MAGAZINE ISSUE 70 | 2025

GERTIES NEWS OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE ISSUE 70 | 2025

Paediatric MRI Centre Child Friendly, Eco Friendly MORE INSIDE Nation Health Summit- Leading the Digital Health Conversation

Meru Roadshow: Taking Paediatric Care to the Heart of the Community

Protecting Children’s Health Data - A Dual Responsibility of Trust and Technology

Hazardous Medications: Ensuring Safety

WORD FROM THE CEO

From the CEO’s Desk…

Dear readers, As we reflect on the third quarter of 2024/2025, I am grateful for the continued opportunity to serve children and families across Kenya. At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, our focus remains clear: to respond to the evolving health needs of children through care that is accessible, inclusive, and sensitive to the realities that families face.

Dr. Robert Nyarango CEO

This year, we have taken meaningful steps to bring healthcare closer to those who need it most. The launch of our MRI unit has improved diagnostic support, while our telemedicine outreach, now active in six counties, is enabling children in underserved areas to receive timely consultation without the need for travel. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to reducing barriers to care and embracing tools that make services more responsive.

Capacity-building remains an integral part of our journey. In March, we hosted the Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET3), supporting clinicians to better diagnose and manage epilepsy in children, a condition often misunderstood or overlooked.

Beyond clinical milestones, we’ve continued to nurture the social and emotional needs of children. The School’s Cultural Day gave our learners a space to express identity and creativity. Our Sports Day for children with special needs, held under the theme "Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine", reminded us how play and inclusion are essential parts of healing. The Annual Charity Walk also brought our community together around a shared purpose: ensuring all children have access to care, regardless of circumstance.

In April, we participated in the Nation Health Summit, where I spoke on how digital health tools, especially telemedicine, are helping us reach more children. These initiatives are not simply about technology; they are about equity, ensuring that no child is left behind.

As we strengthen our systems, we also remain mindful of the responsibilities that come with being a trusted care provider. Upholding data privacy, maintaining safe environments, and prioritising child protection are ongoing commitments we take seriously.

I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, whose dedication continues to drive this work forward, and to our partners and families, whose feedback and trust help us grow. Together, we are learning, adapting, and doing our best to meet children where they are, both medically and emotionally.

As we look ahead, our focus remains on listening, learning, and building services that honour the unique needs of every child we serve.

Robert.

www.gerties.org

We would like to hear from you...

Editorial Martin Mulwa - DCL

Connect/Follow us on our social media channels, or call us on 0709 529 531

Chief Editors Julia Thitai - CMO Diana Gachugi - CAL Dr David Kiptum - Chief Paediatrician

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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02 Word from the CEO 04 MRI Launch – A New Chapter in Paediatric Diagnostics 05 Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET3): Building Neurology Excellence in Kenya 06 Nation Health Summit; Leading the Digital Health Conversation 07 School Cultural Day: Embracing Diversity Through Young Eyes

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08 Annual Charity Walk – Every Step for a Healthier 11 Sports Day for Children with Special Needs Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine” 12 Wendy’s Testimonial: A Journey Through Heart Surgery 13 Op-Ed: Protecting Children’s Health Data; A Dual Responsibility of Trust & Technology

GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 70 • 2025

NEWS

MRI Launch – A New Chapter in Paediatric Diagnostics On April 30, 2025, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital officially launched its new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit, a state-of-the-art diagnostic facility that marks a major advancement in paediatric imaging in Kenya. Designed with child-specific needs in mind, the new MRI service brings high-resolution, non-invasive diagnostics within reach for thousands of families.

For years, accessing MRI scans for children, particularly in a setting that is both clinically advanced and psychologically safe, has been a challenge. Traditional MRI environments can be intimidating for young patients, especially those with developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety. Our newly commissioned MRI unit changes this narrative.

The launch ceremony, attended by health professionals, partners, and media, offered an inside look at the capabilities of the new equipment. The scanner offers high-definition imaging for neurological, musculoskeletal, oncological, and abdominal conditions. Moreover, its quiet technology, child-friendly design, and faster scanning protocols mean children spend less time in the scanner and experience reduced distress.

“This investment is a game-changer for paediatric care in the region,” said our CEO, Dr. Robert Nyarango during the launch. “We can now diagnose faster, plan interventions more precisely, and support families with better clarity.”

The MRI unit is also a teaching tool. Radiographers, paediatricians, and medical students will benefit from exposure to advanced imaging techniques tailored to paediatric anatomy. As part of our ongoing mission, we aim not just to provide healthcare but to shape its future.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 70 • 2025

PAEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY CENTRE

MRI CENTRE: The first in Sub - Saharan Africa that is Child Friendly, & Eco Friendly

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NEWS

Nation Health Summit – Leading the Digital Health Conversation The 2025 National Health Summit brought together Kenya’s foremost health leaders, policymakers, innovators, and institutions under one roof to discuss the future of healthcare. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital was honoured to contribute to this pivotal forum, with our CEO, Dr. Robert Nyarango, speaking on a topic close to our hearts: the role of telemedicine in advancing paediatric care.

Dr. Nyarango shared insights from our rapidly expanding telehealth program, which now serves families in five counties: Samburu, Homa Bay, Baringo, Narok, and Lamu. He highlighted the transformative impact telemedicine has had in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly for children with non-communicable diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders who previously faced significant barriers to accessing specialised care.

“Digital health is not just a convenience, it is a lifeline,” Dr. Nyarango noted. “For children in remote communities, telemedicine has eliminated the need for long travel and waiting times, bringing paediatric care closer to them.”

A key highlight of his presentation was the crucial role played by MPesa Foundation in enabling the success of this program. Through their generous support, Gertrude’s was able to establish and scale the digital infrastructure required for effective remote care delivery. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us reach more children, especially those in marginalised areas, with timely, high-quality healthcare.

Dr. Nyarango also emphasised the importance of building sustainable systems, safeguarding patient privacy, and promoting digital literacy among providers and caregivers. The summit provided a collaborative platform for health actors to call for more investment in digital health and policy frameworks that reflect Kenya’s unique healthcare landscape.

Our digital health journey is ongoing, but the lessons are clear: when strategically implemented and supported by strong partnerships, technology can truly transform paediatric care, expanding access, improving outcomes, and helping children thrive no matter where they live.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 70 • 2025

NEWS

School Cultural Day: Embracing Diversity Through Young Eyes On March 7, 2025, the grounds of Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health and Research burst into colour and rhythm during the annual School Cultural Day, a lively celebration of African heritage, inclusion, and cultural pride, through the eyes and voices of our young nursing students alike. This year's event was proudly organised by the Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health and Research nursing students, who hail from diverse countries across Africa and brought a rich tapestry of traditions to life.

In vibrant traditional attire representing Kenya and other African nations, the students transformed classrooms and activity spaces into immersive cultural zones. From Swahili taarab rhythms, Nambian drumming, Malawi folk dance, to Shona storytelling, each performance reflected the beautiful diversity within the African continent. This was more than a cultural exhibition, it was a celebration of unity, healing, and shared identity.

The event had a special impact on learners. For them, Cultural Day was more than an event; it was a moment of normalcy, empowerment, and connection.

Interactive sessions featured cultural art exhibitions, culinary tastings, and spoken-word performances exploring themes of peace, heritage, and African pride. Guests, including hospital staff, and parents joined the festivities, sampling traditional dishes, sharing proverbs, and engaging in cross-cultural storytelling.

Perhaps the most touching moments came during the students’ spoken-word presentations and traditional songs. Their voices echoed themes of hope and unity, a reminder that every child, regardless of their health status or background, has something important to contribute. Their performances remind us that cultural com- petence and compassionate care go hand in hand.

In celebrating culture, we affirm the value of every child’s identity and nurture a generation that embraces difference with dignity and joy.

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NEWS

Annual Charity Walk – Every Step for a Healthier Child Under the early morning sun on March 16, 2025, over 4,000 attendees gathered for Gertrude’s Annual Charity Walk, a spirited tradition that goes beyond fundraising. It’s about solidarity, awareness, and creating a healthier future for Kenya’s children.

Families, corporate sponsors, healthcare workers, students, and community members of all ages took part in the 10km and 5km walks through Nairobi. Every step was symbolic, a commitment to children battling cancer and in need of specialised care, surgeries, therapy, and life-saving medication.

Funds raised from this year’s walk directly support the cancer care program, which enables access to care for children from low-income families. Many of these beneficiaries are children with childhood cancer, who would otherwise be unable to afford ongoing treatment.

What made this year particularly special was the turnout of former beneficiaries, now thriving children who once needed surgeries or long-term treatment. Their stories, shared before the walk began, moved many to tears. One mother recounted how her child, once unable to walk, now runs thanks to therapy and surgery funded through this initiative.

Beyond raising funds, the walk created space for dialogue. Booths were set up to offer health screenings, nutrition tips, and information about paediatric health and developmental support. The day ended with a concert and family-friendly activities, reminding everyone that health can be celebrated with joy.

This walk is a movement of hope. It is powered by the belief that all children, regardless of their background, deserve the best chance at life. Thank you to every donor, walker, volunteer, and staff member who made it happen.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 70 • 2025

NEWS

Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET3): Building Neurology Excellence in Kenya Epilepsy in children remains one of the most challenging neurological conditions in paediatric care, not only due to the complexity of diagnosis but also the lifelong impact it can have on development, education, and psychosocial wellbeing. Recognising this need, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital proudly hosted the third-level Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET3) from March 13–14, 2025, a prestigious course under the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

The training, facilitated by both local and international faculty, brought together over 40 paediatricians, clinical officers, and neurology trainees from across Kenya. Building upon PET1 and PET2, this advanced module delved into complex epilepsy syndromes, drug-resistant epilepsy, diagnostic dilemmas, and co-occurring conditions such as autism spectrum and neurological disorders. Real patient scenarios, group discussions, and consensus-building exercises made the sessions highly interactive and clinically relevant.

What sets PET3 apart is its holistic approach, recognising epilepsy not just as a neurological disorder, but one deeply intertwined with cognitive, behavioural, and social aspects. Participants learned about new therapies, rational polytherapy, interpreting EEG findings, and most critically, how to counsel and support families navigating this journey.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has long been at the forefront of paediatric neurology in Kenya. Hosting PET3 aligns with our vision of building a sustainable workforce capable of addressing the growing burden of neurological disorders. The training also reaffirmed the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration involving neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, and special needs educators.

In the words of one participant: “This training gave me the confidence to manage complex epilepsy cases with greater clarity. It was practical, evidence-based, and truly empowering.”

As a centre of paediatric excellence, we are proud to not only deliver care but also grow knowledge. PET3 marks another important step in our national capacity-building efforts and paves the way for more informed, empathetic, and effective epilepsy management across Kenya.

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NEWS

Sports Day for Children with Special Needs – “Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine” Few events capture the spirit of inclusion and joy like our Sports Day for Children with Special Needs, held on February 7, 2025, under the heart-warming theme: “Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine.”

Hosted by Gertrude’s Child Development Centre (CDC), the day welcomed children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other developmental and physical challenges. With adapted games, sensory-friendly zones, cheering caregivers, and a sea of laughter, the event was a resounding success.

Children participated in obstacle races, ball tosses, wheelchair sprints, and relay events designed to prioritise participation over competition. Victory was not measured in speed or scores, but in courage, confidence, and the joy of inclusion. Each child received a medal, affirming their strength, resilience, and individuality.

One of the key enablers of this impactful day was Sanlam PLC, whose generous support helped bring the event to life. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering every child, regardless of ability, and fostering a society that sees potential in every individual. Their presence and encouragement on the ground added a heartfelt dimension to the day’s activities.

What made the event truly memorable was the involvement of families, therapists, teachers, and corporate volunteers, all working hand-in-hand to uplift and celebrate children’s abilities. For some children, this was their first-ever public event, a powerful moment in their journey of social and emotional development.

Siblings also took part in the activities, creating a strong sense of unity, understanding, and empathy. Health booths set up around the venue offered valuable information on nutrition, therapy options, behavioural health, and home support strategies, making the event both enjoyable and educational.

This Sports Day was more than just fun and games; it was a statement of advocacy. It reminded us that children with disabilities are full of potential and deserve spaces that nurture their growth. At Gertrude’s, we remain deeply committed to building a world where every child can play, learn, express, and shine, just as they are.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 70 • 2025

FEATURE

Wendy’s Testimonial: A Journey Through Heart Surgery Wendy's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the life-changing care she received at Gertrude's Children’s Hospital. Her journey started when she was in Form 1, where she began experiencing severe headaches and weakness. "Most days, I couldn't even go to school," Wendy recalls. "I couldn't walk far, so my mom had to pay for transport to take me to school every morning." Her health continued to deteriorate, and by the time she reached Form 3, her condition worsened to the point where she had to drop out of school.

Wendy's journey took a dramatic turn on August 5th, 2023, when her health took a critical hit. She was rushed to the emergency room at Gertrude's Children’s Hospital, where the medical team discovered she had a congenital heart condition called Ebstein’s Anomaly, a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve in the right side of the heart.

Dr. Mark Awori, the paediatric cardiothorastic surgeon who is farmiliar with Wendy’s case, explains, "Ebstein's Anomaly is a condition where the valve between the right upper and lower chambers of the heart is malformed. In some cases, the heart functions well enough that a person may live to adulthood without ever being diagnosed. But in severe cases, like Wendy’s, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively."

After assessing Wendy's condition, the medical team determined that surgery would be her best chance for recovery. "We did an unusual operation. Typically, we try to repair heart valves, especially in children, rather than replace them. But in Wendy’s case, the malformation was severe, so we opted for a tricuspid valve replacement using a valve made from animal tissue," Dr Awori explains. The procedure, known as a tricuspid valve replacement, was performed successfully at Gertrude's Children’s Hospital.

For Wendy’s mother, the experience was emotional. "I didn’t expect to see my daughter in such a critical state. But the hospital staff were amazing. They never left us alone. One woman even came to visit us, celebrated with us, and gave us hope. When I heard the surgery was successful, I felt like I was born again. Wendy's recovery was slow, but we were patient, and now she's getting better every day."

Today, Wendy is on the path to recovery, and her story serves as a message of hope to others. Dr. Awori emphasizes, "You don’t have to send children abroad for heart surgery. We have the expertise here in Kenya to handle complex heart conditions like Ebstein’s Anomaly."

Wendy’s mother adds, "To any parent with a child who has heart disease, don’t be afraid. There is hope. We started small, but we made it here. I thank Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital and everyone who supported us."

Wendy’s journey highlights the importance of accessible, specialized paediatric care in Kenya and serves as a reminder that with the right medical attention and support, children with heart conditions can live healthy, fulfilling lives.

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NEWS ROUNDUP

Meru Roadshow: Taking Paediatric Care to the Heart of the Community

To raise awareness and improve access to specialised paediatric care in Meru County, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital conducted a three-day community roadshow from March 27–29, 2025. The outreach targeted key locations including Nkubu, Makutano, and Meru Town, with a multidisciplinary team engaging families on the full range of services available at Gertrude’s Meru Clinic, from general paediatrics and immunisation to specialist consults, lab services, and telemedicine.

Branded vans, and live interactions allowed staff to share information, distribute flyers, and strengthen visibility. A highlight of the event was the daily address by the Outpatient Manager, who spoke on early diagnosis, child-friendly care, and the importance of community feedback in shaping services.

The community’s warm reception and eagerness to engage affirmed the value of the initiative, which not only increased awareness but reinforced Gertrude’s role as a trusted healthcare partner.

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NEWS ROUNDUP

Supporting Our Caregivers: Wellness and Connection at Gertrude’s At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we know that excellent paediatric care starts with a well supported, motivated team. This year, we’ve continued to prioritise staff well-being through events that foster connection, wellness, and appreciation.

We kicked off 2025 with a staff get-together, creating space for teams to connect, reflect, and celebrate milestones beyond the clinical setting. The event strengthened bonds across departments and reminded us of the shared purpose that drives our work.

In April, our Staff Fitness Day brought energy and joy through a vibrant Zumba session. Staff from across the hospital danced, laughed, and recharged together—reinforcing that self-care is essential in healthcare. With water stations, fruit snacks, and wellness tips, the day promoted simple, sustainable health habits.

These moments remind us: when we care for our team, we strengthen our ability to care for children.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 68 • 2024

FEATURE

Protecting Children’s Health Data A Dual Responsibility of Trust and Technology

By Esther Karugia, Head of Audit & Risk

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the digitisation of medical records, telehealth consultations, and mobile health applications is revolutionising how we deliver care. But with this transformation comes a critical question: How do we protect the most sensitive of all data - children’s health information?

Data privacy in healthcare is not merely a technical issue. It is a moral and ethical obligation. At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we believe safeguarding data is synonymous with preserving trust. When a parent or guardian shares a child’s and family's medical history, developmental assessments, or therapy records, they are not only entrusting us with information but also with vulnerability.

Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019), Health Act 2017 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010 lay strong foundations for privacy and confidentiality. Compliance with the regulation alone is not enough. Healthcare institutions must be accountable and go beyond minimum requirements to embed a culture of data protection and privacy by design and default, not only in all systems but also in their structures and operations. It includes developing and implementing relevant policies that guide accurate minimum collection, processing and updating of personal and sensitive data, retention and records disposal, secure digital architecture, strong access controls, continuous cybersecurity training for staff, audit tracking, structured risk assessments and implementation of necessary measures, frameworks that guides engagement with vendors and 3rd parties and Data Breach Management.

For paediatric institutions, the stakes are even higher. Children cannot register or consent for themselves. Their data, if mishandled, can have lifelong consequences, from stigmatisation to exploitation. As we embrace artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telehealth, ethical frameworks must evolve in tandem with these technologies.

At Gertrude’s, we have implemented multi-layered protections. Our electronic medical records are encrypted. Access is role-based. Parents are educated about their rights. Staff are trained regularly on data handling, confidentiality, and digital etiquette.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 68 • 2024

FEATURE

The First Prescription In a Hospital Is a Safe Plate

By Fridah Kisinga, Food Safety & Quality Associate In hospitals nationwide, from buzzing private clinics to public hospital wards, life-saving miracles occur daily. We often imagine doctors wielding scalpels or nurses rushing through hallways. But a quieter hero plays a crucial role: the humble hospital meal. The food on your plate, rice, broth, fresh fruit juice, is not just nourishment; it’s medicine, particularly for children with fragile immune systems. On 7th June 2025, World Food Safety Day reminds us of the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” It’s time to highlight the unsung science that ensures hospital meals are safe and patients are healthy.

Scenes in hospitals often evoke images of high-tech machines, gene sequencing, or breakthrough drugs. At Gertrude’s, the same rigour, precision, and vigilance found in an ICU is essential in our hospital kitchen. A single mislabelled allergen or missed hand wash can turn a healing meal into a health hazard. For a child fighting illness, even a small pathogen can have devastating effects. Food safety isn’t just a tedious checklist; it’s a lifeline.

Behind every tray is a symphony of science. Temperature sensors constantly monitor food storage, ensuring everything stays within safe limits. Allergen tracking systems work tirelessly to prevent accidental exposure, because nobody wants a peanut surprise! Teams use advanced tools like ATP bioluminescence swabs that detect microscopic invaders on surfaces, a bit like invisible detectives in white coats. And these aren’t just protocols scribbled on paper; they’re lifesaving measures, practised daily with precision.

But it’s not just the kitchen staff doing the heavy lifting. Food safety is a hospital-wide team sport. Procurement officers demand transparent sourcing, nurses watch for signs of allergic reactions, dietitians craft safe meal plans, and IT experts keep refrigeration data humming without a glitch. Whether in a sprawling private hospital or a busy public clinic, the science must be the same. After all, germs don’t care about budgets or fancy logos.

Today’s challenges are growing. Climate change is shaking up how bacteria behave, global food chains increase risks, and antibiotic resistance means infections are harder to treat. So, we ask ourselves: are hospitals keeping pace? Are we embracing AI-powered spoilage alerts, blockchain food tracing, or rapid pathogen detection kits? Are we training every team member not only to care but to prevent contamination with vigilance and know-how?

The strange magic of food safety is that its greatest success is silence. No upset stomachs, no fevers, no allergic emergencies, just children growing stronger, patients smiling, and parents breathing a little easier. That quiet moment?

That’s science working behind the scenes.

So, as we mark World Food Safety Day 2025, let’s celebrate not only surgeons and doctors but the behind-the-scenes heroes checking temperatures, labelling allergens, and saying no to risky suppliers. Sometimes, the most heroic act in a hospital happens in the kitchen long before the patient even takes a bite.

Food safety isn’t the job of one person or department; it’s a collective mission. Every hand that washes, every mind that plans, every team that acts in unison matters. Together, we turn food into more than just a meal. We turn it into a promise of safety, care, and healing.

The foundation of every patient’s recovery starts with a safe meal, powered by science with every bite.

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GERTIES NEWS • OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 68 • 2024

FEATURE

Hazardous Medications: Ensuring Safety Dr. Ben Kyaka, Pharmacist, CPHQ.

At Gertrude's Children's Hospital, our priority is always patient well-being. This often involves specialized medications used to treat complicated health conditions. Among these, certain medications are categorized as "hazardous," requiring special attention.

What Are Hazardous Medications?

Hazardous medications are defined as those that pose a risk of harm to individuals, including healthcare workers and patients, due to their potential to cause cancer, developmental or reproductive toxicity, or organ damage at low doses.

In a hospital setting, especially when caring for children, hazardous medications might include chemotherapy medications (such as methotrexate or cyclophosphamide), certain antiviral medications (for example, ganciclovir), hormone therapies (like estrogen or testosterone), and immunosuppressant medications (such as cyclosporine).

While these medications are vital for treatment, they require very careful handling to prevent any accidental contact.

Handling of Hazardous Medications

Our dedicated pharmacy team plays a crucial role in preparing hazardous medications. For certain medications, like hydroxyurea, preparation is done in specially designed negative-pressure clean rooms. This specialised environment ensures the quality of the product and protects the staff involved in preparation.

Pharmacists and technicians consistently wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves, and eye protection. Once prepared, these medications are clearly labelled to ensure proper handling by all subsequent users.

Nurses and other clinical staff who administer these medications also follow strict safety rules. They wear appropriate PPE, and any waste from hazardous medications, such as used IV lines or protective gear, is disposed of in designated waste containers to prevent any environmental contamination.

To be prepared for any emergency, spill kits are readily available at all Gertrude's Children's Hospital units, and our staff are thoroughly trained on how to use them. If any accidental exposure occurs, it is immediately reported and reviewed by various committees. This process ensures continuous learning and improvement in our handling of hazardous medications.

Educating Patients and Families for Safety at Home

Educating patients and their caregivers is a vital part of safe hazardous medication handling, especially when patients return home. Our nurses provide clear, step-by-step instructions to families on how to manage any items that might have come into contact with the medication, such as soiled diapers or linens. Families are advised to wear gloves when handling these items and to wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. We always review these follow-up instructions in detail with the patient and family before they leave Gertrude's Children's Hospital.

By diligently following these safety measures and empowering families with the necessary knowledge, we work together to minimise risks and ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in the healing journey.

Questions about hazardous medications?

Please feel free to contact the Pharmacy on 0708-988-400 for more information and support.

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FEATURE

Understanding the Child Development Centre at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Dr. David Kiptum, Chief Paediatrician As a paediatrician at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, I am passionate about helping parents, caregivers, and communities understand the critical role of early interventions in a child’s growth.

The Child Development Centre (CDC) serves children with developmental delay, including conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, learning challenges, feeding problems, and behavioural issues.

Our multidisciplinary team, comprised of neurodevelopmental paediatricians, neurologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and clinical psychologists, conducts comprehensive assessments tailored to each child’s unique needs. Through evidence-based evaluations, we identify developmental milestones that may be delayed and collaboratively design individualised intervention plans aimed at maximising a child’s potential.

Early detection and intervention are essential. By initiating therapies at a young age, we can significantly improve language skills, social interaction, fine and gross motor abilities, behaviour regulation, and overall daily functioning.

For example, speech therapy builds communication confidence; occupational therapy enhances fine motor skills; physiotherapy supports mobility; and psychological support aids emotional resilience.

We also strongly believe in family-centred care. Our team works closely with families, offering education and guidance so that caregivers can reinforce therapeutic gains at home. This ongoing partnership creates a supportive environment that nurtures the child’s development even beyond the clinic walls.

Our Child Development Centre operates within Gertrude’s fully accredited environment, ensuring all services meet international standards for safety and quality. As part of Kenya’s most established paediatric hospital, and the only JCI accredited children’s hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa, our commitment to exceptional care is to assist as many children as possible.

We encourage all parents to bring forward any concerns about their child’s development. Together, we can empower every child to thrive.

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