Electrification and specialist training associated with decreased neonatal mortality and increased admissions in Sierra Leone.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the evolution of a regional neonatal service in Sierra Leone and changes in mortality and service use as it transitioned from a non-specialist service to a dedicated special care baby unit (SCBU).

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Anonymised data were taken from the ward admissions books at Bo Government Hospital, and trends in admissions and mortality within the neonatal service were examined for each stage of the department's evolution.