myriads of innovations from Reddington Hospital Group. Its recent addition, the LIFESCAN Medical Checkup Centre, marks another first in the country. Martins Ifijeh writes

Whenever the Nigerian healthcare system becomes a topic of discussion, what often comes to mind is stories of how the sector has not met the expectations of the citizens, especially in areas of accessibility and affordability; a sorry situation that has encouraged those who could afford medical tourism to patronise healthcare abroad, while the poor are left at the mercy of the system.

But Reddington Hospital Group, a privately owned multi specialist treatment hub is changing the narrative with the provision of myriads of specialist centres aimed at giving world-class treatment to Nigerians, the type seen in developed countries like the United States and Germany.

October last year,the hospital group established the Maxi Specialty Centre in Lagos, a one-stop medical facility for dental care, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) treatment, eye treatment, endoscopy, dialysis, physiotherapy, EEG, sleep studios, audiology, speech therapy, sleep management, among others.

The establishment followed the group’s resolve to provide primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare in many specialties under one roof. A first of its kind in Nigeria.

Two months ago, it also established two more world class specialty centres, the Breast and Gynae Centre and the Gray Cardiology Centre to carter for everything woman, and everything that relates to cardiovascular system respectively. The centres were established as different facilities and at different locations in Lagos.

The Breast and Gynae Centre, which was inaugurated by the Vice-President’s wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo boasts of cutting edge technological support never before seen in West Africa. The Grays Cardiology centre also boasts of world class facilities.

But like an institution determined to right the wrongs of a nation in dire need of healthcare for all facet of treatments, Reddington, again established the recently launched LIFESCAN Medical Service Centre, first of its kind total body health screening service for early detection of critical conditions, life threatening illnesses, as well as for combating terrorism in Nigeria.

The LIFESCAN, a common test in the developed world such as the United States and Europe, provides comprehensive screening to identify health problems before the symptoms are evident. It is also used in detecting dangerous materials at airports and other sensitive areas.

The service provided by Reddington uses advanced medical scanning technology including Nigeria’s GE Signa Explorer Digital MRI, which has advanced capabilities to produce the highest quality images suitable for the purpose of life scan. This is coupled with the highly versatile, speedy and low dosage computerised tomography CT scanner that produces outstanding images for clinicians to report.

Speaking during the launch of the state of the art facility, Reddington Group Medical Director, Dr. Olutunde Lalude said the idea for its establishment was to promote wellness as a better alternative to having to endure expensive and lengthy treatment options.

“Screening services can provide early warning of a potential problem before they are evident, especially for those with risk factors. It is a simple, non-invasive and pain free screening, which includes diagnostic imaging of the head, brain, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. And each patient will get report on the outcome of the screening along with any findings.

“The LIFESCAN full body, high quality, low dosage, digital imaging scan delivers another first for the Reddington Healthcare Group which has a history of being in the forefront of pioneering breakthrough in the healthcare industry in Nigeria,” he added.

The Business Development Director, Andy Cunliff added, “Medical research has consistently shown that early detection increases survival rate. Early diagnosis is the most critical strategy for avoiding a heart attack, stroke or advanced cancer diagnosis. We are looking at ways to make this accessible to as many people as possible.

“We are therefore giving a 25 per cent discount until September 30, 2017 for individuals and institutions alike interested in using the latest technology.”

He explained that the Reddington Healthcare Group has in the past 12 months launched the Maxy Centre which provides specialist care in Dentistry, Ear, Nose and Throat, Ophthalmology, and Endoscopy service.

“The Group also launched the Breast and Gynaecology Centre; Nigeria’s first state-of-the-art medical centre dedicated to women’s health. We also opened the Gray’s Cardiology to offer high cardiology care. There was also the opening of the MRI Centre, which is the first facility in sub-Sahara Africa to have a signal Explorer 1.5T MRI with ‘Silent Suite’ for reducing ambient noise,” he added.

Cunliffe added, “Our entire team is committed to continuously improving standards of healthcare delivery and access to it. Full body scans are widely available abroad and LIFESCAN provides further support to our patients. Our team has a collective determination to provide healthcare services as good as any overseas healthcare provider.”

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, the hospital has been in the forefront of pioneering many breakthroughs in healthcare in Nigeria, including the first digital cardiac catheterisation facility in Nigeria and the first closure of a hole in the heart in a child using non-surgical modern technology.

“The Reddington Hospital, the flagship hospital of the Reddington Healthcare Group, has since inception continuously maintained professional and qualitative standard of healthcare delivery, with a mission to deliver first world medical service. The hospital’s pioneering achievements and quality in healthcare delivery is evidenced by the awards won,” he said.

Reddington became the first independent hospital in Nigeria to achieve the COHSASA quality award in July 2012. This award, according to the Group, conferred upon them the status of being compliant with international healthcare standards and patient safety. They also scooped the award for Best Private Healthcare Provider at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The launch of the LIFESCAN service is a product of the partnership between Reddington Healthcare Group and GE Healthcare.