KNH NEWSLINE ED 12 2020

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NEWSLINE We Listen, We Care

Issue 12.

07/17/2020

The Preemie ‘Battlefield’ Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – Ward 9C Neonatal Nurses Speak Out

By Sheila Murithi

M

otherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have.When a mother delivers a preterm baby, the baby will likely need a longer hospital stay in a special nursery unit.

Depending on how much care the baby requires, he or she may be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Doctors and a specialized team of nurses with training in taking care of preterm babies are available to assist with the preemies.

The NICU health care team in KNH helps the parents understand what is needed and what the baby’s care plan will be. The more time spent in the NICU, the more it appears as a battlefield; the babies are soldiers fighting for their lives, intrepid little warriors, and the nurses are the sergeants, devising the battle strategy ensuring victory is achieved.

Many success stories have emerged from this unit, cases like Baby Hope who was born at 400g and now is a young, healthy, and vibrant 9-yearold girl. Teamwork makes the dream work. We had the opportunity to interview part of the great team of neonatal nurses to understand what drives them. We had a group discussion with the nurses and asked a few questions to learn from the strength and passion they apply in their everyday jobs.

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NICU nurses attending to a preemie 1. What do you find rewarding about this job?

Phanice Teka, Neonatal Nurse: My joy is to see mothers take home happy healthy babies. The outcome of the care given here determines the welfare and growth of the baby.

Madam Charity Kibui, Nurse in Charge: Working with a team that is knowledgeable, willing, and capable to

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handle challenges is very encouraging.

The management support is great in terms of acquiring resources needed in the NICU. Nancy Mwangi: Neonatal Nurse: Interacting with the mothers, experiencing their struggle, and seeing their commitment is most rewarding.

They appreciate our efforts and some of them speak blessings upon our lives.

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Part of NICU Neonatal Nurses team holding on one of the preterm babies at unit during the interview by Newsline.

2. How does the team deal with someone who is not satisfied with patient care?

Charity Kabui, Nurse in Charge; First you have to listen to the parents, be empathetic with their situation then reassure them on the status of the child and the health care plan.

Take time to explain to the parents what is happening. Sometimes the parents panic because they just don’t understand what is going on but once they do then we can restore calmness.

3. How do you handle the stress of the job?

Phanice Teka, Neonatal Nurse: Verbalizing an issue and discussing among ourselves helps us to encourage each other and pull one another out of the demise. We also organize counseling sessions with the KNH Employee Assistance Program counselors. Talking it out helps us move on faster. A problem shared is half solved explains Madam Charity.

4. What do you feel is your greatest attribute as a NICU nurse?

Nancy Mwangi, Neonatal Nurse: Babies train you to be patient. When caring for them you have to move with their pace and not your own.

They react to their surrounding and if

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you are anxious they become anxious.

Phanice Teka, Neonatal Nurse: A positive mindset is important. It helps in reassuring the parents and convincing them it can be done because it has been done before and babies in worse situations have come out alive and healthy.

5. What is most challenging about being a NICU nurse?

Phanice Teka, Neonatal Nurse: Being present for the preemies through the night can be challenging as you have to be awake and be keen to monitor any changes. The staff with young families also find it challenging as they miss out on some of the milestones their young ones make when they are at work.

Nancy Mwangi: Neonatal Nurse:

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Most parents want perfect babies and anything short of that is a problem. Trying to change their perception and help them accept that their current state is temporary and that it will improve is an uphill task, but very doable.

Charity Kabui, Nurse in Charge: Shortage of staff can also pose a major challenge.

The nurse: baby ratio also contributes to the nurses feeling ove r w h e l m e d .

Currently, there are about two nurses per shift to manage NICU. The nurses are prone to burnout and job-related stress.

However, the team tries to support one another and ensure that patient care is not compromised.”

Even during those overwhelming experiences, this team put in their all to make sure the babies grow Lilian Kiilu, a Kenya stronger or heal and can go Registered Neonatal home with their families.

Nurse

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A team of Researchers Demystifying Covid-19 through Webinars at KNH The demand and response to these Webinars have been massive – Dr. Kinuthia

By Ngure Jacqueline When the Covid-19 virus broke out in China late last year, little was known about it.Just what causes it? How is it spread? What are its symptoms?

What measures should be taken to stop its spread? Does it have a cure?

These are some of the questions that continue to linger in the minds of researchers, scientists, and medics as well, who have been working overdrive to find a cure for the pandemic that has claimed the lives of thousands of people worldwide.

The fact that Covid-19 had not been experienced in the world before, many have been eager to know more about it.

“We felt it was necessary for us came together as Kenyatta National Hospital and The University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences and educate our staff about the virus. We therefore began conducting webinars for our staff that addressed all aspects of COVID-19,” says Dr. John Kinuthia, Head of Research and Programs.

He adds: “These aspects include Personal Protective Equipment as well as testing & treatment guidelines. We have theme days that addresses the mental and psychosocial needs of healthcare workers.”

Research And Programmes The response and demand for webinars Dr. Kinuthia, notes have been massive. He says healthcare workers from across the country have been logging into the webinars and sharing their experiences.

“Patients and other international healthcare workers in regions that have been hit hard by the pandemic have also been invited to share their experiences, thereby enriching the

knowledge of the Kenyan frontline workers,” says Dr. Kimani.

As a result, he says, healthcare workers are much more confident now when dealing with COVID-19 cases than they were four months ago.

Additionally, there is the rational use of PPEs among healthcare workers compared to the situation at the beginning where everybody

wanted a hazmat suit.

Importantly, support groups for the healthcare workers on the frontline have emerged from these platforms and this now ensures that their psychosocial welfare is addressed.

The better practice has indeed been enabled by the sharing of experiences and ensured minimal infections among HCWs delivering muchneeded care.

Central Kenya awaits New Dawn as KNH Othaya branding begins ahead of launch

By Julius Ita A popular Kikuyu saying - “Mundu ni Nguo,” loosely translated in English, means a person’s image is dependent on his physical appearance.

And so Kenyatta National Hospital-

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Othaya has embarked on just that a massive rebranding exercise that will see its buildings get a massive face-lift.

The exercise, according to acting Director Dr. Peter Muiruri has been long overdue and affirms the vision he has for the hospital.

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“What we want to transform this facility into a center of excellence, providing specialized quality healthcare services to patients in the Mount Kenya region,” Dr. Muiruri told Newsline.

The rebranding, he explains, entails the painting of the buildings

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http://www.knh.or.ke with the official Kenyatta National Hospital colors – Bermuda Blue, Soft White, and Cornflower Blue.

It’s a much-needed facelift, as the hospital has had an identity crisis.

Patients and other clients have known the hospital as Mwai Kibaki Teaching & Referral Hospital, then Othaya Level Six hospital.

Kenyatta National Hospital - Othaya building being painted as the hospital undergoes a rebranding process.

KNH Clubfoot Clinic - from “club” to foot

By Linnette Leyi

with the defect.

“Other risk factors include It is every parent’s wish to birth a family history, smoking during perfectly healthy baby. pregnancy, not enough amniotic However, healthy children are fluid during pregnancy, and using sometimes born with some defects, illicit or unprescribed drugs during clubfoot being one of them. As pregnancy,” he says in an interview the name suggests, clubfoot is with Newsline. characterized by a club-shaped foot.

“The defect is, however, treatable This is a birth defect in which a and it can be corrected without baby’s foot is twisted out of surgery…If left untreated, clubfoot shape or position. It could leads to serious problems like affect one or both feet and arthritis, inability to walk can be mild or severe. normally, and poor self-image It is the most common because of the crooked congenital orthopaedic appearance of the feet,” he condition. adds.

The causes of this Mr. Mayaka highly condition are, however, not recommends early known, but various risk intervention, stating factors contribute that the clinic to its occurrence. starts treatment Mr. Emmanuel for newborns Mayaka, the from as early Clubfoot Clinic as two weeks Team leader, after birth. explains that “We start male children correction are more with casting susceptible which is Mr. Emmanuel Mayaka to being born changed KNH Clubfoot Clinic team leader

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weekly for five to seven weeks, after which we use Ponseti AFO Brace to avoid relapse,” said the Orthopaedic expert. The brace is changed as the child and feet grow.

“The child will then use the brace for three years within which the defect on the foot will have been corrected.”

Most people are not aware that the defect can be remedied, thus they hide their children for fear of stigmatization and discrimination.

KNH Clubfoot Clinic which runs every Thursday offers affordable treatment for this condition and helps patients to walk and lead normal lives.

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PICTORIAL

CEO KNH Dr. Evanson Kamuri (left) sharing a word with Israel Ambassador H.E. Oded Joseph as he handed over a donation of Medical Equipment to KNH.

From left DDCS Julia Tsinanga, HOD HR/ADMIN - Martha Manyala and DDCOS Zabblon Gichaba listen keenly to the proceedings during the Strategic planning and performance contract 2020/2021 workshop held in KNH Othaya.

The newly painted Othaya administration block. KNH Othaya is currently being rebranded and 70 percent of the work is complete.

KNH Director AID Dr. Tom Menge (extreme right), Director Surgical Services Dr. K. Ondede and Eng. P. Chepkonga HOD Biomedical Technology (extreme left) receiving a donation of a VacStation from Dr. Benjamin Simiyu of Savemore Dental Supplies Ltd.

Mr. Benjamin Simiyu demonstrating how to operate a VacStation

Ms Carol Langat from planning department giving a presentation during the Strategic planning and performance contract 2020/2021 workshop held in KNH Othaya.

From right: KNH Othaya Director Dr. Peter Muiruri, Director Planning and Strategy Mr. Job Makanga and Senior Director Corporate Services Mr. Carylus Odiango follow proceeding in KNH Othaya.

From right: Agnes Chika (QAM), Susan Ngugi and Diana Chebet enjoy their appreciation cake during the Quality Assuarance celebration.

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KNH Biomedical department innovates an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser

By Sheila Murithi The Biomedical department has developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser. According to Engineer Patrick Chepkonga, who heads the department, it took them an entire month to put it together.

This, he says, includes conceptualizing, designing, and developing the prototype.

“The department contributed the funds to be used on the project and also dedicated their time and effort to work on it,” said Eng Chepkonga in an interview with Newsline.

The dispenser, he explains, has a ‘proximity infrared sensor’ which dispenses the sanitizer once a hand is placed at least 6cm away from the nozzle.

And the gadget was presented to the Hospital’s Executive Management Committee on July 9, 2020, which gave it a thumbs up.

The Committee, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri congratulated the team for the good work and challenged them to continue coming up with such innovations.

The team that came up with the gadget was led by Mr. Denis Mboka and Mr. Jasper Ayaye, both of whom are Medical Engineering Technologists.

Mr. Mboka says all the parts used to put together the gadget were all

From left: HOD BioMedical Engineering, Eng. Patrick Chepkonga, Medical Engineering Technologist Mr. Denis Mboka and Medical Engineering Technologist, Mr. Jasper Ayaye presenting the Hand Sanitizer Dispenser to KNH Management team

locally sourced. “They were bought in bits and pieces and assembled at our workshop,” says Mr. Mboka.

Mr. Ayaye on his part says; “The dispenser runs on 5 volts of electricity and can hold up to three liters of hand sanitizer. This can be refilled after one month in a moderately busy station.”

This, he says, clearly defines how efficient the dispenser is. He goes on: “ It is also effective in reducing crossinfection as you are not required to touch the gadget for it to dispense the sanitizer. Once you are close to it, it will dole out the sanitizer.”

Medical Engineering Technologist and Chairman of the project Mr. Denis Mboka, handing over the Hand Sanitizer Dispenser to KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri as a donation to the hospital

OUR VISION A world class patient-centered specialized care hospital

Inspirational Quotes

OUR MISSION To optimize patient experience through innovative healthcare; facilitate training and research; and participate in national health policy

“Believe you can and you are halfway there” ― Theodore Roosevelt

OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care

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“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” ― Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now “You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

To contribute or report on newsworthy items, please contact the Editorial team; Tel: +254 20 2726300-9 Ext. 43121 or 43969 Fax: +254 20 272572 Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com

Marketing & Communication Department Editorial Team: .D. Opiyo, H. Gikambi Stories: Sheila Murithi, Jacqueline Ngure, Julius Ita & Linnette Leyi.

Design By: C. Cheruiyot, Photos: Yvonne Gichuru & Nicholas Wamalwa Stay tuned for more news in the next issue of Newsline

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