KNH NEWSLINE ED 13 2021

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NEWSLINE We Listen, We Care

Issue 13.

02/07/2021

AUTOPSIES: When and why they are done An autopsy is a detailed dissection of a deceased person, done to determine why they died...Read On

By Godfrey Ekisa Osangir

O

ver the last 2500 years, as medicine moved from mystic art to proper science so did the field of pathology and the quest to figure out what a person’s body can tell us about how they died.

Autopsy is a medical term derived from the Greek word ‘autopsia’ which

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means ‘see with one’s own eyes.

It is a specialized and thorough surgical procedure that is done on the dead involving dissection and a detailed gross examination of organs, tissues, and fluids and serves as the gold standard in the practice of forensic pathology for the determination of the cause, mode, and manner of death.

An autopsy can reveal previously

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unknown, undiagnosed, and misdiagnosed medical conditions.

It also serves as a quality assurance tool for clinical medical practice and the prevention of medical error-associated death.

It is useful in the surveillance and diagnosis of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and documentation of the evolution and extent of chronic

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In the clinical setting, a hospital autopsy is an invaluable tool for clinicopathologic correlation and teaching as well as research.

Autopsy evolved from the traditional model of “seeing with one’s own eyes” to ‘virtual autopsy’ which is done through the interpretation of imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and computerized tomography(CT) scans.

Autopsy is interchangeably used with ‘postmortem examination’ which essentially means an examination of a dead body whereas an autopsy is a more intrusive procedure that involves a detailed internal bodily examination through dissection.

All autopsies are postmortem examinations but not vice versa.

Autopsies exist in two forms; clinical, medical, or hospital autopsy whose concern is death within a medical facility and where the surrounding circumstances do not require medicolegal investigation but which may still prompt questions regarding the efficacy of medical care. It attempts to describe the nature and extent of disease.

The other form of an autopsy is the medicolegal or forensic autopsy which is done under the auspices of the coroner, often bearing the state interest.

It aims at documenting the cause of death in the context of surrounding circumstances in a manner that assists in answering legal questions.

The forensic autopsy aims at obtaining evidence regarding unnatural, suspicious and sudden deaths such as in homicide, suicide, or accidents for use in a court of law.

In Kenya, other reasons for conducting a forensic autopsy are stipulated in the National Coroner’s Service Act No. 18 of 2017 as ‘reportable deaths’.

These include death under lawful custody, maternal deaths, and death during medical care. It, therefore, forms part of state investigations with the autopsy as part of it.

However, laws that govern autopsies exist such as those that govern the investigation of death (Inquest Act) like the Criminal procedure Code of Kenya, the Births and deaths Registration of Kenya Act, the Public Health act of Kenya, and the Human Tissues and Anatomy Acts of Kenya.

These laws provide for the proper and ethical conduct of autopsies and the handling of human tissues for the reasons that autopsies are indicated.

The process of autopsy involves obtaining consent before an autopsy is done followed by identification of a dead body.

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Knowledge of the medical history is of utmost importance before performing an autopsy, especially the clinical ones.

Dr. Bernard Owino - Senior Medical Specialist, Forensic Pathologist, KNH

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There can be a request for an autopsy by attending clinicians or the next of kin of a deceased person.

Consent is often assumed when it comes to forensic autopsies for it is a state directive. This is then followed by a detailed external and internal examination through dissection of the body and collection of specimens for further laboratory tests.

Identification of a dead body before an autopsy can be done presumptively through physical means by the deceased’s next of kin or through the use of fingerprints or molecular means such as DNA. The DNA mode of identification can be applied when there is excessive disfigurement or mutilation of the body, and in the event when the body is completely charred or burnt out.

Autopsies are done by pathologists.

Currently, there are about a hundred (100) pathologists nationally spread in different specializations with only three forensic pathologists, two of whom are based at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) under the Department of Laboratory Medicine and stationed at the Farewell Home Unit.

Kenyatta National Hospital performs both clinical and forensic autopsies which total to about 1500 cases annually.

According to Senior Medical Specialist, Forensic Pathologist, at KNH Farewell Home, Dr. Bernard Owino, the autopsies provide information for hospital and national decisionmaking and policy formulation.

They also serve for quality assurance inpatient management through mortality meetings.

“Covid-19 has occasioned special challenges in conducting autopsies posing a risk to staff, next of kin, and the public. Handling of dead bodies has been a challenge from the time of death to their ultimate disposition through cremation or interment, including handling during postmortem examination”, said Dr. Owino.

Sociocultural, economic, and religious challenges also abound. Acceptability of autopsy amongst some faiths like the Islamic and the myths surrounding autopsy are major impediments in conducting an autopsy.

Kenyatta National Hospital endeavors to conform to the dynamics surrounding autopsy conducting especially the government laid down acts and at the same time provide timely and accurate reporting of the autopsies done in serving its clients.

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The ABC of Autism…

Why fit in when you were born to stand out – We are all special

By Verah Mugambi Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affects different people in different ways. Some people can’t speak or learn.

Their behavior may seem strange; they may avoid other people; they may pace and move their bodies in unusual ways, like flapping their hands. They may repeat lines from TV shows or movies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopment disorders.

These disorders are characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

People with ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with a 4:1 male-to-female ratio.

ASD is found in individuals around the world, regardless of race, culture, or economic background.

“Children with autism develop all kinds of enthusiasm. Perhaps that focusing on one topic gives the child a sense of control, of predictability and security in a world that can be unpredictable and feel scary”, Dr. Bonface Kaimenyi Pediatric Occupational Therapist, at Kenyatta National Hospital told Newsline.

There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.

Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism compared to in neurotypical children.

The Newsline team met Joel an autistic child for the second time during his sessions at Occupational Therapy. His parents agreed to have an interview with us about his journey.

“Autism is part of my child; it’s not everything he is. My child is so much more than a diagnosis” Lucy Muthoni, Joel’s mother says.

“One day Joel’s father was reading a newspaper and it had an article on autism. I remember him bringing the paper and asking me to go through that specific story. Upon my reading just like him, we realized all the signs and symptoms of autistic kids, we have seen them in our son. At first, just like most mothers when something

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happens, I asked myself…why me, why us? This was the moment we started our journey of treatment”, she added with teary eyes.

“We went to his doctor, and we were referred to Kenyatta, Occupational Theraphy (OT) department. Before Covid, we used to have two sessions a week, but we now do one session per week,” she explained.

“Raising a normal kid is not easy; now imagine raising an autistic kid at “terrible two”. It’s been a rollercoaster and an emotionally draining process but for my kid. I will do it over and over again,” she continued.

“Since we started Joel’s therapy sessions here at KNH, our son has improved so much and there are notable positive changes, just the other day my friend came to visit and Joel started playing with him, something he never used to do.”

“I know there’s still a lot to be done but I believe I will accomplish it all

by God’s grace. Parents with autistic children especially boys, need a strong support system to even get through a day and I thank God, I have one, through baba Joel, my family, and a few of my friends,” Mrs. Muthoni concluded.

“Let us men support and be present for our kids, whether autistic or not, it’s the responsibility of both a mother and a father to protect, provide and be present always” Ndiki Wainana, Joel’s Father appealed.

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Symptoms of Autism.

The symptoms of autism are mainly in two categories; problems with communication and social interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities.

Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months or later.

Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones, until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.

There are no “cures” for autism, but therapies and other treatment considerations can help people feel better or alleviate their symptoms.

Many treatment approaches involve therapies such as behavioral therapy, play therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

For autistic individuals to succeed in this world, they need to find their strengths and the people that will help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

In order to do so, the ability to make and keep friends is vital and those people should be able to be the strong support system and mentors to show them the way.

“It takes a village to raise a child”, goes the adage. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of that village. This is your child, provide unconditional love and support, encourage his strengths, celebrate his quirks, and improve his weaknesses, the way you would with any child.

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KNH STAFF RETIREMENT BENEFITS SCHEME 2011 @10

By Calvin Nyachoti KNH Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme 2011 was established under irrevocable trust and commenced on 1 July 2011. The main purpose of the Scheme is to provide retirement benefits to eligible employees of the hospital and benefits for dependants

of deceased members.

The Scheme operates on a defined contribution basis, whereby the benefits to the members and their dependants are based on accumulated contribution plus accrued interest.

In 2015, members who were aged 45 years and above as at 30 June

2011 were given the option to remain in the Kenyatta National Hospital Staff Superannuation Scheme (Defined Benefit) and over 1,500 members transferred their benefits from the Defined Contribution scheme to the Defined Benefits scheme.

Fund Growth The fund has grown tremendously since inception from an initial fund value of K Shs 287 million as at 30 June 2012 to K Shs 4.6 billion as at 31 March 2021.

30 - jun-12

30 - jun-13

30 - jun-14

30 - jun-15

30 - jun-16

30 - jun-17

30 - jun-18

30 - jun-19

30 - jun-20

30 - jun -21

4,645 3,951 3,317 2,786 2,148 1,373

1,204

1,603

706 287

Fund value (Millions) Membership 30 - jun-12

30 - jun-13

30 - jun-14

30 - jun-15

30 - jun-16

30 - jun-17

4,419

4,528

4,466

3,139

3,204

3,325

30 - jun-18

3,491

30 - jun-19

3,719

30 - jun-20

30 - jun -21

4,645

4,219

Active Members Investment return Over the last 9 years the scheme has declared a net average return of 10.66% to the members.

25.00% 20.00%

20.12%

18.37%

12.72%

15.00%

11.24% 10.75%

10.00%

7.4% 5.92%

4.53%

4.85%

5.00% 00.00%

Net Return declared to Members 30 - jun-12

30 - jun-13

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30 - jun-14

30 - jun-15

30 - jun-16

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30 - jun-17

4 30 - jun-18

30 - jun-19

30 - jun-20

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http://www.knh.or.ke Achievements Annual Members Training Development of a Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022 Investment in Property Online Access Benefit Statements Enhanced governance through formation of committees

Ongoing Projects Set-up of the Post Retirement Medical Fund Implementation of the Mortgage Regulations, 2020

SNAP SHOTS OF KNH STAFF RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEME 2011, 1OTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE SAROVA PANAFRIC HOTEL.

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The boda boda Menance Through the eyes of a Medical Social Worker

By Luke Kungú Famously known as ‘Boda Boda’ in Kenya, the motorcycle is the country’s most widely used mode of transportation.

They are the new beasts of burden and have relieved so many people of the agony of traveling on foot and carrying luggage both in urban and rural setups.

Even it is often heard that ‘ukifika tu stage tafuta mtu wa boda na atakufikisha pap’ denoting that these boda boda riders are a trusted lot during day and night time.

This is a welcome move but one that has its downsides. There have been reported so many accidents some of which have been fatal and others debilitating with recorded long hospital stays.

It is in the backdrop of this that the Newsline team sat down with Senior Assistant Medical Social Worker Mr. Petrovic Kaiga and sought to expound on the Boda Boda accidents and their impact on society.

1. What in a nutshell can be said of the Boda Boda industry in comparison with other modes of transport in Kenya?

Motorcycles remain a popular means of transport and income for the youth and middle-aged population in Nairobi and its environs.

This is due to its prompt response w h e n needed, ability to

Mr. Petrovic Kaiga Senior Assistant Medical Social Worker

maneuver its way through traffic, and short time is taken to get to various destinations.

That notwithstanding motorcycles or bodabodas have now been found to cause more road traffic accidents compared to motor vehicles on a scale of 2:1. Hospital road traffic accident reports indicate admitting an average of 9 patients involved in motorcycle accidents while 4 are involved in motor vehicle accidents.

2. We are cognizant of the fact that the boda boda industry employs most of our youths and is a major driver of our economy albeit the dangers involved. What could be done to alleviate the dangers posed?

Human related factors such as speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, drunk walking, drunk riding, failure to use helmets among others, have been attributed to several accidents as tabulated by the NTSA crash report as of 31st October 2020. Motorcyclists have reported having caused 884 road accidents compared to 275 caused by motor vehicle drivers.

Primary observation on the majority of the cases reveals that the motorcycle casualties hardly had any protective gear - no helmet or reflector jacket.

Most will allege to have been trying to overtake a vehicle when the accident occurred thus eliciting the question as to whether the oncoming driver may have seen the incoming rider?

Having the right gear is crucial while

riding, in my view a rider should have two helmets and two pairs of reflector jackets. One for the rider and the other for the passenger, it is important to observe traffic rules at all times, avoid overspending, have a valid road license and most of all have valid insurance.

Having motorcycle insurance may not be sufficient in this day and age, it is important to have a medical cover just in case an accident lands you in hospital. NHIF has been an ideal cover for motorcycle riders and has been able to have them receive treatment and discharged provided the cover has been updated.

The challenge arises when the rider has no cover, no license, and no identification document. These cases may take time in the ward more so if the rider sustained a head injury and suffered memory loss.

Tracing the patient’s relatives is a multi-disciplinary process involving numerous stakeholders; this becomes time-consuming due to the sensitive nature of forensic investigation involved.

Many survivors have been admitted as unknown people because they were unable to identify themselves due to serious injury on admission. In extreme cases where head injury is involved, the patient suffers memory loss and is unable to recall the slightest detail about them.

In most cases identification documents are lost in the crush therefore the only alternative is to seek the intervention of the office of the registrar of persons. If the survivor had an identification card then his/her details will be traced in the database, enabling the medical social work unit to contact the family through the local administration at the sub-county level and have the patient reintegrated.

A few isolated cases have ended up untraced and relatives do not search for their loved ones thus the patient ends up abandoned. The biggest challenge is the lack of government adult homes to place the survivor; the situation is worsened in the event the patient requires post-discharge nursing care.

3. It is in the public domain that many hospitals have specific wards solely for boda boda accident survivors. What is the situation at KNH?

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KNH has a specialized orthopedic department where most motorcycle casualties receive treatment since most of these accidents cause fractures and dislocations. It’s no surprise that the wards are usually packed due to the huge number of cases coming in each day, an overwhelming number of referrals due to the serious nature of the injury, and the numerous days required for fractures and dislocations to be managed.

As a social worker, it has been a key role to offer psychosocial support to these survivors as most of them are sole breadwinners and hospitalization render their families helpless. Patients may deteriorate not because of injury but due to the emotional stress and anxiety brought about by not being able to provide for their families.

4. What is the cost of medical management of boda boda accident survivors in KNH or a hospital setup?

Medical management of boda boda accident survivors has a cost implication that varies from the nature of the injury to demographics such as age, gender, and weight. These variances will ultimately determine the time a patient would take in the ward and by extension contribute to the length of stay before discharge.

For instance, younger individuals tend to heal faster than the old, bone density of males and females vary hence the difference in the healing process. All in all management of fractures and dislocations is not a cheap affair, especially when the spinal injury is inflicted due to the accident.

In some instances, the social workers have empowered patients to register for medical cover on admission and on discharge, the cover is valid thus able to offset part of the bill. This simply implies that the patient was under specialized care for over 60 days which is the NHIF maturity period.

Many survivors may require integration from medical social services to community social support due to the numerous socio-economic challenges that revolve around the health care continuum. On discharge the patient may still require subsequent visits to the clinic and being the sole breadwinner, resources may be a challenge.

The hospital through the intervention of the social services unit has mitigated the risk of inability to access clinical care by introducing outpatient credit services for patients who are unable to fend for themselves.

This service enables them to receive a

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A motorcycle accident consultation, diagnostic investigation, and medication. Patients also benefit from occupational counseling where the loss of limbs due to amputation is involved.

Furthermore, KNH works closely with various stakeholders who support patients with walking aids and implants. League of friends is one of these organizations, their team is committed to ensuring every social patient that has been discharged leaves the facility with the walking aids they require. In the past families have had to sell a family property to procure implants, further plunging the patient into a socio-economic abyss of financial constraint. More corporate social support would go a long way in empowering accident survivors to acquire implants and walking aid.

5. What are the long-term repercussions experienced by such survivors, their families, and the country at large- health-wise, economically, and socially?

The social worker offers psychosocial support through various linkages, empowers the survivors on the day to day issues that may arise as they try to readjust to their daily routines, and also counsel them on lifestyle change as many might have to adapt to issues of dependency since they were initially independent.

They are supported through counseling as they come for scheduled clinic visits.

Material support like clothing, diapers, and transport among other basic utilities are just but a few of the needs a patient may require assistance with through social service

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intervention.

In extreme cases, the hospital has repatriated patients even as far as Marsabit due to the unavailability of relatives. Repatriation is a fundamental part of re-integration; even foreigners have been linked back to their loved ones through the support of their various embassies.

6. What is your advice to the Kenyan populace using this mode of transport?

As a medical social worker I have interacted with various motorcycle survivors and most of them reflect and say they wish they had been more observant, wore protective gear, and observed traffic rules. In a bid to promote safety, I believe it is paramount to wear a helmet, a reflector jacket and at least plan your journey early to avoid overspeeding.

These few pointers would go a long way in ensuring the safe arrival and ultimately preserving life.

Although the national transport and safety authority has initiatives to promote road safety, motorcyclists need more awareness, laws, and reforms governing the sector.

Collaborative efforts between state organs, county administration, and the traffic police ought to work with boda boda organizations in an essential bid to understand their challenges as motorists.

Clear boda boda policies at the national level through the ministry of transport would also support the sector; key emphasis on NHIF medical cover, guidance on underage riders (under 18), improved stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with law enforcers.

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HEALTH IS WEALTH A healthy nation is a wealthy nation

By Faith Sang & Verah Mugambi A healthy nation is a wealthy nation, they say. When you are healthy, you can work, earn money and live a fulfilling life.

We have a popular saying within my circles, “you are one sickness away from poverty”. To avoid that, you need health insurance.

Health insurance cover is an important tool in financial management in every household.

A Health Insurance coverage plan is a service that helps you pay for treatment for various medical conditions.

These may include serious illness, chronic diseases, physical injuries, disablement, or even death.

It covers all expenses before and after the hospitalization period.

The purpose of health insurance is to protect you and your family by indemnifying for expenses that may arise from unexpected injury, illness, or other health risks.

Life is completely unpredictable today and medical treatments are so expensive. With several players in the insurance sector providing a variety of choices, one is at liberty to opt for a policy that is not only pocket-friendly but also fulfilling one’s requirements.

Typically, every insurance company offers several plans and based on your pre-existing medical conditions and family health history, etc. You can pick the one that fits your budget and needs.

Kenyatta National Hospital has a variety of schemes for helping people manage their health finance, one of them being NHIF. NHIF covers the principal member, one spouse, and any number of children.

One can access inpatient services in any of

Clients being attended to by the cashier at Malipo Centre. the NHIF accredited hospital/facilities countrywide. However, you cannot walk into any hospital and demand outpatient services with your NHIF card.

The facility has to be on your list and KNH is one of the accredited hospitals.

“The hospital has a signed contract with NHIF, in that at the time of admission, health records officers notify the insurance that a client is admitted at the hospital. In the course of treatment, the patient can access various packages as per the agreement”, Mr. James Macharia, the Malipo Centre Manager told Newsline.

M r .

Macharia

explained how it has become easier for the hospital to process most of the NHIF pre-authorization cases and now allows certain procedures to be handled more with ease through NHIF. “This has lifted a big burden off the patients’ shoulders and their relatives too because of the shorter time used to confirm and authorize various services while admitted.” Mr. Macharia added.

“I encourage as many Kenyans as possible to enroll for the NHIF cover.

It covers all expenses before and after the hospitalization period. The purpose of health insurance is to protect you and your family from expenses that may arise from any unexpected healthy risks”. Mr. Macharia concluded.

Health is wealth get medical cover so that you save your hard-earned money for a rainy day.

Mr. James Macharia- Malipo Centre Manager

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Mental Health in Children & Adolescents

By Priscah Angwenyi Child and Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families.

It investigates the biopsychosocial factors that influence the development and course of psychiatric disorders and treatment responses to various interventions. Child and adolescent psychiatrists primarily use psychotherapy and/or medication to treat mental disorders in the pediatric population.

Newsline sat with Dr. Josephine A Omondi, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist to learn more about this trade. Read on…

Q. Please tell us about yourself?

I am Dr. Josephine Omondi, a practicing Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for the last 21 years and counting. I am also a proud parent of many children, most of whom I met while practicing this trade.

interesting symptoms includes a lack of self-help skills such as putting on clothes, tying of shoelaces, brushing of teeth, feeding, toileting, and baby’s ability to sleep alone.

In adolescents, independence is never achieved. They intend to have poor academic achievement. Time is spent away from home leading to substance abuse. Red eyes, poor personal hygiene, a different perception in thinking because of poor interpersonal skills. There is either too much sleeping or no sleep at all. Poor eating habits and being preoccupied 24/7 with suspicious thoughts.

Such fellows also tend to be very religious which makes them extremists in the lives to come.

They tend to believe they have a special attachment with a higher power therefore they tend not to relate to problems affecting children/ adolescents their age.

Q. What are the treatment options for the child/adolescent?

The options include occupational

Q. What are the symptoms of a child/adolescent that has a psychiatric problem?

therapy, speech therapy, and schooling for children depending on whether the child is hyperactive or hypoactive.

This is mostly practiced on children who are aged between 3-5 years old.

Nursery school enables children to develop social skills at an early age.

Special placement is also done if a child is in a violent environment such as rape cases, lacks basic needs. In that, the court intervenes and the child is taken to a home specialist by the government.

Q. What are the new skills that a child/ adolescent learns through the treatment process?

The patients can develop speech, relationship skills, moral values such as saying a prayer, being able to say ‘No’ and other polite languages, good feeding practice, and personal hygiene. Concisely the patients can be aligned in the right developmental trajectory.

Q. How can parents be involved in their child’s/ adolescent treatment?

During the journey, both parents should be readily available to avoid countering blame. This goes a long way for the treatment to work effectively. Thus, I recommend both parents when available to visit with the patient to my clinics encompassed with a positive mind. The patient can have their burden eased since there is support from both parties.

They include developmental problems such as speech, socialization, control of eating, the release of urine & feces. Others include motor activities, restlessness, learning disabilities, and emotional problems related to circumstances such as school & home.

Q. Parting shot Parenting is key in any child’s / adolescent life. If a parent has a child with a psychiatric condition, they should spice their child’s life with love, care, and patience. The child will be able to get values that will develop them into respectable, self-reliant people. As a parent, you will not regret this.

Q What are the other indicators as a child/adolescent is in their developmental stage?

The other indicators include taking up instructions slowly, poor association in social circles including school, church & mosques.

One of the m o s t

Dr. Josephine A Omondi Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

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OUR STORY IN PICTURES

NNAK Chairman Alfred Obengo( 3rd Left) paid a courtesy call to C.E.O KNH Dr, Evanson Kamuri ( 3rd Right) to discuss on ways to improve nursing care in KNH.

KMPDU officials paid a courtesy call to the KNH chairperson Mr.George Ooko to chart the way forward in partnering with the hospital in assisting the health care sector.

HOD Orthopedic Trauma Department received a donation of an improved traction mechanism for Hipspica Table that will assist in the displaced fractures of the thigh and femur in children.

KNH Disaster Management Unit successfully carried out the first Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CRBN) Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill.

M&C department staff in a group photograph after successfuly completing a 3 day training on Marketing Management and Effective Communication Skills in the Health Sector.

Chairman KNH DC Scheme - Mr Peter Mureithi , RBA CEO - Mr. Nzomo Mutuko and KNH Board Chair - Mr. George Ooko join hands in a cake cutting session.

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Speed up Construction work, KNH Othaya projects contractors urged

By Julius Ita Pressure is mounting on contractors undertaking several key projects in KNH Othaya to speed up their construction.

The projects include state of an art Oxygen plant, Laundry and Kitchen unit as well as a modern mortuary that once complete, will further elevate the facility into a center of excellence in the provision of specialized health services in the Mt Kenya region.

The message was delivered by the KNH Othaya Project Implementation team led by Senior Director Corporate Services Mr. Carylus Odiangó, who expressed disappointment that some of the projects were behind schedule.

“Some projects are doing well like the Oxygen plant which is 99 percent completed, but the rest of the projects are lagging,” she said.

“We have therefore decided to tighten the belt on the contractors because we intend to complete all the projects by 31st July” he went on.

The committee, which comprises

KNH Project implementation team being given a tour of the KNH Othaya ongoing projects by the Senior Director Dr. Peter Muiruri

of various members of senior management from KNH Main and Othaya among other members, took a tour of the sites to inspect the projects, braving the rough terrain of dug out roads, drainage canals, and incomplete structures to have a firsthand look at the status of the projects.

On their part they scored the projects as follows: Oxygen plant - 99% complete awaiting equipment installation Laundry -87% Kitchen - 65%

Inspirational Quotes “If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.’

If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.

If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.

If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”

- Chinese Proverb

It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark — Howard Ruff Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die — Buddha Numbing the pain for a while will only make it worse when you finally feel it — Albus Dumbledore

“There is a gradual improvement with the ongoing projects, and are very grateful to the Project Implementation Committee Chair for emphasizing the contractors to complete the projects by end of July”, said Dr. Peter Muiruri, senior director KNH Othaya.

He added: “We are looking forward to the completion of this project as they hold the key to us realizing an improvement in our service delivery to our patients”.

OUR VISION A world class patient-centered specialized care hospital OUR MISSION To optimize patient experience through innovative healthcare; facilitate training and research; and participate in national health policy formulation

Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching.

Because whatever you see can inspire you — Grace Coddington Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway — Earl Nightingale

Water tank & Borehole - 60 % Mortuary and roads each scoring 55%

OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care

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