Gerties News Issue 54 | June 2015

Gertrude’s News

More than 17,000 Kenyans, including the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, took part in the second First Lady’s Annual Half Marathon on International Women’s Day, 8 March, raising more than Ksh 360 million. This figure is still rising as more donors support this worthy cause. Many Kenyans braved the chilly dawn weather to ensure that they would run alongside the First Lady.

Just like last year, over 50 members of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital participated in making the day a success. Some ran, others gave first aid to ailing runners or overwhelmed participants by offering massages and helping them to recollect themselves. The hospital’s ambulance was on patrol throughout the day while the rest had a tent setup at the kid’s corner.

The money raised will be donated to the Beyond Zero campaign, which aims to improve maternal and child health across Kenya. Since the campaign was launched in January 2014, Beyond Zero has made a significant impact by providing fully equipped mobile health clinics that bring essential services closer to vulnerable communities, including people living in informal settlements.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was at the finish line, just like last year to hug and congratulate the First Lady for her amazing efforts towards reducing infant mortality. It was all fun and games thereafter as entertainment was provided by all the leading artists. Besides the 21 kilometre competition, other races that were part of the event included a 10 kilometre race, a 2 kilometre race, a tricycle race and a wheelchair race.

The First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta (left) participates in the second edition of First Lady’s Annual Half Marathon accompanied by her coach Douglas Wakiihuri (centre) and Deputy President Hon. William Ruto.

Editorial Cordinator Risper Oliech

Editorial Staff Martin Mulwa Editing & Design

Gertrude’s Marketing Department info@gerties.org

Dear readers,

The first quarter of the year has been filled with positive outcomes as our planning and strategy comes into play. We continue to reach out to our existing clients by bringing our services closer to them. With this in mind, we are now offering X-ray services in our Gertrude’s Embakasi Clinic.

Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health and Research which has been operating on a letter of approval to run its courses has now been granted full accreditation by the National Council of Kenya to run all nursing courses with effect from 9th December 2014. This will enable the Training Centre admit students straight from high school. The Institute will continue running its Diploma in Paediatric Nursing as well as Emergency Medical Technician courses.

As a charitable organization, the Hospital continues to encourage its staff to volunteer in the various corporation social responsibility projects run by the hospital and other Corporates. The recent First Lady’s Marathon saw over 60 of our staff participate in the run as well as offering first aid.

Gordon.

The “Bullet Proof” Managers Training

Trauma In Children

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Advocates For 30kph near schools and Hospitals

The Hospital’s New Internal Auditor

Partners of Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation are Honoured Pictorial

Pneumonia in HIV Infected Children

Dr. Player in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Temper Tantrums

Farewell Cocktail Party for Two Valued Employees

Continued from Page 2

Moses Kosgei won the 21 kilometre prize for men with a time of 01:01.28 and Jepkurui Georgina was the women’s prize winner. Samuel Kuria and Eunice Kuria won the wheelchair race while James Magerere and Jane Kerubo won the tricycle race. The 10 kilometre race was won by James Mwangi. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta finished the 21 kilometre race with an improved time of 3:24.55 up from last year’s 3:55.05.

According to UN AIDS, Kenya has made notable progress in improving the health of mothers and children. New HIV infections among children

The

“Bullet

declined from 21,000 in 2009 to 13,000 in 2013. An estimated 63% of pregnant women living with HIV accessed treatment services aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 2013, but only 31% of children living with HIV had access to antiretroviral treatment in the same year.

“Today is International Women’s Day. Thousands of events are held across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and it is quite appropriate that in our own way we mark this day by running to raise resources to safeguard the lives of children and women in Kenya”, said Margaret Kenyatta during her speech inside the stadium.

Proof” Managers Training

The Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital management team graduated and was awarded plaques by the Raiser Resource Group at the Panafric Hotel, Nairobi. The training commenced on 20th of March 2014, with a total of 25 participants enrolled in the programme.

19 candidates met the graduation criteria with 12 of them having qualified to graduate with the coveted “Gold Seal” for 100% attendance.

The Chief Operations Officer of Raiser Group, Joyce Thairu congratulated all the participants for their com mitment towards the programme. “I have seen a big change since the time you all started. We hope that you will keep the momentum up as you are now leaders and not bosses. The Chief Executive Officer Mr. Odundo was present to hand over the awards as some participants graduated with a gold star for complet ing all the sessions. Risper Oliech received an inspirational book for being the best supportive member in the training.

We rushed to emergency with my 15 year old daughter who had been having multiple seizures. On arrival at the hospital we were met by Dr. Brian Nderu and Walter Gwaro. Having been in and out of hospitals for the last 10 years in different countries I cannot thank these two gentlemen enough for how they treated my daughter quickly and efficiently while dealing with a mother who had hardly slept in more than 48 hours and an aunt at the end of her rope . Kudos to you both and to Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital and the staff at Jean Ward. God bless you. My daughter is fine and I am so very grateful to you. I highly recommend this hospital and I hope it will acknowledge both Dr. Brian Nderu and Walter

their selfless work.

Gwaro for

SNkatha Kairothi

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Management team pose for a photo with their CEO Mr. Odundo after successful completion of Bullet Proof Manager Training Program.

Trauma Children

Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized nations and an increased number of childhood lives are lost especially in developing countries. Children are not young adults. They differ from adults in terms of structure, psychology and overall vulnerability. For every child that dies, four are disabled.

Injury continues to be the most common cause of disability and death in children in Kenya. With the intense urbanization of our capital city and lack of decentralization, as well as the increase of high rise apartments, we are seeing a corresponding increase in the number of falls from heights, also of road traffic accidents.

Children are curious, naïve and cannot appreciate how harmful an action may be until it’s too late. Their curiosity is abundant and that exposes them to injury. The biggest number of deaths is caused by falls, fires, motor vehicle accident and drowning. Child battering is now coming to

our awareness due to the recent incident reported in Kampala.

At Gertrude’s Children Hospital, we guarantee to ensure the safety of victims of trauma while they are in our hospital, through assistance by a special team. Team effort and a structured approach in ‘managing first what kills first’ have helped save any traumatized child who is brought to us.

A very necessary aspect of our approach to a child with a history of fall is to secure the neck, because it is vitally important to ensure the head and neck are accurately aligned with the body. This is in order to prevent further injury to the neck that might cause paralysis and even death in a child who has had a severe fall or injury, say from a motor vehicle accident or a building.

A high index of suspicion should be sought if you think there may have been foul play. If the extent of injury does not match the story, there is a high likelihood of child abuse and it is important

to advocate for children in order to protect them as they are innocent and most are unable to voice the problem. Do this before it is too late for the child.

Gertrude’s Children Hospital offers a 24 hour service for children who suffer trauma and our Accident and Emergency Centre caters for multiple traumas, burns and all other forms of injury. Our staffs are prepped with equipment and up-to-date emergency care knowledge to provide the best quality of treatment for your child. As parents, you can help us to protect your little ones from injury by ensuring the security of their home environments.

Gertrude’s also offers first aid courses for parents and guardians. These are run in our Training School every third Friday of the month. You and all caregivers to children can enroll in order to ensure the correct first aid is given before an injured child is brought to Gertrude’s Children Hospital.

Dr. Imran Khares (Team Leader: Muthaiga Outpatient Department)

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Advocating For 30 Kph Near Schools And Hospitals

On 3rd March 2015, the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation led a joint press conference to request for the review of a proposal to increase the speed limit around schools and Health facilities from 30 kph to 50 kph. Speaking to journalists at the Panafric Hotel, the CEO Gordon Odundo emphasised on the rate of children getting injured or dying on the roads. “Schools and health facilities are special areas and need a lower speed limit than the 50kph in effect in other areas,” he said. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has joined hands with other industry players supporting the bill include the Kenya Paediatric Association, Kenya Society of Physiotherapists and Kenya Occupational Therapists Association.

The introduction of child road safety in the constitution through the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2014, is crucial in the protection of children. This is a crucial time in inclusion of measures of protecting children on our roads. “As the health fraternity, we should demonstrate our commitment towards the social and medical causes for children, “said Mr. Odundo.

Other provisions of the traffic bill include provision for safety of children in motor vehicles used for school transport which the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation is also involved in implementing.

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation has played the advocacy role together with strategic partners for the past year in ensuring the Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2014 is passed with all the key laws that especially affect children. The partners are the Institute of Legislative Affairs, Handicap International, Association for Safe International Road Travel, and Usalama Initiative.

Barbie Kids’ Educational Visit

The Barbie Kids Kindergarten visited the hospital on 4th March for an educational visit and tour. Accompanied by their teachers, they were taught the various parts of the body and their functions as they were taken through the whole process from ingestion of food to the excretion by Dr. Songa whose name they found quite amusing. The children also sang and danced led by Phoebe Ongadi who coordinated the visit. After the visit they enjoyed snacks and juices provided by the hospital.

CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo speaking in a press conference at the Panafric Hotel, to request for the review of a proposal to increase the speed limit around schools and Health facilities.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospilal’s Internal Auditor

I

nternal auditing is a catalyst for improving an organization’s governance, risk management and management controls by providing insight and recommendations based on analyses and assessments of data and business processes. The internal auditor is often considered one of the ``four pillars’’ of corporate governance, the other pillars being the Board of Directors, management, and the external auditor.

After attaining comprehensive experience with his former employer, Baraka Kerich joined Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as an Internal Auditor. Prior to this appointment Baraka was working with Deloitte & Touche as an Audit Senior in charge of Aga Khan University and a number of other clients. He holds a BSc degree in Actuarial Science and is pursuing an MSc in Finance.

Coming to Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Baraka intends to play an integral part in the improvement of the hospital’s operations. His key aim is to strengthen the internal control systems and form clear-cut structures to enhance efficiency and safeguard assets.

Mr. Baraka also aims to ensure that the checks and balances are in line with the level of growth of the hospital. This will ensure that the growth earned through the effort of all the staff is safeguarded by adequate systems.

Health screening at Makao Primary School- Korogocho.

Outpatient Muthaiga is one of the twelve outpatient units at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. With support from the Gertrude’s Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline and Regal Pharmaceutical, the unit was able to do a school screening program at Makao Primary school.

The event saw pupils of Damascus and Makao primary school screened for various ailments and de-worming done. A total of 780 pupils were screened. 455 pupils were referred to the Dental team for further evaluation by the dental team headed by Dr. Sylvia NoahResident Dentist, who noted that, most children who brushed twice a day or more had good teeth and gums especially the 14 year olds. Only one child had fillings and they had been treated at Gertrude’s.

A total of 23 children were treated for upper respiratory tract infections, with majority having tinea capitis. One child had what seemed to be Osteogenesis Imperfecta (this is a condition where ones bones break easily). This child has been invited for an evaluation by our Endocrinology team when schools close.

This was a success courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline and Hope for Future which is a nongovernmental organization that supports various activities in the slums of Korogocho in Nairobi.

Mr. Baraka Kerich- The New Internal Auditor at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

Dr Sokhi of Gertrude’s Children Hospital Muthaiga examines a pupil’s teeth during the Health Screening event held at Makao Primary School.

The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation hosted all the partners for an appreciation lunch at the main hospital in Muthaiga. The aim of the luncheon was to thank the various organisations that have been supportive financially, in kind and in various corporate social responsibility projects. They have held the Foundation’s hand as it touches people’s lives and cares for children in need. A key partner and facilitator of the luncheon, Rockefeller Foundation, was integral in making the day possible and was well represented by the Associate’s Director for Health, Ms. Mwihaki Kimura.

Speaking during the luncheon, Ms. Kimura said, “We are glad to have partnered with the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation by funding the development of their secretariat. This has gone a long way in enabling the Hospital Foundation to do more and reach more people”, The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation has grown tremendously since its inception in 2010. It has evolved into a fully independent entity and has won prestigious awards for its philanthropy. Each year the Foundation strives to reach the most vulnerable children in order to fashion the greatest social impact in people’s lives.

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, Les Baillie, commended the partners for attending the luncheon and praised the Foundation for bringing everyone together in efforts to

Ceo’s Breakfast With New Staff

cultivate new roads and alliances in the future. “The gathering will no doubt clear the way for better things to come as the Foundation seeks to partner and reach new heights in philanthropy,” said the Chairman.

Terry Davidson, a Trustee, emphasised that it was necessary to separate the Foundation from the hospital because of accountability purposes and to enable independent operations as a different entity. Great partnerships are always well founded. And it is for this reason that Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation recognizes and appreciates all those who have stood with us in ensuring that we fulfill our dream and vision.

The CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo held a breakfast on 15th April with the new staff of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital who have joined in the past four months. The CEO treats the meeting as special and holds it every quarter of the year.

During the meeting, Mr. Odundo asked the new staff to break barriers and go an extra mile in service delivery in their respective duty stations. “Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you for the benefit of both the hospital and also to you.” He went further to share with them the two basic key structures in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

These are the in-patient which is at Muthaiga and the open clinics which are readily available within and outside Nairobi. The CEO also encouraged the new staff to pursue further their careers in education promising them of the hospital support. He wished the new inductees a good and prosperous time in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

Partners of the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation are honoured.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Chairman, Terry Davidson, presents a gift to Ms. Mwihaki Kimura Associate Director Rockefeller Foundation Africa Regional Office.

The new inductees at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital pose for a photo during their breakfast with the CEO.

The CEO, Mr. Odundo (centre) poses for a photo with Dr. Rita Vanessa Masese (left) and Dr. Sylvia Masika (right), some of the new staff of Gertrude’s during their induction breakfast. The meeting was held at the Hospital and is held every quarter of the year.

The outgoing Credit Controller, Mr. Daniel Etyang’ recieves a send off gift from Bernard Mpara (right) and Gilbert Mugo (left) of the Gertrude’s Accounts department. during his farewell cocktail party held at the hospital.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health, Swaziland accompanied by Head Clinician Dr. Ngwiri (left) and Head of Nursing Emily Nguu (back) as they take a tour of the hospital. They were on a fact finding mission on the hospital’s best practices.

The Barbie Kids Kindergarten pose for a photo with Dr. Eunice Songa (left), a Medical Officer at Gertrude’s and Phoebe Ongadi (right), the Outreach Services Co-ordinator, when they visited the hospital on for an educational tour with their teachers.

Halima Casta, an Outpatient nurse, conducts a Body Mass Index (BMI) test on one of the participants of All Saints Cathedral Diocese Mothers Union charity walk held at St. Nicholas Children’s Home,Karen.

Participants in the 30kms ultimate challenge category, take off at the start line during the DHL Ngong Forest challenge which was held on 18th January, 2015 at the Ngong Forest Sanctuary.

Mombasa Clinic Manager Edwin Barine (right) cuts a cake flanked by Mombasa Golf Club Chairman Mr. Peter Kimanga and the Captain Allan Dainty. The clinic offered first aid services during the Captain’s Cup Tournament as they also celebrated 1 year since opening their doors to Mombasa.

Gertrude’s Childern’s Hospital volunteers pose for a photo during the 2nd edition of the First Lady’s Marathon on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2015.

Dr. Hellen Kariuki, a Medical Officer at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Muthaiga, examines a pupil’s teeth during the Health Screening event held at Makao Primary School.

Medical officers from Gertrude’s Embakasi clinic offer free medical advice to parents and children during a business expo organized by House of Grace Church Athi River on Sunday 22nd March.

Nurse Rose Mugo of Gertrude’s Kitengela Clinic administers a Body Mass Index (BMI) test to a client during the celebration of the World Consumer Rights day at Machakos People’s Park. Over 1500 clients benefited from the free services offered by Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Dr. Imran (Centre) with colleagues Carol Osundwa (left), Truphena Otinyo (right) and Risper Oliech (back)of Gertrude’s Children hospital pose for a photo with the certificate he received the International Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate (IPPC) from the University of Sydney, Australia.

Pneumonia In Hiv Positive Child

By Dr. J. K. MbuthiaPAEDETRICIAN for Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Pneumonia general principles

Pneumonia is the leading cause of hospital admissions and death in HIV-infected children. The rate of pneumonia in HIV-infected children has decreased to 2- 3% similar to the rate of 3- 5% in HIVuninfected children.

Pneumonia and chronic lung diseases contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality of HIVinfected children. In children less than one year of age PCP contributes to the high infant mortality.

When diagnosing children less than one year old, one should consider Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) as a possible cause of severe pneumonia. PCP in an infant may be the first AIDS-defining condition and an indication of HIV infection in the family. All HIVexposed children should receive prophylaxis against PCP from 4–6 weeks of age until it is established that the child is not HIV-infected.

TB and HIV co-infection

TB in children depends on the amount of TB in the adult population. The risk of developing confirmed TB in HIV-infected children in a TB endemic setting has been observed to be over 20 times higher than in uninfected children.

Diagnosing TB in children is difficult because HIVrelated chronic lung diseases usually ‘mimic’ TB. The outcome of treatment is poorer with high case fatality rates especially in the first two months of treatment.

Children who are co-infected with HIV and TB experience higher cases of fatality and it is important to look actively for TB in children with chronic cough and failure to thrive, and provide treatment as early as possible.

Children with chronic lung disease, including bronchiectasis, complicating repeated episodes of infectious pneumonia or lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, are more susceptible to infectious exacerbations caused by typical respiratory bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeableHaemophilusinfluenzae) and Pseudomonas spp.

Gertrude’s Children Hospital has qualified staff and modern technology to diagnose and treat pneumonia in HIV-infected children.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital World Kidney Day 2015

Sis. Jane Ikonya - Renal Nurse

The World Kidney Day cerebration came to an end on 12th March 2015 at Uhuru Park. This year’s theme was ‘Kidney Health For All’. Three days prior to the D-day, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital conducted free screening from 9th to 11th March 2015. The screening conducted included Blood Pressure, Urinalysis, B/s, height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). A total of 365 clients turned out for the screening campaign was conducted at the Main Hospital at Muthaiga.

The most common cases were hypertension with even our staff who did not know that they were sick. We got one very serious diabetic case who had sugars of 33 mMmols. (normal sugars is between 4-8 Mmols). The case was treated as an emergency and was immediately referred to her doctor. The rest were also advised to seek medical assistance immediately. Approximately 20% of those screened were found to be moderate hypertension cases.

This was the first free kidney screening to be conducted at the hospital grounds and the nurses were very happy to have participated in this historic moment. One client who had a kidney transplant six years ago, stable on tracolimus, heard about the screening from a friend and came. He was seen and advised on medication compliance, doctor’s follow up, diet and exercises. He was very grateful that Gertrude’s Children Hospital could offer free services.

Kibera Group Outreach Activities at Arboretum

The school outreach activity took place at Nairobi Arboretum on 14th March 2015 targeting the Children of St. Monica Nursery School and Soweto Academy. A Volunteer team from Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the Volunteer Foundation, graced the occasion. A total of 12 children were reached from the schools. The objective of the one day activity was to empower the young boys and girls to thrive amidst their poor backgrounds.

The facilitators took time to take the children through the topics of the day and what was expected of them. They took the team through fun filled lessons to train them on creative thinking, decision making, team work and networking.

The day was very successful, with the exercises conducted revealing that children go through emotional challenges in life; most of which they keep to themselves and thus affect their self esteem. From their findings, the facilitators noted that there is need to formulate mentorship clubs in the schools where outspoken adolescents can be trained and prepared to help them report their challenges and give referrals to obtain quick help. Parents, members of the community, service providers, and social institutions have the responsibility to both promote adolescent development and adjustment and to intervene effectively when problems arise.

A Gertrude’s nurse attends to Vincent Sambrir, a staff at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, during the Free Screening Camp held at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Muthaiga to mark World Kidney Day.

The students listening to their facilitator during the Introduction Session

The International Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate

The International Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate (IPPC) is a one year online course offered to Gertrude’s Children Hospital from the Sydney Children Hospital Network and the Coppleson Committee Continuous Medical Education Programme of the University of Sydney, Australia. It encompasses their motto called Magga: - ‘The Path that leads from suffering to wellbeing- which compares paediatric education to a lifelong journey. The course is designed for General Medical Practitioners as well as State Registered Nurses with special interests in Paediatrics.

Dr. Imran Khares pursued an epic one year journey through this online course which he began in 2014. Not only does it equip one with knowledge at a post graduate level, but refreshes and broadens the participant’s paediatric education towards a western way of providing advanced quality medical care for children. The only ingredients for successful completion comprise dedication, self-motivation and time.

The course encompasses a set of comprehensive modules which make it a gratifying one spanning all Paediatric developments starting from Neonatology to Adolescent Care Medicine as well as touching on paediatric surgery. Effective completion of the course involves finalizing various modules and coursework by the end of which the participant will undergo theoretical evaluating examinations.

After successfully completing the IPPC course, Dr. Imran’s ambitions are to enhance his own current practice in paediatric care with the knowledge and tools he has learnt. He is also desirous of integrating these into his current systems. Overall, here is a wonderful opportunity which will improve paediatric care as well as open doors for further avenues and goals to all those who take advantage of it.

@jamesjumba- Thank you very much Dr. Sokhi & her able Assistant Salome of @GertrudesHosp Muthaiga Dental Clinic for the great work on my son’s teeth.

@Shane Austin

I am glad to see this hospital going strong. I visited the hospital in 1994 with a group from Pittsburgh, PA in the U.S. Best wishes for continued success...!

Dr. Imran Khares poses for a photo with CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo after receiving the International Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate (IPPC)

Dr. Player At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Rugby is a hooligan sport, but played by gentlemen and it’s for this reason that Dr. John Ahenda plays the game given that he is a doctor. “Every sport is dangerous, but at the end of the day you do what you love most”, says Dr. Ahenda.

He developed the passion for the game while in high school since it was the only way he could survive and evade the harassment from the senior students. “High school life for a form one student is not easy especially if you have no one to defend you. So joining a rugby team meant that I was strong and they feared rugby players,” he adds.

Before pursuing his career to become a doctor in 2009, Dr. Ahenda was already a rugby player. He has now rocked and rolled for 16 years and, adds that, “success isn’t always about ‘greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent and hard work equals success.” He is currently a KCB player and plays at the back row position. “I am the only doctor playing competitive rugby in Kenya,” says Dr. Ahenda.

Consistency and hard work have become a routine for him and for this reason he is able to balance between his profession and passion. But this is not

an individual journey since his immediate supervisor and colleague doctors have also been involved.

The thirty one year old doctor says that humility is his key to his progress. “Age is no barrier, it’s a limitation you put on your mind.” He adds, saying that the younger teammates love playing with him because they admire how he blends between his age and quality.

Dr. Ahenda charges past an opponent

Dr. John Ahenda (left) with fellow KCB players celebrate during a past championship match.

Dr. John Ahenda examines a baby at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Outpatient department.

By Winnie Wanjiru, Pediatric Nurse Gertrude’s Muthaiga OPD

What is a temper tantrum?

Tantrums are an indication of a child’s inability to control emotions. Toddlers (age 1-3yrs) are the most affected particularly due to their strong drive for self-control and independence. This is caused by either being annoyed by adult figures or lack of motor and cognitive skills. Emotional and behavioural processes like anger and distress are associated with tantrums. Anger increases rapidly hence developing into a tantrum.

Components of distress such as crying and comfortseeking increase as anger subsides. Toddlers often assert their independence by violently objecting to discipline. They may lie down on the floor, kick their feet, and scream as loudly as possible. Some have learnt the effectiveness of holding their breath until the parent relents.

How to deal with temper tantrums

Reducing temper tantrums requires consistency and gradual expectations and rewards. One should exercise the most important disciplinary rules and reasonable punishments to the child to help manage the vice. Tantrums tend to manifest before bedtime. Active toddlers can have trouble slowing down and when placed in bed, may resist staying there. Parents can adopt a routine and ensure that they, e.g. stating, “After this story, it is bedtime”. They should be present to provide a feeling of control and security to the child once the tantrum has settled.

Suggestions for handling tantrums;

• Offering the child options instead of “all” or “none”

Ignoring the behaviour; provided it’s not injurious to the child

• Picking one’s battles carefully and ignoring small conflicts

• Comforting the child once it is able to control emotions, but not giving in to the original request

• Praising the child for positive behaviour when he/she is not having a tantrum.

Situations requiring further evaluation

• When the parents express concern; feel angry, sad and helpless or report nothing positive about the child

• If the child is younger than 1year, or older than 4years

• When tantrums occur regularly in school

• Where tantrums are associated with violent behaviour e.g. injuries to self or others

If there is history of other concerns such as sleep disorders, food refusal, or extreme difficulty with separation from parent

If the child holds his breath and faints during tantrums

• If the child displays unusual flirtatiousness or extreme modesty (suggests possible child abuse)

At Gertrude’s Children Hospital, we have well qualified medical practitioners ready to assist with unsolved temper tantrum difficulties.

Farewell Cocktail Partyfor 2 Valued Employees

Gertrude’s Children Hospital bade farewell to two of its valued members who had been reliable employees during their tenures. Daniel Etyang’ and Emily Rugut had been mentors and team leaders in their own rights due to their influence among their peers. Daniel was the Credit Control Manager while Emily was a theatre nurse. The celebratory cocktail party was held at the Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health and Research and was attended by their colleagues and Heads of Departments.

Emily Rugut was praised even in her absence as she was already on her way to Australia where she got a scholarship to study. Head of Nursing Emily Nguu said, “We will really miss Emily because she has a lot of experience in working at the theatre. It is not easy to replace someone like that because she was so good at her job. We hope she will come back after completing her studies”. CEO Gordon Odundo also praised Daniel Etyang for being a reliable person ever since he joined the institution. “He has improved the department and enabled the smooth flow of money and debt recovery. We wish them both the best because they are all bettering themselves”, he said.

During his speech Daniel thanked everyone for their kind gestures and said he was leaving but had left many friends behind. He did not rule out coming back to Gertrude’s in the future. We would like to wish them all the best in their endeavors.

Gertrude’s Offers First Aid Services During The DHL Ngong Forest Challenge.

The DHL Ngong Forest challenge was held on 18th January, 2015 at the Ngong Forest Sanctuary. The event was organized by H&A Sports Kenya which has been organising similar events for the last 5 years. The group is also responsible for the annual triathlons in Watamu, Malindi. The event began at 8:00am and had an attendance of well over 100 riders both young and old. Contrary to the normal starting point at the Ngong Forest Sanctuary offices, the races were flagged off deep in the forest with a well marked trail.

Various races were on the menu including the 5kms for Family Fun, 15kms for Personal and Corporate Adventure and 30kms Ultimate Challenge for the strong at heart. H&A Sports is an outdoor sports company that organises triathlons, running, and cycling events for everybody, from the beginners, fun and thrill lovers through to the professional athletes. The attendance was the best so far as all ages were present during the fun-filled day.

H&A Sports Chief Executive Aida Rajab had this to say: “We thank you our trusted partners who always provide medical assistance to support our activities which include the Watamu triathlon. You are definitely always part of us”.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff pose for a photo with the outgoing Credit Control Manager Mr. Daniel Etyang’ (3rd left- behind) during his farewell Cocktail party at Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health and Research

A Gertrude’s nurse gives First Aid to a participant during the DHL Ngong Forest Challenge.