Review of Westend Hospital, Warri: A Personal Perspective
By Oghenekaro Okoro
I’m writing this review with a mix of admiration and honest assessment about Westend Hospital in Warri. As someone who’s spent a good chunk of time in this city, I’ve been to quite a few hospitals, and Westend has always stood out for different reasons. It’s good, no doubt, and it has a lot going for it. But, as much as I’d love to heap endless praise, I’ll also share areas where they can step up — because nothing and no one is perfect.
First Impressions Matter
Let’s start with the basics. The first time I walked into Westend Hospital, I was impressed. The building itself is inviting — clean, organized, and a far cry from the chaos you’d see in some other hospitals. Everything is labeled properly, and you won’t feel lost trying to find your way around. For me, this is a big deal because some hospitals in Nigeria honestly look like they’re out of a Nollywood movie set in the 90s.
The reception area was neat, and the staff at the front desk were polite. You know how in some places, receptionists can act as though they’re doing you a favour just by talking to you? Not here. They actually look you in the eye, smile, and try to help. That said, I think they could work on processing patients faster. Nigerians, we’re not known for our patience, and I noticed people grumbling about the wait time.
Medical Care and Services
When it comes to healthcare, the most important thing is obviously the treatment you receive. I have to give Westend credit here. The doctors are well-trained and professional. I took my younger cousin there once when she had malaria that refused to go away. The doctor listened intently, asked detailed questions, and didn’t rush us out of the office like some other hospitals do. He even explained why the previous medication wasn’t working and recommended a treatment plan that ultimately worked.
However, there’s room for improvement. For example, during another visit, I realized that their diagnostic equipment isn’t always up to date. It’s not that they don’t have the machines, but some of them feel a bit... old school. In a world where technology is moving fast, especially in medicine, this is one area they need to catch up on. Imagine needing a test and being told the machine is “down” or “we don’t have this particular one.” It can be frustrating.
Their pharmacy is decent, though. They stock a good range of medications, and the pharmacists are knowledgeable. I once bought medication there and asked about possible side effects. The pharmacist took time to explain everything, even though there was a line forming behind me. Little things like this matter to me because it shows they care.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
One thing you can’t fault Westend for is cleanliness. Everywhere smells fresh, even the restrooms. Honestly, this is rare in many Nigerian hospitals. You won’t find cobwebs lurking in the corners or overflowing trash bins. The cleaning staff deserve kudos for this.
But let me not lie — the wards could use a bit of a facelift. They’re functional, yes, but not exactly cozy. If you’re going to be admitted for a few days, you’ll want a room that feels less like a hospital and more like a safe, welcoming space. Maybe they could add a bit of color or more comfortable furniture? Just a thought.
Staff Attitude
You know how it is in Nigeria — sometimes you meet healthcare workers who act like they’re doing you a huge favour just by showing up to work. Thankfully, that’s not the case at Westend Hospital. Most of the nurses and doctors I’ve interacted with are kind and respectful. They don’t bark orders at you or treat you like you’re wasting their time.
That being said, I think the management needs to focus on consistency. On one visit, I met a nurse who was so helpful that I wanted to give her a high five. But on another visit, I encountered one who seemed like she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She was snappy and didn’t have the patience to answer my questions. This inconsistency in attitude can leave a sour taste in a patient’s mouth.
Affordability
Let’s talk about money because, let’s be real, healthcare in Nigeria isn’t cheap. Westend Hospital is not the most expensive place in Warri, but it’s also not the cheapest. I’d say they’re somewhere in the middle. For the quality of care they provide, I think their pricing is fair. Still, I know a lot of people in Warri who’d struggle to afford their services. Maybe they could introduce a payment plan or discounts for low-income patients? It would go a long way in making their services accessible to more people.
Areas for Improvement
Now, I’ve mentioned this a bit already, but let me break it down properly. Here are a few areas where they can improve:
Faster Service: Nobody likes waiting for hours to see a doctor or get test results. They need to figure out how to streamline their processes. Maybe hire more staff if that’s what it takes.
Upgrade Equipment: Medicine is advancing, and patients deserve access to the latest technology. Westend needs to invest in more modern diagnostic tools.
Consistency in Staff Training: The difference in attitude between some staff members is too noticeable. Regular training on patient relations could fix this.
Ambulance Services: I didn’t see much on this during my visits, and it’s something they should focus on. A reliable ambulance service can save lives.
Final Remarks
Overall, Westend Hospital is doing a lot of things right, and I’d recommend it to anyone in Warri who needs quality healthcare. They’re not perfect — far from it — but they’re trying. And you know how it is in Nigeria, trying is already a big deal. With a few improvements, I think they could become one of the best hospitals in the country.
So, if you’re in Warri and need medical attention, give them a shot. And if you’ve been there before, what do you think? Did your experience match mine, or was it different? I’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, healthcare is something we all have a stake in.