At the heart of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital’s (UPTH) history of innovation and service is Prof. Hope Bell-Gam, a pioneer, visionary, and one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of geriatric care. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to the care of older persons.
Building a Legacy in Geriatric Medicine
Prof. Bell-Gam’s journey into geriatric medicine began decades ago. Having obtained her qualification in the field in 1986, she practiced consistently before relocating to Nigeria in 2007. Initially, she worked as a nephrologist specializing in kidney disease and hypertension, but her deeper calling lay in improving care for the elderly.
On May 3, 2012, she established the Care of Elderly Persons Unit at UPTH — the very first of its kind within the institution. The unit was officially inaugurated on November 8, 2017, and has since grown into a vital center dedicated to holistic healthcare for persons aged 60 and above.
“Before 2012, there was no special unit dedicated to nursing older persons. I knew it was time to create one, because I had trained in it, practiced it, and understood its importance. Today, elderly people know they have a place that truly caters to their needs.”
– Prof. Hope Bell-Gam
A Training Ground for Excellence
Beyond patient care, the unit has become a training hub for healthcare professionals and students across the country. It runs:
- Six-day intensive geriatric training programmes with examinations and certifications.
- Twelve-week clinical attachment programmes for hands-on experience.
- Training and mentorship for medical and postgraduate students from institutions across Nigeria.
The unit also collaborates with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, embedding geriatric medicine into medical curricula and raising the next generation of geriatric specialists.
A Vision for the Future
Prof. Bell-Gam dreams of transforming UPTH’s Care of Elderly Persons Unit into a full-fledged National Geriatric Centre, modeled after similar institutions in cities like Ibadan. She envisions a dedicated complex with wards, offices, and modern facilities, supported by government and private sector funding.
“You cannot run a place like this without training and proper infrastructure. My dream is to see more people trained, more facilities built, and UPTH positioned as the national leader in geriatric care.”
A True Pioneer of UPTH
Prof. Bell-Gam is not only a pioneer in geriatric medicine but also one of the founding medical officers who helped shape UPTH from its earliest days. She recalls the difficult journeys through bushes, the challenges of moving between temporary hospital sites, and the eventual growth of UPTH into a world-class institution.
Over the years, she has served under multiple Chief Medical Directors and contributed her expertise tirelessly. Today, she carries eight academic titles to her name and continues to support UPTH with the same passion that fueled her journey decades ago.
Honoring a Trailblazer
Prof. Hope Bell-Gam’s dedication has paved the way for thousands of elderly patients to receive specialized, holistic care in Nigeria. She has trained countless professionals, inspired generations, and left a legacy that will continue to grow as UPTH celebrates its 45th anniversary.
Her story is a testament to what one visionary can achieve — turning a dream into an institution that uplifts lives.
✨ At UPTH, we celebrate Prof. Hope Bell-Gam as a true trailblazer — for her courage, her vision, and her lifelong service to humanity.
