The Top Ten Things You Should Know About Lacor Hospital
MARCH 1, 2023
THE TOP TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LACOR HOSPITAL
10. In 1961, an Italian pediatrician named Piero Corti and a Canadian surgeon named Lucille Teasdale took over the direction of Lacor Hospital, which was founded two years prior by a Comboni Missionary. Although Dr. Teasdale only meant to remain at Lacor for a few months, she and Dr. Corti were married in the Hospital chapel. They dedicated the remainder of their lives to caring for the people of northern Uganda.
9. For over ten years, Lacor was a haven to staff and community members throughout times of war. When the district of Gulu was terrorized by Joseph Kony's LRA beginning in the 1990s, up to 10,000 community members walked for miles each night to seek refuge from rebel attacks within the Hospital's gates.
8. There are 482 patient beds in the main Hospital. Additionally, there are three peripheral Health Centers in the surrounding area, each with 24 patient beds. A total of 554 beds makes Lacor the largest not-for-profit Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.
7. Not only is Lacor a Hospital, but it is a teaching and training center as well. The Health Training Institute is comprised of the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Laboratory Technology, Anaesthesia, and Theatre Assistants. It is recognized by the National Council of Higher Education.
6. Lacor Hospital is operated and staffed by over 700 Ugandans. Three Ugandan doctors are the directors responsible for the oversight and implementation of all decisions at the Hospital.
5. There was a devastating Ebola outbreak in Gulu From October 2000 to January 2001. International health organizations arrived and were astonished at the efficiency of the staff at Lacor in implementing and maintaining control measures.
4. Dr. Matthew Lukwiya, the former medical superintendent and chosen successor of Lacor, was willing to risk his life for his staff and patients. In 1989 when rebel groups tried to kidnap Italian nuns from the Hospital grounds, Dr. Matthew persuaded them to take him instead. He was held in the bush for over a week before being released. His ultimate sacrifice was his death on December 6, 2000, after contracting the Ebola virus during his tireless efforts to contain the outbreak of 2000.
3. A grant to Lacor Hospital facilitated a study of the financial impact of the Hospital on its community. The resulting Social Return on Investment was determined to be 2.75. This means that for every $100 donation you make to the Hospital, the community obtains an additional $275.
2. Last fiscal year, 178,777 people were treated at Lacor on an outpatient basis. Though patient fees are subsidized by more than 80%, they are still inaccessible to many community members. Your donations ensure nobody is turned away untreated. Pregnant women, children under six, and patients without financial means are all eligible for free healthcare.
1. Dr. Corti and Dr. Teasdale had a dream that Lacor Hospital would forever "offer the best possible care to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible cost." This mission continues to guide the Hospital today.