University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) July Edition of the hospital Grand Rounds featured “Clinical Governance: Transforming our processes for improved outcomes”. The presentation sessions raised conversation on policy and improving protocols/processes, for quality health care service and patient safety
In his opening remarks, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Professor Datonye Alasia, stated the essence of Clinical governance as “a very important pillar for any health instruction”, hence the need to sensitize the hospital community not optional but necessary for better outcomes in clinical care. He stressed that focus on this special Ground Rounds would be on process management and trainings as the basis for improved quality of care and patient safety.
The head of UPTH Clinical Governance Committee, Dr. Daprim Ogaji in his delivery unpacked the core components of clinical governance and its relevance in the hospital. He emphasized the role of internal audits, performance tracking, and team culture in transforming patient care. Dr. Ogaji highlighted issues like poor documentation, leadership gaps, and weak technological deployment, but also pointed to practical steps: inclusive leadership, systemic restructuring, and zero tolerance for corruption. His key challenge to the audience was simple: Let’s build a system we believe in.
Proper auditing of operations, to ensure standards, such that beyond training accreditation, service accreditation is also considered giving credence to transparency and accountability in service delivery.
Next was the delivery on documented analysis of Antimicrobial prescription pattern by, Pharmacist Wariboko West Opualapuye, focusing on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), he detailed the coordinated strategies being implemented to curb antimicrobial resistance and improve prescription accuracy. He cited the hospital’s recent participation in a Global Point Prevalence Survey and shared encouraging findings from UPTH’s internal antibiotic consumption tracking between January and June 2025. His presentation reinforced that better data and stronger oversight are necessary. Highlight was the fact that pharmacy department is in keeping with clinical governance and WHO standards. This was shown in Antimicrobial consumption WHO AWARE classification- for Access, Watch and Reserve template on antimicrobial stewardship.
On Laboratory strengthening for better clinical outcome – a consultant microbiologist, Dr. Alex-Wele Mary brought to the fore optimizing patients care between the clinicians and laboratory scientist through diagnostic stewardship. She stressed the importance of the lab in driving accurate, timely, and actionable results with the corporation of the clinicians. She commended the Microbiology Department’s progress under the Quality Management System (QMS), with support from external quality assessments now in motion. Yet she also challenged clinicians to collaborate more closely with the laboratory teams to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Concluding the session, the CMAC, Professor Datonye Alasia projected a practical breakdown of process reforms aimed at truly transforming patient outcomes. He addressed the need for real-time outcome tracking, better patient monitoring systems, and stronger pharmacovigilance. He cited incidents to bring to bear the need for adherence to clinical governance- changes in our process for improved outcomes (urgent review and reform). His proposal for a facility-wide formulary, regular audits, and clearer triage protocols underscored that meaningful change doesn’t come from slogans, it comes from systems.
The Ground Rounds was a special one, with moments of institutional reflection. More on how UPTH could better serve the public, earn public trust and that of its stakeholders. A benchmark for excellent health service and training. With renewed commitment, UPTH is taking that challenge head-on. On the path of adherence to clinical governance- as a world-class healthcare institution.
