KNH NEWSLINE EDITION 3

Newsline

More than just health

Dr. Muravvej

Editor’s note p.2

Welcome Aboard Dr. Muravvej p.3-4

The role of chaplaincy in hospitals p. 5-6

Let us talk about insomnia p. 7-8

Enough said or is it? p.9

RAD-AID International donates the first ever Mentice Interventional Radiology Simulator in Africa to KNH p.10

Who takes care of Paediatric Oncology patients caregivers? p. 11-12

Are you spending more than you earn? p.13-14

The intern’s experience p.13

KNH Pension Scheme: Who is eligible to join? p.14-15

Culture change: Top marks for KPCC Customer Care Committee p.16

Demystifying the BD Facslyric Flow Cytometry System p.17-18

Our story in pictures p.19

Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Society building capacity in imaging healthcare p. 20

KNH celebrates World Day of the Sick p. 21

Healing Hearts with love; MMUH Staff treat their patients to a Valentine’s Special p.22

Uwanjani: Miamba wa KNHFC wazidi kung’ara p.23

Positive mentions from KNH socials p.24 Comic zone p. 25

Marketing & Communication Department

Design Concept Team:

Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru & Collins Cheruiyot

Editorial Team:

Dave Opiyo , Edel Q. Mwende, Luke Kung’u, Linnette Leyi, Winfred Gumbo, Yvonne Gichuru, Priscah Angwenyi, Phillip Etyang, Verah Mugambi & Steve Arwa

Stories:

Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Linnette Leyi, Verah Mugambi, Petterson Njogu, Priscah Angwenyi, Melody Ajiambo, Winfred Gumbo, Dr. Chacha Magabe. Luke Kung’u, Chebet Kwemoi, Joel Mukaya, Bernice Njeri, Linnette Leyi, Yvonne Gichuru, Shiphrah Njeri, Christine Mukami & Elizabeth Wambui

Design By: Collins Cheruiyot

Photos:

Steve Arwa, Luke Kung’u, Thelesi Co. & Effie Sande

Tel: +254 20 2726300-9

Ext. 43121 or 43969

Fax: +254 20 272572

Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke

knh.caffairs@gmail.com

Editor’s note

Dear colleagues,

On 6th February, 2023, H.E the President, Hon. William Ruto appointed Dr. Samier Muravvej as the new Chairman for the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Board of Directors. This led to a hand-over session at the CEOs boardroom graced by the former Board Chairman, Mr. George Ooko who bestowed the responsibility to Dr. Muravvej as he welcomed him to KNH.

“We come, we serve then hand over the baton. I am very proud to have ran a lap. We have had a very good board, we have worked harmoniously and made sure the focus is on work and the hospital. I would like to thank the government for the opportunity to have led this institution for the past 3 years. I would also like to thank the CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, Senior Management and all staff who work here at KNH. I have observed your hard work.

I want to wish my successor, Dr. Samier all the best as he takes over. This is a fantastic institution he is coming to and I am sure he will enjoy working with everyone here and will get plenty support to make his work a success as he leads the board. To the KNH fraternity, Kwaheri ya kuonana!”

- Said Mr. George Ooko as he made his final remarks.

From the Editorial team, we would like to say a big thank you to Mr. Ooko for the wonderful time and dedication he showed to the institution and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

All Newslines and Newsletters can be accessed online at- bit.ly/3JFhCic

Ms. Yvonne N. Gichuru

Marketing & Communication Officer

Kenyatta National Hospital

Welcome Aboard Dr. Muravvej

By Dave Opiyo & Yvonne Gichuru

Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Samier Muravvej commenced his journey to fulfill his passion for being a Dental Surgeon.

Even though he initially had a keen interest in Engineering and had indeed, already sat in an Aerospace Engineering class for one year at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, he could not resist the urge of joining the medical world and make his contribution.

Perhaps guided by the saying “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you love. It will not lead you astray,” Dr. Muravvej, returned to Kenya and in 1998, secured an enrolment at the University of Nairobi’s School of Dentistry.

He was more determined than ever to fulfill his ambition.

Four years later, Dr. Muravvej, like many of his classmates, interestingly got an opportunity to intern at Kenyatta National Hospital. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career, both in public and private practice.

However, little did the Dental Implantology specialist realize that 20 years later, he would return to the very hospital that shaped his career, to become its Board of Management Chairman.

On Friday, February 10, President William Ruto, through a gazette notice, made the appointment. This came as a great surprise to him.

“This appointment came as a surprise and an honor as well,” he told Newsline in an interview shortly after being handed over the office by outgoing chair Mr. George Ooko.

“I’m so grateful to the President,

who considered me for this position. It is beyond my wildest dreams as I would never have imagined that an institution where I once gained my education and skills in practicing Dentistry, one day I would return as its chairperson…,’’ he added.

‘…and to be given a chance to be back to this institution to make it a better institution from the way I left it. I am committed to delivering the promise our President made to Kenyans in offering quality and affordable health care services.”

Newsline had a sit-down with Dr. Muravvej, just to understand his background and his vision for the hospital. Excerpts:

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Samier Muravvej. Born and bred in Mombasa. I undertook my Primary and High school education at AgaKhan Primary and AgaKhan High. I had

Dr. Muravvej

a keen interest in Engineering and so I did one year of Aerospace Engineering (at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia).

I came back to the country and secured my admission at the University of Nairobi where I applied to do Dentistry in 1998 and graduated in 2002.

Immediately thereafter, I joined Kenyatta National Hospital as an intern. After my internship, I moved to Coast General Hospital and after a year of working at Coast General, I was posted to Malindi where I did a short stint and then ventured fulltime into private practice.

I have a keen interest in doing Dental implants. My practice is specialized and mostly provides services related to Dental implantology. I am a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. The practice has been running since 2004.

“I’m so grateful to the President, who considered me for this position. It is beyond my wildest dreams as I would never have imagined that an institution where I once gained my education and skills in practicing Dentistry, one day I would return as its chairperson…,’’

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Former Board Chair - Mr. George Ooko (L) during a hand over meeting with the incoming Board Chair - Dr. Samier Murravej (R) at the CEO’s boardroom, KNH

New KNH Board Chair takes over office with one promise; to make the institution even better than he found it. However, everyone has to play their role to ensure this is realized.

I also am an avid sportsman. I have had a passion for sports since when I was a teenager in high school. I have carried on with my love for sports and I am now actually one of the leading sports shooters in the country and top in my division called Carry-Optics division. I try to practice at least twice a week in best case scenario.

Were you surprised to be appointed for this position?

Before I answer that question, I would like to say that during Covid-19 time, I was appointed as the Chair of the sub-committee of Health in Mombasa County, and it was under my leadership that we converted the Technical University of Mombasa; Engineering wing, into a wing to assist Covid patients.

It was quite a daunting task, but I got great help from individuals that were part of my team. I believe we were able to assist the community to contain the spread of the disease during those times.

To answer the question, Yes, this appointment came as a surprise and an honor as well. I’m so grateful to the President who considered me for this position. It is beyond my wildest dreams as I would never have imagined that in an institution where I once gained my education and skills in practicing Dentistry, one day I would return as its Chairperson, and be given a chance to be back to this institution to make it a better institution from the way I left it. I am committed to delivering the promise our President made to Kenyans in offering quality and affordable healthcare services.

What is your message to the KNH staff as you take up this position? With a change in management, the first thing that comes to mind to people who are part of the institution is; how will the institution be disrupted or ‘how will my work be disrupted?’

I would request people not to think of it like that. Rather, they should think about how to effectively serve our cleints, and how will I personally improve my skills to offer these better services.

This is something I would like my staff at Kenyatta National Hospital to internalize; that we are here to serve patients. If the patients were not here, we would not be here. Therefore, everything we will do will be geared toward providing and delivering services that keep getting better and better. Be it medical services, hospitality services, education services, or whatever it is that affects the patient directly, we want to improve and move several levels up.

What is your parting shot?

I am very much a team player. I love working with people that are also team players. When it comes to work, there is no discrimination at all. The goal is to deliver. As a team player, it is also important to ensure that sometimes when you find that one of your team players is dropping the ball, talk to them to help them lift themselves rather than talking down on them. I believe in team spirit, but with a team, comes a lot of individual pressure.

I would like to create teams of people who are self-independent and can put pressure on themselves to meet timelines and deliverables.

Micromanagement is not my style and so any individual that has got some skills will endear themselves to me and I believe we’ll make a stronger team with such individuals.

The role of chaplaincy in hospitals

By Verah Mugambi

A hospital can be a frightening and draining place for anyone and a highstress work environment for those who work there - hospital staff. The hospital chaplain’s support alleviates that fear by providing emotional and spiritual support, also known as pastoral care.

A World Health Organization report published in 1998 acknowledged that Patients and physicians have begun to realize the value of elements such as faith, hope, and compassion in the healing process. The value of such ‘spiritual’ aspects in health and quality of life has led to research in this field to move towards a more holistic view of health that includes a non-material dimension (emphasizing the seamless connections between mind and body).

The role of the Hospital chaplain is multi-faceted. Besides providing pastoral care, chaplains can act as a go-between for patients and providers, advocate for the patient and medical staff, explain hospital processes and care to patients, and offer comfort and guidance to people experiencing their most harrowing trials. They are also an invaluable resource to hospital staff under tremendous stress, especially when challenged by extreme conditions such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Reverend John Wega, KNH’s Senior Assistant Chaplain, the holistic health of a human being entails the wholeness of the body, mind, and spirit. Spiritual care at the hospital gives the patient hope and strength, which translates to meaning in life.

“A hospital chaplain is a professionally trained clergy member who supports patients and staff with spiritual and religious concerns. They are clinically trained and attained a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) to help navigate the healthcare experience. Healthcare Chaplains are specially trained to support belief systems across faiths and cultures,” Reverend Wega explained.

Spirit and spirituality are natural

dimensions of every person. Spirit implies ‘energy and power’ that emanates from the inner self. Spirituality further describes an awareness of relationships/ connectedness with all creation, an appreciation of presence and purpose that includes a sense of meaning.

“In professional chaplaincy, we say that all religious care is spiritual, but not all spiritual care is religious. Spirit is the power in you. Thus, a professional chaplain should be able to give spiritual care to all patients and staff regardless of their denomination, faith, or no faith since they are all members of the hospital community.”

“Spirituality demonstrates that persons are not merely physical bodies that require mechanical care. Persons find their spirituality helping them maintain health and cope with illnesses, traumas, losses, and life transitions by integrating body, mind, and spirit; in other words, when facing a crisis, persons often turn to their spirituality as a means of coping,” Reverend Wega continued.

There is a thin but profound line between pastoral care and spiritual care. Therefore, it is prudent to clearly distinguish between pastoral and spiritual care in a hospital setup. What patients need is spiritual healing to support their physical and mental healing.

“In professional chaplaincy, we say that all religious care is spiritual, but not all spiritual care is religious. Spirit is the power in you. Thus, a professional chaplain should be

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Reverend John Wega

able to give spiritual care to all patients and staff regardless of their denomination, faith, or no faith since they are all members of the hospital community,” he explained further.

In healthcare chaplaincy, the hospital has equipped sacred spaces (chapels) where community members can spare time and engage in spiritual rituals like prayers, reflections, meditations, and sacraments without interfering with the hospital’s core mandate of quality patient care. In KNH, the chapels are located on the second floor (level 2) – tower block.

The practice of spiritual care is based on active listening, assessments, and intervention. Patients have inner spiritual struggles like; Why do I exist? Why am I sick? Why me? What if I die? What impact have I made in life? Does God care about me? Could God be punishing me, and for what? Why at this time? Etc.

The chaplain explores the patient’s situation to identify their needs, hopes, and resources to help them cope and make meaning out of their situation.

Day-to-day duties of a hospital chaplain

Hospital chaplains regularly counsel people on their worst days, whether in a health crisis, faith, fear,

or some other upheaval, like their military, prisons, or hospice care counterparts.

A typical day for a hospital chaplain always includes visiting with patients one-on-one and may be called to meet with patients in the emergency room to help families absorb devastating news, or deal with other crises. Chaplains may also meet with patients for celebratory occasions, such as the birth of a child or the discharge of a patient completing treatment.

“Many hospital chaplains are constantly on the go, responding to each situation’s demands. For example, after meeting with patients, a chaplain writes up notes for the medical staff and may make recommendations to help improve the patient’s mindset and emotional comfort,” he said.

“As with any job, chaplains have administrative tasks to deal with as well — responding to emails, meeting with the spiritual team and hospital executives and care providers, and writing reports and presentations,” he concluded.

Misconceptions of healthcare chaplains explained.

1. You have to be religious to see a chaplain; Many people have an existing religious framework to go to when experiencing spiritual

distress, but this isn’t true of all patients. Whether a person comes from a religious background or not, everyone has some way of making sense of their life. It’s what we call “meaning-making,” and it’s prevalent in most individuals’ lives.

2. A chaplain is only for people who are dying; Although some requests are for end-of-life support, they see many patients and families throughout the treatment process since spiritual distress may arise at any point. They listen to each patient very carefully to identify spiritual needs. There’s an art to hearing what they’re saying and providing the care they need at that moment.

3. Chaplains will try to get me to be more Christian or religious; they are not here to convert patients or to put their theological beliefs on them. They look at spirituality more broadly. We respect each person’s spirituality. Suppose a patient has a specific spiritual need; in that case, they have the appropriate resources, whether Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, or any other religious group. The chaplains are an essential part of the hospital setup, and we thank God for their presence and the support they provide.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA KNH Chaplaincy Reverend John Wega conducting a morning group prayer session to patients at LINARC waiting area.

Let us talk about insomnia

By Priscah Angwenyi

>>> (Part two of sleep disorders)

It is everyone’s joy that they can sleep and have enough rest after a long day’s work. This deserved rest is achieved by having quality sleep. Quality sleep can be described as an individual’s self-satisfaction with all aspects of the sleep experience.

The components of sleep experience are sleep efficiency, sleep duration, and wake after sleep onset.

Medics recommend that quality sleep in adults should range between 6-8 hours without breaks in between. While in children 10-12 hours of sleep is ideal since they are in their growth stage.

However, some people may need more or fewer hours of sleep and be able to function normally. With the current hustles and bustles of life, quality sleep is rarely achieved, and behold, insomnia sets in.

Newsline engaged Dr. Sarah Wawa, Consultant Psychiatrist at Kenyatta National Hospital on the topic.

What is insomnia?

This is a type of sleep disorder in which one finds trouble falling and/or staying asleep. In some instances, a person wakes up too early and is not able to get back to sleep. Insomnia not only saps your energy level and mood but also your health, work performance, and quality of life.

What are the types of insomnia?

There are two types of insomnia namely;

• Primary insomnia

This is also known as short-term insomnia. This is a brief episode of difficulty in sleeping. It is often caused by a stressful life event such as the loss of a loved one, a disconcerting medical diagnosis, a pandemic, rebounding from the cessation of a drug or marijuana, or a major job or relationship change. This lasts less than three months and symptoms may fade on their own as time passes and a person copes with the stressful incident that gave rise to their sleeping problems. This kind of insomnia affects both children and adults. It

may arise during pregnancy as well as menopause.

• Chronic insomnia

It is a long-term pattern of difficulty in sleeping. This is considered chronic if a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights per week for more than three months. Its potential causes can be tied to stressful situations but may also be related to irregular sleep schedules, poor sleep hygiene, frequent nightmares, mental health disorders, underlying physical or neurological problems, and a bed partner. This occurs in people of all ages.

What are some of the symptoms of insomnia?

Symptoms can be categorized into two- direct symptoms and daytime symptoms as a sequela of poor sleep you could group them for easier palatability. The first four in the first category and the others in the second)

• Difficulty falling asleep at night; (taking more than 30 mins in

PHOTO | STOCK

A lady having trouble sleeping

bed without falling asleep in the absence of distractions)

• Waking up during the night (3 or more times)

• Waking up too early

• Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep

• Daytime tiredness or sleepiness

• Irritability, depression, or anxiety

• Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering

• Increased errors or accidents

• Ongoing worries about sleep

What are some of the causes of insomnia?

• Stress. Concerns about work, school, health, finances, or family can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep. Stressful life events or trauma — such as the death or illness of a loved one, divorce, or a job loss — also may lead to insomnia.

• Poor sleep hygiene. This includes an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and using your bed for work, eating, or watching TV. Smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle.

• Eating too much late in the evening. Having a light snack

before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down. Many people also experience heartburn, a backflow of acid and food from the stomach into the esophagus after eating, which may keep you awake.

• Mental health disorders. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, may disrupt your sleep. Insomnia can also be a sign of mood disorders such as depression. Insomnia often occurs with other mental health disorders as well and increases the risk of suicide and substance abuse.

• Caffeine and nicotine. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks are stimulants. Drinking them in the late afternoon or evening can keep you from falling asleep at night. Nicotine in tobacco products is another stimulant that can interfere with sleep

• Medical conditions. Examples of conditions linked with insomnia include chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, overactive thyroid, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Other causes may include a disruption of the Circadian

Rhythm (shift work/traveling/ trans-nighting during examinations), prescribed medications, use of other substances, and advanced age.

When do you see a doctor?

Immediately when the symptoms of insomnia last longer than four weeks or even interfere with your daytime activities and ability to function. This should be with immediate effect

What are the treatment options?

The options include behavioral therapy and medication prescribed by a doctor. Treatment of the underlying causes of insomnia helps too.

Parting shot?

Good daytime and bedtime habits promote sound sleep. These include keeping your bedtime and wake time consistent from day to day including weekends, staying active by having regular exercises, and avoiding the use of caffeine and nicotine, and other substances, as well as the use of electronic devices while in bed. Above all make your bedroom calm and comfortable for sleep, do not have a television or other distractions in the bedroom, and use the room only for sleep or sex.

https://www.facebook.com/KenyattaNationalHospital/videos/540645281222433/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Enough said or is it?

By Shiphrah Njeri

At no point will we ever have enough communication, especially in a healthcare system? Communication is the backbone of any company. Good communication is critical in running any organization be it small or big.

The management of any organization must practice good communication for a successful and smooth flow of activities.

Communication is only effective if the receiver understands the message as intended, it enables tasks to be completed diligently. Nothing undermines a communication program more quickly than inconsistent actions by leadership, and nothing speaks as powerfully as someone who is backing up their words with behavior. When an entire team of senior management starts behaving differently and embodies the change they want to see, it sends a powerful message to the entire organization. (Forbes, Jun 14, 2011).

Why we need consistent communication

Clear and meaningful communication

Success in a healthcare environment requires a direct, integrated approach. It is important to have verbal communication rather than handwritten notes or email to make sure the recipient (patient) fully understands the meaning and intent behind critical information. This becomes pivotal when information flows within and between departments. Direct information pooling is vital to preventing miscommunications that can have serious or even fatal consequences.

Efficient and flexible teams

Collaborative communication creates a more efficient and flexible working environment. Regular team meetings and group care-planning sessions provide opportunities to set expectations, clarify responsibilities, learn what

other team members are doing, and, when possible, find ways to help each other. The trust and familiarity that often develops from team meetings and face-toface interactions also can reduce disputes and conflict of interest, which makes it easier to solve problems that otherwise, would make teamwork more difficult.

Improved decision-making

Healthcare teams make better decisions in a collaborative environment. The main reason for this is that information sharing allows colleagues to consider situations and problems from more than one perspective. Comparing and contrasting different points of view allows for creating action plans based not just on symptoms and test results but also on the client as a person. Caregivers can ensure that the patient’s personal experiences and social

Communication is only effective if the receiver understands the message as intended, it enables tasks to be completed diligently.

circumstances play a role in care planning.

The patient experience

Good and effective communication can improve overall client satisfaction or the patient experience. An environment in which the information a client gets differs with each shift or caregivers aren’t sure which doctor is in charge of a patient often translates into a perception of lower-quality care. In addition, the conflicts a lack of communication can cause between and within healthcare teams can frustrate even the most easygoing patient or family member. In contrast, improvements in information flow, daily caregiverclient interactions, and increased employee morale that results from collaborative communication work create a much more satisfactory patient experience.

RAD-AID International donates the first ever

Mentice Interventional Radiology Simulator in Africa to KNH

By Dr. Chacha Peter Magabe & Winfred Gumbo

University of Nairobi [UON] in collaboration with Kenyatta National Hospital [KNH] launched an Interventional Radiology[IR] Fellowship training programme in 2020 to meet the very dire demands of minimally invasive highly specialized medical service.

To this end, there was partnership with international organizations including RAD-AID International and IR faculties for selected university hospitals in the United States of America [USA]. Each year, teams from these university hospitals join KNH for training and exchange of knowledge and skills, whilst offering the best possible medical service to KNH patients in the clinical area of Interventional Radiology.

On 14th February 2023, RAD-AID International, a partner in the programme donated the first ever Mentice IR simulator in the entire African continent.

The Mentice IR simulator is an equipment with hardware and software designed to replicate the exact scenarios in patient treatments in IR angio suite.[An innovative medical space fully-equipped with advanced imaging technology that allows a patient to undergo certain vascular procedures in an outpatient setting]. This particular model is VIST G5 unit; it has monitors, simulated patient limbs for vascular access and has every type of vascular procedure coded and built into the system, all akin to the actual clinical scenario in angio/theatre. Multiple types of vascular procedures are available ranging from peripheral to complex aortic interventions using real tools and equipment used in IR with minimal modifications. The unit is compact allowing transport and set up in a variety of situations. It has supplies; catheters, wires etc. accompanying it. Each step of the procedure is simulated with intended outcomes, including management of complications.

So, the Interventional Radiologist and IR trainee practice on the simulator for each clinical scenario, until they perfect their skills for each procedure, then go ahead to treat the actual real patient. The simulation is so perfect that there is hardly any difference with the actual real procedure. This has tremendously

enhanced IR training which has and continues to translate to excellent clinical outcomes of patients treated by IR service.

While receiving the donation at the KNH Radiology Department, Dr. Rose Nyabanda, Director, Health Information Services and Diagnostics, thanked the donor for the kind gesture they have shown by donating the equipment as it will go a long way in helping with better clinical outcomes to the patients. “We are so lucky to find and partner in you. Your support in terms of facilitation of USA faculty to visit KNH has been crucial, in addition to this particular donation. For this, we are grateful as we continuously improve and maintain high standards of care for our patients,” said Dr. Nyabanda.

RAD-AID International will be supporting the equipment online free of charge. They already replaced a broken

part during the visit.

Other donations brought by the visiting team from Stanford University and University of California Los Angeles [UCLA] were IR supplies which included catheters, stents, sheaths, biopsy needles, embolization particles and A viattor Tips stent among others.

These donations will supplement what the Radiology Department has, and increase accessibility of IR clinical service by many of KNH patients.

A number of IR training Institutions in the USA and Europe still do not have the equipment so it is a great milestone to have it in Kenya.

Furthermore, the doctors and trainees doing IR procedures will greatly enhance their clinical skills, translating to excellent patient care and outcomes. This has far reaching positive health impact to patients in the country and the region. There are already many referrals to KNH as a national referral hospital and an increased interest from potential trainees [fellows] and stake holders for the IR Programme.

KNH is on the path to becoming the centre of excellence in IR clinical service in the region. With the fast tracking of acquisition of a modern angio machine as the previous dilapidated one was decommissioned, all that is practiced on the simulator will be real as it is applied real time to the patients.

Dr. Peter Chacha Magabe is an IR Fellowship Training Programme Director and Lecturer, University of Nairobi

Dr. Rose Nyabanda, Director Health Information Services and Diagnostics (R), Dr. Peter Chacha Magabe, IR Fellowship Training Programme Director and Lecturer, UON (2nd R) when they received the Mentice IR simulator donated by RAD-AID International

The donors of the Mentice IR Simulator describing how the equipment works at the IR Unit

PHOTO| STEVE ARWA

Who takes care of Paediatric Oncology patients caregivers?

By Elizabeth Wambui & Luke Kung’u

The cancer burden overwhelms not only patients but everyone involved in the care right from the medical teams down to the family level. All these have geared their efforts to cater to the patient’s needs and well-being. The question now remains; who takes care of caregivers?

To delve into the answers to the question, the Newsline team had a one-on-one interview with the Assistant Chief Nurse in charge of ward 3B, Ms. Florence Muthwii. The ward takes care of children between one (1) month and thirteen (13) years old who have been diagnosed with all types of cancer cases.

Kindly tell us what it feels like working in an Oncology Ward

It is a privilege to be here, working in a time of need. Our children to us are warriors against an unknown enemy. However, it can be overwhelming, we can be distressed, we shed tears, and we are at a loss for words. We watch the life of a child diagnosed with cancer, walking with their parent in the journey of treatment, many times as long as three years, with chances of both loss and cure. We become family to these patients.

What is the impact of Oncology care on personal well-being?

It is immeasurable. I can say it puts a smile on my face when a sick child gets to smile, to improve, it gives a sense of hope in life as well as the zeal to do more. However, when the outcome is negative, it can weigh down the healthcare worker to the point of questioning the meaning of caring, but these patients need support and care, if I don’t, who will? That question gives me the energy to

move on even after losing a patient after a long time of care. There is hope that comes as we take care and discharge, but there is pain that comes with loss.

We understand that in many instances there is loss of life and livelihood due to the cancer burden. How do you break this to the families and the caregivers?

In this ward, we admit confirmed cancer cases. Doctors are the ones that confirm the cases of cancer

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Assistant Chief Nurse in charge of ward 3B, Ms. Florence Muthwii.

outcomes. We believe it helps alleviate the pain of loss as it may not be easy, but we try our best to lighten the load.

There is an impact of working with family and getting to relate to these parents through the season.

Given the above, have you suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder emanating from the loss of a patient(s)?

Sometimes we release the patients and they come in for treatment as outpatients. Sometimes they are unable to come back, may end up relapsing and come in worse and we end up losing them. We have had many losses that have touched us. Many people believe that healthcare workers are used to loss. But we mourn these patients, and every time we narrate the story of how it happened it brings us tears of pain of loss. Death is still painful and never something you can get used to.

We feel that for a long time, however with time and each other’s support we get the strength to continue. We encourage each other, and we pray. I remember one instance where a doctor was called to resuscitate a dying child. It tugged her heart so much that she said,’ I don’t think I’ll get a child, if this is how a child may end up, I would rather stay without one,’ that is trauma.

God is the one that gives us the strength to move on, all of us are flesh

and blood. Sometimes some of the health workers that work here, may transfer the trauma to their children. We find that they may relate the simplest cases of say flu symptoms to cancer due to the trauma of working with such young souls. If in the affirmative, what help/ support did you get from the institution or any other organization?

KNH offers debriefing sessions for stress management, grief, and loss. The last time they came, we had lost a baby who was a refugee and had just won asylum in the US, he was to fly out of the country. He was to receive a bone-marrow transplant but he did not make it. It was supposed to be a success story. So many of us were so ready to give up, but these debriefing sessions offer us support and with it, we were able to get strong and get back to serving others.

The amount of work involved in oncology patient care is insurmountable but you are equal to the task. Do you feel like you receive due appreciation, compensation, or remuneration for your work?

What I can say is that KNH is a good employer and it is an honor to serve these children under the umbrella of KNH. Otherwise, I feel we are very well supported by the hospital.

What incentives do you think can improve your career as an oncologist?

We have had to learn most things on the job when it comes to patient care. Last year, a good number of the nurses had online classes from global hope and a Netherlands-based university which is a great support that has been brought in, this helps improve the care we give. I believe more and more extra training will help us serve our children better and will boost morale and motivate us further.

Besides the knowledge and skill, we are still people living normal life even here in KNH. I believe we should get the support of team building. This will enable us to get out of the Hospital, and discuss more than just leukemia and lymphoma. We can just have fun, rejuvenate and motivate ourselves to leave the weight of work at work and just focus on the self.

Continued engagement with the well-wishers, who donate in cash and are kind to the children; they help make our lives easier as well as give hope to the ailing children.

Your parting shot.

Team work is key in pediatric oncology care.

Ms. Florence Muthwii holds a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing, Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Higher Diploma in Accidents and Emergency nursing. She has also undertaken short courses in lactation management, Oncology Nursing, and Leadership and Management in health.

Are you spending more than you earn?

The intern’s experience

By Bernice Njeri & Elizabeth Wambui

By Luke Kung’u

Fathom this; you are a proud employee in the best referral hospital in East and Central Africa and earning a modest income but by mid-month, you have spent almost all of the hard-earned cash.

There is an incessant need to get an extra coin to mitigate upcoming needs. You get the money and is spent in almost an instant. So you borrow more. By the end month, you are indebted front, back, right, and center; all the salary ends up paying the debts.

There is a catch to this, it is a never-ending circus and a deep debt trap. If it goes unchecked, then it will run year in and year out until the retirement stage.

How does one get out of the debt trap? Some will say a side hustle will suffice but it also comes with responsibilities and also accrues running charges as well as tax. In the worst-case scenario, mismanagement may lead to the loss of the side hustle and with it all the invested money. There are better and more definite ways of securing hard-earned income.

Fast forward, one is used to a definite daily routine, waking up, getting to work, and getting paid. Life is sweet. Wait until retirement beckons and there is little to your

name.

The usual long-time routine is abruptly halted. Retirement is nigh and imminent. You have plans laid ahead. The first few days, weeks, or months are blissful. You reminisce on what a person you have been and justify the luxurious spending and soft life. As time passes by you realize that the account is dwindling and there is a need to input more.

Unfortunately, you have a lot of time to do so many things but you lack the energy and vigor to do much. Somehow life has to continue, daily expenses do not stop simply because you are a retiree.

Societal expectations are still the same, so there is a need for plan B. This ultimate plan is saving, and it has to start from day one of employment. Save as much as is necessary and according to individual goals. That income needs to be converted to wealth and in a way that one is conversant with, if not, then there will always be people offering their advice, and remember some will be aiming to swindle you.

Once you turn the income into wealth, then there is a need to safeguard it; there is no property to a dead person.

This will determine who gets what and the best way to execute this is through a will that is renewed every couple of years like five-year intervals

Name: Grace Wanjiku Kimani

Department: Supply Chain Management Department

Tasks: Preparation of quotations, dispatching of quotation letters to suppliers of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), and Writing of Local Purchasing Orders (L.P.O)

Three things you’ve learned about KNH:

KNH staff are caring and open to sharing opportunities and ideas with interns.

It was initially called King George VI hospital before Kenya gained independence.

It has a good online system that enables people and organizations to access different services, e.g. the suppliers.

How has the internship added value to you?

It has opened up my mind and pushed me to strive to work harder. I have gained effective social skills to interact with people of different backgrounds. Future plan: I would love to become a procurement officer in an organization. I would also like to become an entrepreneur to give employment opportunities to the unemployed and less fortunate.

Parting shot: To the attaches, they should ensure that they gain marketable skills and learning experiences before they finish their attachment. They should also learn to respect the staff and their peers. To KNH, thank you for this opportunity to learn in the organization. In the end, I will gain the necessary skills to help me in the future.

PHOTO |STOCK Balance between income and expenses

following laid down procedures. This will ensure that the right people get the right property upon your demise.

In realization of the challenges faced by many employees, KNH staff retirement benefits scheme (DC), as well as staff superannuation scheme (DB), carried out a four days’ pension member education and retirement planning training from 14th-15th February and 16th-17th February 2023 consecutively, at the National Nurses Association of Kenya building conference hall.

The training covered topics on scheme service structure, preretirement planning, retiree life experience, personal financial management as well as estate planning.

KNH Pension Scheme: Who is eligible to join?

By Chebet Kwemoi & Priscah Angwenyi

1. Who is eligible?

An eligible employee under the scheme rules means a full-time permanent employee of the Sponsor.

2. What are the other saving avenues/options (permanent/ contract)?

Employees employed under contract terms are not eligible to join the KNH pension scheme but can join Individual Pension Schemes that have been licensed with the Retirement Benefits Authority. These types of funds are available even for people who are not employed or work within the informal sector.

3. How far can one go with a pension?

A pension is payable for lifeproviding insurance against longevity risk. You retire at age 60 and start earning a pension today, the amount will be paid to you even if you live to 100 years.

4. Nomination of Beneficiaries

A beneficiary is an individual who

will receive all or part of your benefits in the unfortunate event of your death and should be carefully selected. It is important to ensure that your beneficiary information is accurate and up to date.

What does the Law say?

The Retirement Benefits Act, of 1997 provides for treatment of death

benefits as indicated below:

“Upon the death of a member of a scheme, the benefit payable from the scheme SHALL NOT FORM part of the estate of the member for administration and shall be paid out by the trustees in accordance with the scheme rules.”

The Retirement Benefits

PHOTO | KENYANWALLSTREET

(Occupational Retirement Benefits Schemes) Regulations 2000 states that;

“The scheme rules shall provide that upon the death of a member the benefits payable from the scheme shall be paid to the nominated beneficiary and if the deceased member had not named a beneficiary, then the trustees shall exercise their discretion in the distribution of the benefits to the dependents of the deceased member:

Provided that the trustees may refuse to pay the nominated beneficiary and the reasons for such refusal shall be recorded.”

What to consider when completing the form?

• Who is dependent on you?

• Who will suffer most if you are not there today?

• How should the benefits be split among your beneficiaries adding up to 100%?

• If you have beneficiaries who are minors, who will the guardian be?

• How much money is available for your beneficiaries?

Updating the beneficiary form is encouraged in the following events:

i. You change your status; say you were single and you are now married with kids. The same case applies if you were married and now divorced

ii. Upon the unfortunate death of your listed beneficiary

Take charge and nominate your beneficiaries today. Ask yourself “Why would you let other people decide who will be paid your hard-earned savings?”

To nominate your beneficiaries, kindly get a form for completion at the Pensions Office.

5. What is the importance of pension?

Pension helps to maintain and sustain the standard of living after retirement. It enables one to cater to basic needs, for example, food, housing, and medical needs, and provides a safety net as you no longer have any monthly salary or allowance, even more, no insurance benefits.

Why a retirement plan?

Wisdom from the Bible on Planning Ahead

Proverbs 13:16 “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it!”

Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Most people currently struggle with their existing salaries, hence

one can only imagine how they will struggle with no salary at all. In this case, one needs to plan for retirement to avoid the “Future You” coming to give the “Present You” a piece of their mind.

Reasons you should plan for retirement:

i. Ensure consistency in your lifestyle

ii. Financial independence in retirement regardless of the impact of inflation

iii. People are tending to live longer due to advances in technology and medicine

iv. Increase in expenses in old age especially medical expense

v. Have peace of mind

the standard of living after retirement. It enables one to cater to basic needs, for example, food, housing, and medical needs, and provides a safety net as you no longer have any monthly salary or allowance, even more, no insurance benefits.

PHOTO | LUKE KUNG’U A facilitator sensitizing KNH members of staff on the importance of saving for retirment in a recent concluded Pension Member Education and Retirement planning training

“Pension helps to maintain and sustain

Culture change: Top marks for KPCC Customer Care Committee

By Petterson Njogu & Christine Mukami

The KNH Prime Care Centre (KPCC) Customer Care Committee is essentially a group of individuals who are responsible for overseeing and improving the quality of customer service provided to patients, their families, and visitors.

The committee typically includes a multi-disciplinary team within KPCC; such as nursing, administration, finance, marketing & communication, catering, housekeeping, health records, and public health.

As far as culture change is concerned, the committee ensures that the needs and expectations of patients are met. Some of the techniques the committee uses to spearhead this include;

Identifying customer care gapsthe customer care committee spots where customer care is lacking at KPCC, once the gap is identified the committee works closely with the hospital management to come up with solutions to address them.

Communication- the committee continually improves communication within the hospital by ensuring that all staff is aware of the importance of customer care. The committee also communicates directly with

patients to understand their needs and expectations.

Complaints & Complimentsthe committee also ensures that complaints and feedback are handled in a timely and effective manner, it also ensure that patients are kept informed of the progress of their complaints.

In terms of spearheading customer satisfaction, the committee;

• Sets customer service standards; these standards should be adhered to and are meant to ensure that every patient is treated with respect and receive high-quality healthcare.

• Providing customer care training; the committee organizes regular training sessions for KPCC staff to improve customer service skills.

• Recognizing and rewarding excellent customer service; in the recent past, the KPCC customer care committee has gone the extra mile in recognizing and rewarding staff members who provide excellent customer service. This helps in motivating staff members to provide the best possible care to patients.

During the recently held Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2023) at KPCC, patients

and relatives received special treatment, thanks to the KPCC Customer Care Committee. NBU, wards 9A, 10C, Corporate Outpatient Centre (COC), and Daycare Oncology received assorted items from Harley’s Limited.

Staff members and patients received Valentine’s love notes containing heartwarming messages. “Today was very special. KPCC has touched my heart, I feel loved and appreciated”, said Peter Odhiambo, a nurse at Staff Clinic.

Also, KPCC section heads spread love and appreciation to their teams by sharing sweets and fostering a warm and joyful atmosphere.

The spirit of Valentine’s Day was felt at KPCC as the Customer Care Committee and Staff shared a cake with the pediatric patients. It was a delightful surprise that brought smiles to the children’s faces.

Concluding the day, Ms. Doris Kimbui- Manager of Nursing and Clinical Service at KPCC expressed her gratitude towards the Customer Care Committee for putting together a wonderful and well-organized event. “We appreciate the KPCC Customer Care Committee for creating a great experience for our staff and patients on Valentine’s Day.”

PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU

KPCC Customer Care Committee (pictured) plays an integral role in improving the overall quality of care and ensure that patients feel valued and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Demystifying the BD Facslyric Flow Cytometry System

By Joel Stephen Mukaya

This is a new machine that will assist hematologists to diagnose and manage patients with hematological disorders. The equipment is a new standard for cell analysis, that has transformed the operations and relevance of the hematology laboratory.

Flow Cytometry (FC) is a technique used to detect and measure the physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles. In this process, a sample containing cells or particles is suspended in a fluid and injected into the flow cytometer instrument. The sample is focused to ideally flow one cell at a time through a laser beam, where the light scattered is characteristic of the cells and their components. Cells are often labeled with fluorescent markers so that light is absorbed and then emitted in a band of wavelengths. Tens of thousands of cells can be quickly examined and the data gathered are processed by a computer.

Flow cytometry is routinely used in basic research, clinical practice, and clinical trials. Uses for flow cytometry include: Cell counting, cell sorting, determining

cell characteristics and function, detecting microorganisms, biomarker detection, protein engineering detection, diagnosis of health disorders such as blood cancers, and measuring genome size.

A flow cytometry analyzer is an instrument that provides quantifiable data from a sample. Other instruments using flow cytometry include cell sorters which physically separate and thereby purify cells of interest based on their optical properties. The machine will come in handy to fulfill the requirements of high speed, broad applicability at diagnosis and follow-up, and accurate focus on the malignant cell population using membrane-bound and intracellular proteins as targets. Some of the conditions that will be easy to diagnose and manage includes; Acute myeloid leukemia/ myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/ MDS), Chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD), Chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (T-CLPD), Chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (NK-CLPD), Plasma cell disorders (PCD), myeloproliferative disorder (MPD), paroxysmal nocturnal

hemoglobinuria (PNH), blast crisis (BC), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).

The following panels will be available to facilitate diagnosis; A LOT (Acute Leukemia Orientation Tube), LST (Lymphoid screening tube), PCST (Plasma Cell Screening

Tube), SST (Small Sample Tube), BCP-ALL (B-cell precursor), T-ALL (T- cell precursor)

Sebia Hydrasys 2 Scan Focusing

Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins. The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma,

BD Facslyric Flow Cytometry System

or multiple myeloma. Myeloma affects white blood cells called plasma cells in the bone marrow. Protein electrophoresis also tests for other proteins and antibodies (immunoglobulins).

The protein electrophoresis test is also used to diagnose other conditions affecting the plasma cells. These include Waldenström macroglobulinemia, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and primary amyloidosis.

Protein electrophoresis can also be used to help diagnose; thyroid problems, diabetes, anemia, liver diseases, poor nutrition or inability to absorb nutrients, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Sebia’s semi-automated agarose gel electrophoresis systems are designed to automate the many tedious steps involved in traditional electrophoresis and immunofixation testing. The HYDRASYS are compact systems that carry out all phases of electrophoresis — from sample application to migration, to incubation, to staining, destaining, and drying. The walkaway nature of the agarose gel electrophoresis systems provides substantial labor and cost savings to clinical laboratories.

The semi-automated electrophoresis systems are designed for efficiency — two different types of gels can be processed simultaneously. Gel processing is performed on the compact electrophoresis systems with a throughput of 162 proteins, 45 hemoglobins, or 18 immunofixations in just one hour. Various gel configurations are available to accommodate a wide range of sample volumes; the HYDRASYS and HYDRASYS 2 agarose gel electrophoresis systems adapt to any size and type of workload. Utilizing patented methodologies for sample and antisera application, assay resolution and sensitivity is greatly enhanced. With the FOCUSING option, the agarose gel electrophoresis systems are also equipped with a high-voltage module allowing for isoelectric focusing (IEF) testing to be performed.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens (markers) in a sample of tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye. After the antibodies bind to the antigen in the

tissue sample, the enzyme or dye is activated, and the antigen can then be seen under a microscope. Immunohistochemistry is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used to help tell the difference between different types of cancer.

The acquisition of the IHC Ventana machine is a great step for Knh as we endeavor to offer specialized treatment to our clients. The machine comes with the following advantages; Workflow efficiency through remote connectivity, fewer instrument touchpoints, software interface usability, on-instrument run management capabilities, electronic inventory management, quality assurance, useful reporting metrics, over 200 assays in key disease areas, including high medical value assays.

KNH –Histology Laboratory has prioritized the following assays to commence testing in the current financial year (2022-2023); estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki 67, HER 2, CD3, CD 20, CD 45, BCL2, CKAE, P63, CD30, Desmin, CD117, CK7, and CK20. The test menu will be expanded on a need basis as the machine can handle up to 200 assays.

IHC Ventana machine

Our story in Pictures

PHOTO | COURTESY

A group of representatives from KNH/UON staff who were presentto receive Mentice Interventional Radiology Simulator donated by RAD-AID International

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Kenyatta Prime Care Centre ( KPCC) Ward 9C Group during their team building event

PHOTO | LUKE KUNG’U Mr. Eric Bett giving a talk on retiree life experience

PHOTO | PHILIP ETYANG

Dr. Balpreet Matharu Club President, Lions Club Nairobi, Dagoretti hands over a gift hamper to a cancer patient at Ward 1E. The Club donated several gifts to the children’s cancer ward on 23/02/2023

PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA

His Grace, the Arch-Bishop Ack Diocese of Nairobi placing Anointing Oil to patients during the celebration of the mass of the day of the sick

PHOTO | LUKE KUNG’U Board Chair Dr. Samier Muravvej leads a team of management and staff on an inspection tour of various projects at KNH

Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Society building capacity in imaging healthcare

By Linnette Leyi

Ultrasound technology has traditionally been used as an imaging test using high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body.

It is usually done by radiologists. In the last two decades, clinicians who are not radiologists have been using it in basic functions of diagnosis to help in making clinical decisions.

The method has become more popular over the last two decades since the equipment has become more portable, affordable, and available.

This technology is also relatively new and many doctors have not received such training while in medical school. However, the Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Society tries to bridge that gap.

POCUS Society is a Canadian organization that offers globally recognized certifications for healthcare providers to independently validate their POCUS knowledge, application, and proficiency.

Through a collaboration with Kenyatta National Hospital, the Society offered training and certification to thirty (30) practitioners namely consultants, registrars, medical officers from KNH, Nairobi Hospital, and MP Shah.

The course which is standardized and internationally recognized not only teaches the practitioners how to use the technology and improve their practice but also how to train others.

This helps build capacity at KNH as well as other hospitals. The course, which is offered at least once every year ran from 6th to 19th February 2023 at KPCC Daycare Centre.

Speaking to Newsline, Dr. Anne Mugire, a Cardiologist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) highlighted the benefits of practitioners taking the course.

“A clinician can use available ultrasound equipment during bedside examination to make a better, quicker, and more accurate diagnosis. There is no need to send a patient for an X-Ray which is a time-consuming procedure,” she said.

“It is also more accurate, for example in pneumonia,” she added. It will be very useful, especially in acute units like Accident and Emergency, ICUs, and theatres for both the pediatric and adult population.

Deirdre Druffy-trainer from POCUS, explained further: “A doctor can look for a specific thing that will make immediate differences to management without having to send patients for other time-consuming procedures. The program will be beneficial because practitioners make use of already available ultrasound machines to do more functions hence better management of diseases at no added costs.”

The Academy has been offering training in Kenya since 2019

with Kenyatta National Hospital specialists benefitting from the rigorous training offered at subsidized charges.

Internal medicine resident Dr. Catherine Thuita described the course as very intensive, with classes running from 7 am to 6 pm. “The instructors were very thorough, and thanks to them I’ve learned a lot. I am now able to rule out diagnosis at the bedside, hence reducing the time lag as witnessed when getting investigations done,” she said.

POCUS Society partners with various constituents through rigorous assessments, continual learning opportunities, and community building around important topics relevant to POCUS.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

One of the instructors (left) and a trainee analyzing an Ultrasound Image

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

POCUS team and the trainees posing for a photograph after a session

KNH celebrates World Day of the Sick

By Melody Ajiambo

On 15th February 2023, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) commemorated the World Day of Sick.

This year’s theme was ‘KNH family, show mercy as our God is merciful.’ His Grace, Archbishop Philip Anyolo from the Archdiocese of Nairobi, presided over the event.

He led the mass celebration that was held in the Catholic Chapel at KNH.

Dr. Irene Inwani, Senior Director of Clinical Services, and Dr. Lydia Okutoyi, Director of Health Care Quality attended the mass.

While giving her speech, Dr. Inwani emphasized the need to support patients every day, “Good health is the absence of physical, mental spiritual and social affliction. So, in essence, no one in the world is not sick. We should treat each other with kindness every day as we would on the World Day of The Sick,” she said.

With proper guidelines and clearance from the doctors, several patients attended the mass alongside KNH staff. KNH Catholic St. Camillus choir entertained the congregation with song and dance during the mass.

Mrs. Rose Wafubwa, Deputy Chief Nurse- Administration, was the chairperson of the organizing committee. She thanked all the departments and their

representatives who played different roles in ensuring the event was a success.

His Grace Archbishop Philip Anyolo sincerely expressed his gratitude towards all the healthcare workers for their self-sacrificing spirit and their hard work in treating the patients.

He acknowledged that they are God’s instruments on earth used to touch the lives of the patients seeking medical attention at KNH.

“You are doing the work of our Lord Jesus Christ just as we celebrate the World Day of the Sick today,” he said as he concluded.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

His Grace Philip Anyolo, the Archbishop of the archdiocese of Nairobi while conducting a mass at the catholic chapel, KNH on world Day of the Sick. “ I thank God for all of you. The role you play in service to patients that come to KNH is highly appreciated.” said the Archbishop while addressing the KNH family during mass.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

The CEO of KNH, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS, receiving the Archbishop of the Nairobi archdiocese, His Grace Philip Anyolo who graced the celebrations of World Day of The Sick as the chief guest.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

His Grace, Archbishop Philip Anyolo (centre) with the organizing committe World Day of the sick 2023 after the event

Healing Hearts with love; MMUH Staff treat their patients to a Valentine’s Special

By Effie Sande Mboya

Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital (MMUH) staff shared their love with their patients on this year’s Valentine’s Day, by showering them with gifts and flowers.

The staff drawn from all cadres, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, went above and beyond to make sure their patients felt special on the day of love. From delivering flowers to singing heartfelt songs, the staff made sure to make the patients feel loved and appreciated.

Mr. Fredrick Muthusi, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at MMUH, noted that the gesture was the MMUH staff way of making our patients feel special on Valentine’s Day.

“We know that being in the hospital can be a difficult experience, and we wanted to make sure our patients knew that we care about them and are here to support them,” said Mr. Muthusi

The staff also shared a special

Valentine’s Day cake amongst themselves to commemorate the day.

A patient’s parent, Ms. Christine Kisimba, noted: “I was so touched by

the kindness and thoughtfulness of the staff at MMUH. They made me feel special, and I am so grateful for their care and support.”

The staff at MMUH are dedicated to making sure their patients feel loved and supported, and their efforts on Valentine’s Day were just one way of showing their appreciation.

PHOTO | EFFIE SANDE MMUH Staff ready to surprise their patients

PHOTO | EFFIE SANDE

MR. Fredrick Muthusi, assistant Chief Nursing Officer at MMUH giving a rose to a patient

PHOTO | EFFIE SANDE Patients porter, Ms. Sharon spreading the love

Uwanjani: Miamba wa KNHFC wazidi kung’ara

Klabu ya mpira wa miguu ya Kenyatta National Hospital Football Club (KNHFC), chini ya ukufunzi wa mwanasoka na kocha mwenye kipaji cha hali ya juu Bwana George Makambi, imeendelea kutifua kivumbi uwanjani na kuibuka kuwa bingwa kwa mechi na hata kujinyakulia pointi kadhaa kwenye michuano ya ligi ya Nairobi mashariki, daraja la pili.

Haya yaliibuka mnamo tarehe tano mwezi wa pili mwakani ambapo wenyeji KNHFC waliwaalika klabu ya Kayole Youngsters kwa mechi iliyochezewa uwanja wa Strathmore Sports Complex.

Katika kindumbwendumbwe hicho, timu ya Kayole Youngsters iliambulia patupu, ilhali KNHFC ilijipatia mabao mawili yaliyotiwa wayani na kiungo Ben Saingo katika dakika ya thelathini na tisa, ikifuatwa na ya Cliff Odhiambo mnamo dakika ya hamsini na tano. Golikipa James Muimi alitia kimyani bao la mwisho kupitia mkwanju wa penalti, na kudidimiza uwezo wa wapinzani wao kujipatia hata moja la kufutia machozi.

Kwa mwaliko wa timu ya Utafiti FC, KNHFC waliwatoa kijasho chembamba kwenye mechi

iliyochezewa uwanjani Kari, Muguga

wakati walifunga mabao mawili na Utafiti wakafutia machozi kwa bao moja. Cliff Odhiambo, mwenye smaku ya kufunga mabao, alitia kimyani bao la kwanza katika dakika ya thelathini na tisa ilhali Charles Mbogo aliweka mkwanju mkikimkiki dakika ya sabini na mbili likiwa bao la pili.

Kwa mechi tatu ambazo KNHFC imecheza imeweza kuijipatia alama sita kwa mujibu wa chama cha mpira wa miguu nchini FKF. Hili ni

dhimbitisho kamili kuwa miamba wa kandanda wanaendelea kupeperusha bendera ya hospitali kuu ya rufaa ya Kenyatta juu, hata ingawa wanakumbwa na changamoto kadhaa.

Mechi inayofuata itakuwa kati ya KNHFC na Umulqura FC uwanjani Strathmore Sports Complex mnamo tarehe kumi na tisa mwezi huu. Tupatane uwanjani.

Wachezaji wa timu ya mpira wa miguu KNHFC walionyakua alama tisa kwa jumla baada ya mechi nne

Na Bw. Luke Kung’u

PICHA | GEORGE MAKAMBI

PICHA | GEORGE MAKAMBI

KNH FC katika mchuano wa ligi ya Nairobi Mashariki daraja la pili

Positive mentions from KNH socials

By Luke Kung’u

Comic Zone

Laughter, the best medicine!!

By Edel Q. Mwende

A priest dies and goes to Heaven

As he’s waiting for his turn at the pearly gates, he notices a sign saying that each individual’s experience in eternity will depend on how they have impacted people’s lives on Earth. This sight pleases him as his occupation is highly regarded in the Christian faith, so the pinnacle of heavenly bliss is all but assured for him.

The man standing in front of him is a cab driver, who looks quite unkempt, has terrible body odor, and speaks in very crude language.

The priest scoffs at the sight of him, fully expecting him to get the bare-bones treatment, if not sent to hell.

Once it’s the cab driver’s turn, St. Peter opens his book, and says “Because of your great impact on Earth, I’m assigning you a beautiful mansion on a hill that overlooks the ocean.” The priest, although shocked at hearing what the cab driver was given, became quite excited, thinking to himself “If such scum can earn a reward so grand, I can’t begin to imagine what will be given to me!”

As the priest approached the gates, St. Peter opened his book, found the priest’s name, and said “Father, because of your limited impact on Earth, you are assigned a ground-floor studio apartment within the inner city that has a view of the building across the street and nothing more.”

“LIMITED?!” The priest furiously thought to himself. Upon hearing this news, he took a moment to regain his composure and said to St. Peter: “My lord, being a pious man of God I will not dispute the decision of my eternal fate set by the forces that I have dedicated my earthly life to serving, but I must ask, why give me such poor treatment while the cab driver is treated so highly?”

St. Peter answered: “Father, the cab driver’s violent driving caused each one of his passengers to pray and make peace with God should they perish. Whenever you, however, gave your sermons, all your congregation did was fall asleep.”

There was an elderly couple who, in their old age, noticed that they were getting a lot more forgetful. So, they decided to go to the doctor.

The doctor told them that they should start writing things down so they don’t forget. They went home and the old lady told her husband to get her a bowl of ice cream. “You might want to write it down,” she said. The husband said, “No, I can remember that you want a bowl of ice cream.” She then told her husband she wanted a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream. “Write it down,” she told him, and again he said, “No, no, I can remember: you want a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream.” Then the old lady said she wants a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top. “Write it down,” she told her husband and again he said, “No, I got it. You want a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top.” So he goes to get the ice cream and spends an unusually long time in the kitchen, over 30 minutes. He comes out to his wife and hands her a plate of eggs and bacon. The old wife stares at the plate for a moment, then looks at her husband and asks, “Where’s the toast?”

Inspirational

Quotes

1. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”

-Jim Rohn

2. “Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.” -Unknown.

3. “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!” -Dr. Seuss.

4. “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”-Julia Child.

5. “Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated.” -Russel Warren.

6. “Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.”- Brian Tracy.

7. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” -Abraham Lincoln

8. “Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” -Isabelle Lafleche

9. “If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.” -Elon Musk