KISUMU SPECIALISTS HOSPITAL

By BENJAMIN OPUKO

Nestled in the serene hills of Riat, the Kisumu Specialists Hospital stands tall, providing a haven of care and healing for patients in the Lake region and beyond. With a current capacity of 50 beds, the hospital offers comprehensive medical services to its patients. Under the leadership of Dr. Judith Getugi, the Chief Executive Officer, the hospital has been taking steps to ensure that it is well-equipped to fulfill its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to the community.

One of the hallmarks of KSH's quality care provision is the expertise of its medical specialists. With a total of 29 highly trained specialists, KSH offers patients access to a level of medical care that is simply unmatched in the region. The specialists are drawn from various fields of medicine including anesthetics, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, and urology among others. Pediatricians, general surgeons, and endoscopists are also within the hospital premises for an all-round care to patients. "Our specialists are doctors with many years of experience in their particular field of medicine," explains Dr. Judith, the hospital’s CEO. “They are usually able to perform more detailed tests and administer more direct treatments than a general physician.”

Dr. Judith further emphasizes that the hospital has an excellent team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to their patients. "With over 100 employees, both full-time and part-time, we have a team of healthcare professionals who are passionate about delivering the best possible care to our patients," says Dr. Judith.

When it comes to healthcare, staying current with the latest medical techniques and practices is crucial. That's why the medical practitioners at KSH stand out from the crowd - they are not only dedicated to providing excellent care to their patients, but they are also active faculty members at the top medical schools in the Lake Basin region.

When it comes to healthcare, the skills and knowledge of medical professionals are undoubtedly important. But at KSH, it's not just expertise that sets their medical practitioners apart - it's also their unwavering commitment to compassion and personalized care. "At KSH, patients are treated with the utmost care and respect, and their individual needs and concerns are always taken into consideration," explains the CEO. "In healthcare, we should always remember our humanity and treat our patients as part of our family."

Kisumu Specialist Hospital has also invested heavily in the latest medical equipment to ensure that its patients receive the best possible care. The hospital has newer generation equipment such as a digitalized X-ray machine, CT scan, biochemistry analyzer, baby resuscitares, and modern delivery beds. The hospital is also equipped with 6 operation theatres and 5 endoscopy suites for advanced medical procedures. In addition, the hospital has a number of clinics including Cardiology, Chest, Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Neurology clinics which are tailored to offer patients specialized care.

In the world of healthcare, time is of the essence. When patients are sick, they need care and treatment as quickly as possible. That's why Kisumu Specialists Hospital (KSH) is proud to have been recognized for its efficiency in patient care. Recently, Jubilee, one of Kenya's leading insurance companies, awarded KSH for its low length of stay. This recognition is a testament to the hospital's commitment to providing fast and efficient care to patients.

Dr. Judith explains the significance of the award. "This means that when a patient is admitted, we aim to diagnose, manage, and treat them as fast and efficiently as possible." For patients, this translates to reduced wait times, quicker diagnoses, and faster access to treatment.

The low length of stay award is not just a badge of honor for KSH; it's also an indicator of the hospital's dedication to patient care. By prioritizing efficiency and streamlining its operations, KSH can deliver the best possible care to patients while also reducing the burden on the healthcare system. As things stand right now at the hospital, Dr. Judith notes that “with just a click of a button, the doctor can input whatever needs to be done, and the patient can move on to other necessary tests or treatments.”

Technology has been a game-changer in many industries, and healthcare is no exception. At Kisumu Specialists Hospital (KSH), the adoption of cutting-edge technology has significantly transformed the way the hospital operates and delivers care to patients. “The adoption of technology has been a game-changer for KSH," says Dr. Judith. "It has enabled us to deliver faster, more efficient, and more effective care to our patients while also minimizing waste and reducing costs.”

According to Dr. Judith, one of the most significant benefits of technology adoption at the hospital is the reduction in patient processing time. Thanks to the implementation of a stateof-the-art hospital management information system (HMIS), KSH has managed to greatly reduce patient processing times, resulting in reduced waiting times for patients. Dr. Judith notes that “the average time that patients spend in the facility as outpatients has been reduced to anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, which is much lower than the industry standard.” The HMIS system also allows doctors and nurses to access patient records quickly, enabling them to make more informed decisions and provide the best possible care.

Moreover, the hospital management information system has helped KSH predict the stocks they need to purchase, ensuring a constant supply of goods and a better relationship

with vendors and suppliers. “This has allowed us to maintain a constant supply of goods and to establish a better relationship with our vendors and suppliers, as we are able to manage our inventory more effectively,” she explains.

KSH's commitment to innovation and technology is evident in its current focus on telemedicine. Dr. Judith notes that telemedicine has emerged as one of the most significant breakthroughs in healthcare delivery and is today one of the hospital’s main investment technology-wise. According to Dr. Judith, KSH's telemedicine program has been a success, with positive feedback from patients and healthcare providers alike. "We've seen a significant increase in patient satisfaction, and our physicians appreciate the convenience and flexibility that telemedicine provides," she notes. “We've also been able to reduce the burden on our physical facilities, which has been particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Given the success of the program, KSH plans to expand its telemedicine offerings in the coming years. This will involve continuous investment in training, software, and hardware to ensure that the hospital remains at the forefront of telemedicine innovation. “We believe that telemedicine has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered, and we're committed to making it a central part of our patient care strategy,” she adds.

“We are also developing an app to support patients at home," Dr. Judith reveals. "This app is designed to provide services such as physiotherapy to patients who need them but cannot physically visit the hospital. The app can be downloaded to their phones, and patients can continue to seek services from the comfort of their own homes,” she explains.

Strategic planning is an essential aspect of any organization, and it becomes even more crucial in the healthcare sector where efficiency and effectiveness can mean the difference between life and death. The Kisumu Specialists Hospital understands the significance of strategic planning and has been taking steps to ensure that it is well-equipped to fulfill its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to the community.

"We're currently in the process of establishing our new strategic plan for the next five years, which is a crucial moment for us," she reveals adding that the previous plan helped the hospital establish itself and set up efficient systems. “Now it's all about growth and innovation. We are looking for innovative solutions to the problems that we face in the healthcare industry, and we are constantly exploring new technologies that can help us achieve better results for our patients," Dr. Judith says.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a critical aspect of any successful business. At Kisumu Specialists Hospital (KSH), CSR is not just a buzzword; it is a core value that the hospital has consistently demonstrated through its actions.

Dr. Judith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the community in which the hospital operates. "As a business operating within a community, it is essential that we prioritize serving the community," she says. "Our first step towards this goal is providing healthcare services to the community in which we operate."

Further KSH demonstrates its commitment to the community by hiring locally. "We hire locally and provide employment opportunities to members of the community. Our staff is mostly composed of Kenyans, which reflects our commitment to the community," explains Dr. Judith.

But KSH's commitment to the community doesn't stop there. The hospital also participates in various community projects, such as the Medical Camps tour in partnership with Ramogi TV where the hospital was able to provide support to over 1000 patients seeking medical attention.

KSH also supports local teams and participates in events that promote healthy living, such as the Dala Sevens. "We believe that de-stressing and having fun is important, especially considering the hectic nature of modern life," adds Dr. Judith.

The hospital is also big on community health awareness. "As a healthcare facility, we believe that creating awareness and educating the public about various aspects of health is an opportunity and responsibility we should take seriously," she says. “Educating the public is one of the most effective ways to improve their health and wellbeing.” full certification for the organization, and we expect to complete the process within the next two years. We are also working on achieving other healthcare-specific certifications such as SafeCare Accreditation." Dr. Judith explains that pursuing these certifications is crucial for the hospital's success in the future. "We want to ensure that we are providing the highest quality care to our patients, and pursuing these certifications is one way we can demonstrate our commitment to that goal," she says

As a hospital that is dedicated to providing quality healthcare services, Kisumu Specialists Hospital (KSH) is continuously exploring ways to improve and expand its operations. "We recognize that the demand for quality healthcare services is everincreasing, and we are committed to meeting this demand by expanding our operations," Dr. Judith says. "Our goal is to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors receives the best possible care, and we believe that expanding our capacity is essential to achieving that goal."

Dr. Judith also highlights the importance of benchmarking and continuous improvement through certifications. Recently, the hospital’s laboratory received accreditation from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), providing proof of the facility’s competence to carry out various