Newsline
17/6/2022
We Listen, We Care
Issue 13
17/6/2022
PHOTO | NEWSWEEK
The “Jambo” effect
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
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Contents
Editor’s note
ISSUE 13 Editor’s note p.2 The “Jambo” effect p.3-4 Infertility: Support and Sourcing for treatment p. 5-6 The ABC of skincare p.7-8 Welcome on board: KNH inducts 400 new employees for FY 2021/2022 p.8 King of chorale FY 2022/2023: Elected p.9 Time for self- reflection: Using active listening and effective communication to tailor patient care p.10 - 11 The KNH school of nursing holds its 14th graduation ceremony p.11 Celebrating world transplant day 2022 p.12-13 Our story in pictures p.14 Malipo centre and KPCC/COC introduce Electronic Queue Management systemp.15-16 Camparison of one year outcomes and clinical characteristics among HIV+ and HIV- patients on maintenance haemodialysis p.17 KNH Managers and Supervisors trained on substance abuse p.18 KNH 16th annual prayer day p. 19 Comic Zone p. 20
ON THE COVER The “Jambo” effect p. 3
Dear Colleagues, As June rolls around, let us keep in mind the important date it brings: Father’s Day. Isn’t it a perfect coincidence that Father’s Day also falls in the same month as Men’s Health Month? We may conclude that June is a perfect month to celebrate and appreciate the fathers, future fathers, and father figures in our lives. This year, Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 19, 2022; a day to honor fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society.
Marketing & Communication Department Design Concept Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru & Collins Cheruiyot
Editorial Team: Dave Opiyo , Edel Q. Mwende, Sheila Murithi, Godfrey Osang’ir, Yvonne Gichuru, Joan Macharia, Shiphrah Njeri & Verah Mugambi
Stories: Edel Q. Mwende, Linnette Leyi, Yvonne Gichuru, Verah Mugambi, Shiphrah Njeri, Melody Ajiambo, Petterson Njogu, Moses Njomo, Sheila Murithi, Vincent Chagara, Carol Langat & Steve Mutuku
For all the times we may have left it unsaid, thank you for being there, for showing the way, for being patient, for your encouragement, and for being an inspiring presence for those who look up to you. Happy Father’s Day from the Newsline team! All the Newslines and Newsletters can be accessed online at: https://bit.ly/3uQGCcI Ms. Edel Q. Mwende, Manager, Marketing & Communication Kenyatta National Hospital
Design By: Collins Cheruiyot
Photos: Nicholas Wamalwa, Linnette Leyi, Sheila Murithi, Shawn Paul Omondi, Shiphrah Njeri, Steven Arwa & Steve Mutuku
Tel: +254 20 2726300-9 Ext. 43121 or 43969 Fax: +254 20 272572 Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com
To contribute or report on newsworthy items, please contact the Editorial team.
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
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@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital
www.knh.or.ke
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The “Jambo” effect Why positive workplace culture is the new currency By Vincent Chagara and Carol Langat
T
here was a time when any talk about culture change was accompanied by eye rolls and chuckles. There was a time when all that an employer could offer—and all that an employee would expect—was money. There was a time when you could say “leave it at the door” and honestly convince yourself that it was possible or prudent. Those days are, however, gone. Were those simpler times? Of course, we are complex beings and to expect less is to accept a lesser life. Modern workers often take the blame for this paradigm shift; but for those that understand, most people cannot spend their lives without making adjustmentschange is inexorable. Today, culture is a resilient and an invaluable commodity among employees in an organization. Culture is the set of shared values, norms, attitudes, goals, and practices that characterizes an organization. It entails a system of people, their beliefs, and interactions. Culture is the social operating system shaping organizational values, defining how employees work, and determining how they succeed within an organization. Culture Change is about adjusting this system so that communication is more effective and beliefs match with organizational goals and strategic direction. KNH has a diverse workforce comprising different professions, ethnicities, religions, races, and people of varying ages among others. The dynamism of the Hospital environment and the complexity of the Hospital’s inter-functional linkages and systems requires inculcating a positive organizational culture that overrides the individual cultures.
Internally driven
Process Oriented - Lack of accountability - Availabilty of scarcity mentality - Responsibility for fault or wrong - Lack of sense or urgency
Closed System Culture - Lack of on-boarding systems - Lack of coaching systems - Information Sharing
- Negative Values - Negative Attitude - Lack Of Professionalism And Intergrity - Inappropiate Phone Usage - Poor Time Management - Poor Safety Management - Satisfaction With Status Quo - Silo Mentality
Work Centered - Abscence of reward and sanctions systems - Lack of team oriented culture - Abscence of Leadership commitment - Over-delegation of responsibilities - Inadequate communication systems - Absence of Emplyee Commitment
Summary of culture issues at KNH A positive organizational culture is a key driver of performance since it enhances productivity, growth, and efficiency and reduces counterproductive behavior. The importance of fostering a great organizational culture cannot be over-emphasized. Culture eats strategy for breakfast lunch and super as the age-old adage goes. Culture sets the tone for an organization as it has a strong influence on employee behavior as well as organizational performance. The Hospital has developed a Culture Change and Management Strategy 2022-2025, that sets out the tone of the desired culture at KNH as well as repositioning the hospital to achieve its desired strategic goals and objectives. The overarching aim of the strategy is to ensure the alignment of staff culture to organizational structure and strategic direction. Mr. Job Makanga, OGW, the Senior Director, Corporate Services underscores the critical role that culture plays in the attainment of organizational strategic goals. He says “Progressive organizations
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
Progressive organizations create attention to culture amongst its workforce. Firms endeavor to instill cultures that are ethical, trusting, accountable, open, innovative and motivating of high performance.” - Mr. Job Makanga, OGW, SDCOS
create attention to culture amongst its workforce. Firms endeavor to instill cultures that are ethical, trusting, accountable, open, innovative and motivating of high performance. The need for culture change at KNH has necessitated culture change thinking in its systems as change management is critical in spurring performance.” KNH exhibits diverse cultural dynamics that include both visible and invisible cultures according to an analysis of cultural aspects in the hospital (KNH Culture Change Report, 2018). The visible culture entails documented policies, plans, and strategies that have been established to guide the various procedures and processes within the Hospital. It also includes other visible cultural artifacts and identifiers related to the Hospital such as office layout, symbols, slogans, and ceremonies. KNH’s invisible culture entails the way things are done, are understood, judged, and valued. The predominant culture of an organization plays a significant role in determining the success
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or failure of an organization. The Hospital, with this understanding, has embarked on modalities of strengthening and deeply rooting strategies in a bid to instill a culture of high performance among staff across all functional areas and aspects. The need to inculcate and enculture a positive culture has necessitated the development of various strategies anchored on the corporate strategic plan to act as the foundations for the achievement of strategic goals. KNH culture is dominantly hierarchical with strong structures and controls in place geared towards creating efficiency, effectiveness, and stability in its operations. According to Mr. Vincent Chagara, Manager, Strategy and Performance, “For the Hospital to sustain the current level of performance it is imperative that momentum is maintained by creating a sense of urgency. This can only be possible by creating and implementing a positive organizational culture based on hospital values and value proposition”. In an ever-changing world, workplace culture must remain strong. In today’s ever-changing world, now more than ever, workplace culture reigns supreme. Now is the time to build on the progress of recent months and double down on clearly stated organizational values. These values must be embraced by those at all leadership levels and then down to the employees they manage. Modern organizations must move past “just getting the work done” and begin thinking long term—with
“ For the Hospital to sustain the current level of performance it is imperative that momentum is maintained by creating a sense of urgency. This can only be possible by creating and implementing a positive organizational culture based on hospital values and value proposition”.” - Vincent Chagara
Culture change road map
their employees’ concerns top of mind. As organizations strengthen their values, strong management teams should offer stability and keep workplace cultures on track to drive business goals and help retain invaluable talent. Only with management being at the forefront can KNH build a better workplace. The hospital has made great strides towards the institutionalization of a positive culture. The Culture Change and Management Strategy has been formulated and rolled out for implementation across the Hospital. In addition, culture change sensitization sessions have been rolled out in a bid to create awareness of the importance of culture change and enable staff to appreciate their role in the implementation of the strategy as well as understand the linkage between culture and performance. Further culture change champions have been appointed across all the functional areas to spearhead the culture change agenda in the hospital. In today’s ever-changing world, now more than ever, organizational culture reigns supreme. Change is difficult, not changing is fatal, stated Ms. Carol Langat, the Senior Strategy Officer.
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
PHOTO | THELLESI CO Mr. Job Makanga, OGW, SDCOS
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Infertility: Support and sourcing for treatment By Sheila Murithi In Newsline Issue 11, we were able to cognize infertility as a medical condition that can affect anyone and touches on all aspects of life. It may affect relationships with others, your perspective on life, and how you feel about yourself. Most people can benefit from the support of family, friends, medical caregivers, and mental health professionals. Newsline had a sit down with Ms. Monica Kamau, Obstetrics nursing/ Midwifery Specialist and Nurse-inCharge Clinic 18; Reproductive Health Clinic, on how to source support and treatment for those affected with this condition. Newsline: What can one do before consulting a doctor or specialist? Ms. Monica: Before a couple comes to see a doctor they must have tried consistently to conceive, that is, having regular unprotected sex for at least a year and they are unsuccessful. Also, if a couple is trying for their second or third child and has stopped using family planning and their efforts are futile. At this point, the couple is anxious and worried and may suspect that they could be infertile, and seeking medical assistance is the next step. Newsline: What kind of emotional support does a patient dealing with infertility require? Ms. Monica: When a couple has stayed in a marriage for 1 or 2 years without children, they face social stigma. Our social-cultural exposures tell us that they are infertile and therefore from the social aspect, they will be isolated and people will not want to associate with them. They do not get invited to baby showers, graduations, birthdays, and weddings because the community around them is trying to be sensitive to their feelings when in fact they are doing quite the opposite. Stigma dwells in the family and community; pressures from the
family when other siblings have children and you are the only ones without children, parents wanting to be grandparents, neighbors, places of worship, all eyes are on you. The reason why we insist that our patients come as couples is because the treatment is for both of them. So for a conclusive diagnosis, both of them must be assessed. For some tests like semen analysis, the woman must be present to assist in obtaining the sample. If one of them is diagnosed with infertility, it makes it easier for the news to be relayed to the spouse, and understanding and supporting their partner is arrived at with ease. The woman and the man must walk this journey together basically for psycho-social, financial and emotional support. Newsline: Can single women receive infertility treatment? Ms. Monica: Yes. For the single person who does not want to conceive the normal way, the most common way to achieve pregnancy is through intrauterine insemination (IUI), using donor sperm. For the infertile single woman In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with donor
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
sperm would be the go-to option. These women will need a support system or person in place because they will need a lot of backing through the whole process and even when the baby comes. From the hospital side, we are lucky to be in a multi-disciplinary specialty facility and therefore the patient will have access to mental health services and other specialties if the need arises. The patient will be well taken care of from conception of the child up to the delivery of the baby.
PHOTO | VOLUSONCLUB.NET A couple going through infertility support by a health practitioner
Newsline: Can a program predict whether achieving pregnancy will be successful? Ms. Monica: Well, to achieve success with a program the patient has to be cooperative, follow instructions as directed by the Obstetrician, and be prepared both psychologically and financially. We must appreciate that conception for infertile patients is a race against time and hormonal levels and therefore when the patient is financially prepared it means there will be no delay in the procedures and the chances of success are very high. As with any treatment, challenges
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can be expected; it is an expensive affair because most of the procedures are not covered by insurance and again because of the prolonged period of waiting some couples may give up and stop their follow-ups and become inconsistent. If all instructions are followed and the patient is consistent and persistent then the chances of a successful conception are at their best. Newsline: Let us digress a little to a social concern that may contribute to infertility. Abortion cases are on the rise due to many unwanted pregnancies. How can abortion affect fertility? Ms. Monica: An abortion occurs when conception has already taken place. So this is not an infertile person. They may prevent the pregnancy to occur when they have had unprotected sex but on the contrary, they are not stopping the sexually transmitted diseases, which we saw earlier are the major cause of infertility. Some people may opt for the emergency pill. The emergency pill slows down the movement of the ovum from the ovary to the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. This delay may bring about tubal pregnancies and this results in surgery which may cause the individual to lose one of their tubes. This, in turn, reduces their chances of pregnancy by 50%. In Kenya, abortion is illegal, and therefore how they source for this service is illegal in the “backstreets”. The people doing these procedures may not be qualified, may not have the right equipment, and may not sterilize the equipment properly so what result could be a perforated uterus causing excessive bleeding because the organ is highly vascularized. The woman may bleed to death or if they can access a hospital nearby and the situation is arrested, the doctor may choose to remove the uterus to save the patient’s life. The woman may also suffer an infection from the unsterilized equipment used on her. The infection may cause blocked tubes or other infections. The uterus may also be weakened and they are unable to hold a pregnancy. The psychological trauma that comes with the abortion may affect the state of mind of the individual and
when they try to get pregnant later it becomes very difficult. Newsline: Would you advise couples dealing with infertility treatment to seek counseling services? Ms. Monica: Yes, this is very important. When a couple cannot bear children, it can greatly impact their emotional and psychological health. Everyone would want to see their product at some point, it marks a huge phase of life. It can be devastating when a couple is ready for children and they are unable to have them naturally. Counseling comes in handy to help them deal with the whole process and can help them deal with the stigma they could be facing. Once our patients visit clinic 18 we can refer them to our mental health department for counseling services. They offer great support systems for our patients and walk with through the treatment.
books the mother and baby for follow-up clinics. The nurse also carries out health talks in the clinic and infertility is among the topics discussed with the patients. Newsline: If a patient is taking medication for a chronic disease what pre-conception care does the clinic offer? For those women who have chronic diseases and want to conceive it is always prudent for them to work together with their physicians and they will be referred to us for a review with our consults on their ability to conceive. There will be a lot of collaborative care between their physicians and our consultants as they try to conceive and even through their delivery and also offer support as they continue to manage their other chronic conditions. Some may be advised on whether to proceed with the conception or consider adoption as an option.
Newsline: What is the role of the nurse in the fertility clinic?
Newsline: When and where does KNH run the fertility clinic?
Ms. Monica: The nurses or midwives are the first people you meet before seeing a doctor. They will do the first assessment and listen to your problem and take your history. They will then help you get to the right specialist to deal with your issue. The midwives are trained to listen and when they take your history they can help you identify some things that may be contributing to infertility. Also, when conducting a normal delivery, the midwives conduct the first examination of the baby. They identify if the baby is male, female, or a hermaphrodite so that they can prepare these mothers on how to care for their children. For the boys, they check if their testicles have descended. Undescended testicles may cause infertility in their adulthood. In case of any abnormality in the child, the midwife notifies the pediatrician and also
Ms. Monica: The clinic is in Clinic 18 on Monday from 8 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI Ms. Monica Kamau, Obstetrics nursing/ Midwifery Specialist and Nurse-in-Charge Clinic 18
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The ABC of skincare By Linnette Leyi and Shiphrah Njeri While watching television during prime time, one is normally bombarded with several skincare and beauty products advertisements. This is done to make their clients believe they will achieve perfect, glowing skin. The products give the assurance that one will stand out at work, have more confidence in their social interactions, and most of all, attract a befitting partner. Social media, too, takes this a notch higher. In addition to online advertisements, these skincare brands hire influencers to help promote and recommend their products to their audiences. All this information may be confusing to people who do not yet know what products suit their skin best. Skincare is referred to as the range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions. They can include nutrition, avoidance of excessive sun exposure, and appropriate use of moisturizers. To maintain overall skin health, most people follow specific skin care routines tailored to their skin types, conditions, and needs. There are various sources of skin care advice ranging from mainstream media, social media, and dermatologists, to friends and family. Newsline interviewed Dr. Priscilla Angwenyi, a consultant dermatologist-KNH, who gave expert views on basic skin-care routine. “A basic skin-care routine should involve three major steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and use of sunscreen,” said Dr. Angwenyi. “You should clean your face twice a day; in the morning and at night, using a gentle cleanser like regular bathing or toilet soap. After that, you need to moisturize with a light moisturizer. In the morning, after moisturizing your skin,
apply sunscreen.” Sunscreen, she explained, is a very important skincare routine that helps prevent premature aging. “Sunscreen protects us from dangerous UltraViolet (UV) rays. You should use it every day, even on cloudy days, or when working indoors. These rays are generated from smart devices, computers, and televisions, and they also penetrate through windows.” The rays over time can lead to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. We asked Dr.
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
PHOTO | LINNETE LEYI Dr. Prisicila Angwenyi Consultant Dermatologist, KNH
Angwenyi the million-dollar question: is it possible to have flawless glasslike clear skin? “No, it is not possible, because the skin has pores and hair. However, what one should be keen on, is having healthy skin. Healthy skin is well moisturized, no inflamed areas/irritation, no broken skin,” she answered. She went ahead to share what one should avoid in pursuit of healthy skin.
PHOTO | STOCK Skin care routine
The Don’ts in Skin Care • Using too many products at a time. These can irritate your skin. • Touching your face with dirty hands. • Over-aggressive cleansing and scrubbing. Instead, wash your face gently with your palms or use cotton wool. • Sleeping without cleaning your face, especially after a day of wearing makeup, sweating, being outside in a dusty place, etc. • Using over-the-counter facial medication. • Using occlusive products like petroleum jelly. • Copying another person’s routine without understanding your skin and its needs. • Exposing our skin to the hot sun without some form of coverage
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like sunscreen or long clothing and wide-brimmed hats. She added that diet plays an important role in promoting skin health. We should eat a balanced diet, avoid too much alcohol and smoking,
junk food, and stress, and get enough sleep. For skin conditions like acne, one ought to consult a qualified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. She ended the conversation with the three main dos of skin
care: cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen. Invest in your skin, be good to your skin and remember that your skin will represent you for a lifetime,’ she concluded.
Welcome on board: KNH inducts 400 new employees for FY 2021/2022
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
The newly employed KNH staff in the FY 2021/2022 during the induction training at the NNAK centre- KNH
By Edel Q. Mwende When employees are joining a new organization, they need to get familiar with its facts, processes, and environment in general. According to a study done by Lovena Ogalo (2018) on the influence of induction training on employee retention in the Kenyan Public Service, having effective induction training in place helps new employees to cope, and boosts their confidence, morale, and influences how long they stay with the organization. The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) induction training for FY 2021/2022 saw a total of 400 new permanent & pensionable and temporary employees get trained from Monday, May 6, 2022, to Wednesday, May 15, 2022. The induction was conducted at the
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) centre-KNH in 4 groups, each taking two (2) days. The official opening for the induction was done by the Director, Human Resource, CHRP Winnie Mwangi who set the pace for the induction with an explanation of the KNH organization structure, and career guidelines including a highlight of the Human Resource policy and procedures manual. “We hope that this induction will propel you all to greater heights in KNH, and we note that even though the orientation is happening much later than the expected time for most of you, it still is relevant for clarification or additional knowledge,” said CHRP Winnie Mwangi. The new group of staff was also trained by representatives from various directorates, departments, and units on important organizational
facts including, but not limited to the Code of Conduct & Ethics and the grievance handling procedure, Performance Management, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety, Corruption Prevention, Safety & Security, Marketing & Communication, Finance & Accounting, Public Procurement & Disposal Procedures, Employee Assistance Program and a highlight on Alcohol and Drug abuse, Training & Development, Staff Pension & Financial Planning and Data Protection Regulations. The culmination of the inductions included a thorough anonymous evaluation of the induction program by the inductees to ensure the feedback assists the Human Resource Department in improving future orientations for new employees of KNH.
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King of chorale FY 2022/2023: Elected By Moses Njomo PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA
Kenyatta National Hospital choir held its annual general elections on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Hospital’s maintenance seminar room. Campaigns leading to the elections were peaceful. The top candidates were the outgoing chair Mr. Rowelly Kadenge as well as Mr. Gyvira Odhiambo, a Senior Customer Care Ass. at KNH Marketing & Communication Department. In the end, Mr. Odhiambo, emerging the victor. In his maiden speech, the chairelect, Mr. Odhiambo, thanked those who participated in and organized the elections. He further lauded the outgoing team for steering the interests of the choir well despite numerous challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 season. “We shall work in close consultation with the outgoing leadership in further pursuing the interest of the choir,” said the newly elected chair. Mr. Odhiambo congratulated the incoming committee that was elected to office and reminded them of their mandate and commitment. “The competition is over colleagues; it is now time to work for those who have entrusted us with the office. We shall adopt an open door policy where ideas will be exchanged to move us to greater heights,” remarked Mr. Odhiambo. Top on his agenda, with goodwill, he intends to initiate more
Outgoing chair, Mr. Rowsley Kadenge congratulating the chair elect Mr. Gyvira Odhiambo.
“We shall work in close consultation with the outgoing leadership in further pursuing the interest of the choir,” Mr. Gyvira Odhiambo, a Senior Customer Care Assistant.
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
recordings for their songs to enable them to distribute their content on digital platforms and make it easy for them to entertain audiences during performances. He mentioned that he is aware of the challenges and gaps that exist, but through lobbying and collaborations with various departments including the Affiliation & Institutional Development and Marketing & Communication; to name a few, he will be able to put the choir on platforms where the Hospital can use the choir in its various marketing strategies as well as music therapy for patients and staff. “Too much work without rest is potent,” he concluded.
PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA
Mr. Odhiambo casting his vote
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From the communication desk:
Time for self-reflection: Using active listening and effective communication to tailor patient care By Sheila Murithi The adage that you must walk a mile in another person’s shoe before you can understand the views and feelings of that person holds truth and worth to our socialogical concept. A common phrase we’ve heard when growing up. This past weekend, I had the humble opportunity to walk in our client’s shoes. It was an unfortunate situation for my family but a great perspective for me to experience the service we give to our patients. Usually, when we listen to patients either complain or compliment, our minds quickly race to find a solution, arrest the emergency, or appreciate the compliment. But are we listening? Are we trying to feel their frustration or their gratitude? Are we communicating with the patient or their relatives? We must appreciate it can get crazy during an emergency. The doctors’ and nurses’ priority is to save the life of the patient. Once the crisis is under control or being handled, how is this information relayed to the next of kin? Is it even communicated in the first place? Or do we move to the next patient and leave the kin wondering what to do next and where to go next?
PHOTO | DREAMSTIME A patient being attended to by a nurse
What usually goes through the Relatives’ minds? What is happening? I wish they could tell us what is happening. Is he/she going to be ok? Maybe they are not talking to me because the situation is bad. How can I help? Then the self-blaming and regret set in… I should have been more attentive, I should have been more present, did I have to go and leave them? Self-damning thoughts… If he/she dies, how will we cope? How will I tell the rest? Maybe I should just die with them… It’s a jungle in there, right? Some compassion and effective communication skills in high crises
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will go a long way in ensuring our clients and patients are well addressed and all together ensure a great client experience. The following four qualities are important components of caring, and effective communication skills: comfort, acceptance, responsiveness, and empathy. Comfort and acceptance refer to the healthcare worker’s ability to discuss difficult topics without displaying uneasiness, and the ability to accept the patient’s attitudes without showing irritation or intolerance. Responsiveness and empathy refer to the ability to react positively to indirect messages expressed by a patient. These skills allow the healthcare worker to understand the patient’s point of view and incorporate it into treatment. (Source: Myerscough PR, Ford M. Talking with patients: keys to good communication. 3rd ed. New York (NY): Oxford University Press; 1996). The RESPECT model, is another tool that is widely used to promote physicians’ awareness of their own cultural biases and to develop
physicians’ rapport with patients from different cultural backgrounds, includes seven core elements: 1) rapport, 2) empathy, 3) support, 4) partnership, 5) explanations, 6) cultural competence, and 7) trust. This model can also be used to enhance effective communication when communicating with patients and their relatives. The RESPECT Model • Rapport • Connect on a social level. • See the patient’s point of view. • Consciously attempt to suspend judgment. • Recognize and avoid making assumptions. Empathy • Remember that the patient has come to you for help. • Seek out and understand the patient’s rationale for her behaviors or illness. • Verbally acknowledge and legitimize the patient’s feelings.
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Support • Ask about and try to understand barriers to care and compliance. • Help the patient overcome barriers. • Involve family members if appropriate. • Reassure the patient you are and will be available to help. • Partnership • Be flexible with regard to issues of control. • Negotiate roles when necessary. • Stress that you will be working together to address medical problems. Explanations • Check often for understanding. • Use verbal clarification techniques. Cultural Competence • Respect the patient and her culture and beliefs. • Understand that the patient’s view of you may be defined by ethnic or cultural stereotypes. • Be aware of your own biases and preconceptions.
• •
Know your limitations in addressing medical issues across cultures. Understand your style and recognize when it may not be working with a given patient.
Trust • Self-disclosure may be an issue for some patients who are not accustomed to Western medical approaches. • Take the necessary time and consciously work to establish trust. (Source: Toward Culturally Competent Care: A Toolbox for Teaching Communication Strategies by permission of the Center for Health Professions, University of California, San Francisco, 2002). Nurses and other healthcare experts have been looking for the key to a quality patient encounter that also fits within busy workflows. At the University of Virginia, researcher Claudia Allen, JD, Ph.D., developed the Background, Affect, Trouble, Handling, and Empathy (BATHE) method,
designed to only take five minutes. BATHE uses open-ended conversations between patients and clinicians to build strong relationships that can often go beyond clinical needs. Understanding who the patient is as a person helps the nurse or doctor connect with the patient and make them feel more comfortable during a potentially tumultuous care encounter. Understanding patient needs and concerns allows the healthcare worker to target their communication and clinical strategies toward specific patient preferences. Being an attentive clinician is important to the overall patient experience because it is instrumental in reducing avoidable patient harm and supporting patient safety. When a clinician is a good listener and frequently checks in on her patients, he/she can reduce both physical and emotional distress. My dear reader, having read this self-reflection article, “Chukua Selfie” let us strive for better healthcare and personalized service to our clients.
The KNH school of nursing holds its 14th graduation ceremony By Linnette Leyi Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) School of Nursing (SoN) held its 14th annual graduation ceremony on Friday, June 10, 2022, with the theme “Enhancing healthcare in the pandemic era through innovative specialized nursing education,” at the KNH Diagnostic and Reporting Centre. More than two hundred (200) nursing specialty graduates were conferred with Higher Diplomas and Certificates in six specialty areas namely Critical Care, Perioperative, Nephrology, Accident and Emergency, Oncology and Neonatal Nursing. The school has trained 1,570 specialized nurses since its inception in 1996. Speaking during the event, KNH Board Chairman Mr. George Ooko, who was the chief guest, congratulated the School of Nursing for achieving great strides in championing Universal Health Coverage in the country through
specialized nursing. “As time goes by and the health sector evolves, we need solutions that are creative, innovative, and which will serve future generations. The School of Nursing is offering this through the training offered to students,” he remarked. He congratulated Mrs. Chore and the School’s faculty for delivering high-quality specialized nursing education every year. He also urged the graduates to be leaders at their workplaces, since the health sector needs more “Nurse leaders.” The School’s Principal Mrs. Jane Chore informed the audience that there is high demand for specialized healthcare services. “May the people that come under your care receive the best from you,” she told the graduate nurses as she congratulated them. She went ahead to thank the KNH management, administration and clinical staff for supporting the training of the graduates throughout the years. “The staff at the School put
ISSUE 13 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
in effort daily that has borne much fruit and I thank them too for their dedication.” Through the powers vested in him by the KNH Board of Management, Mr. Ooko conferred the graduates with their Higher Diplomas, Certificates and Merit Awards.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA KNH School of Nursing graduants marching to the graduation venue at KNH Diagnostic and Reporting Centre
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Celebrating World Transplant Day 2022 “Organ transplant -The Past, Present, and the Future: Aspiring towards a better quality of life.” By Yvonne Gichuru Organ transplantation is one of the great advances in modern medicine. If an organ system fails or becomes damaged as a consequence of disease or injury, it can be replaced with a healthy organ or tissue from a donor through a major operation that is only offered when all other treatment options have failed. Today, organs such as kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, bone marrow, cornea, and pancreas can be transplanted. Patients who receive transplants go from being seriously ill and having weakening symptoms to being able to live a fully normal life after the transplant with a restored quality of life. World Transplant Day (WTD) is a celebration that takes place on the 6th of June every year. The day promoted by the World Health Organization and the National Transplant Organization serves as a reminder that there are thousands of people around the world who are alive thanks to organ transplantation. The day was commemorated by Kenyatta National Hospital in a colorful event that took place at the KNH Administration Block grass lawn grounds in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Kenya Renal Association, and Kenya Society of Hematology, and Oncology, Ophthalmology Association of Kenya, and Gastroenterology Society of Kenya. The special occasion saw various representatives from the partners aforementioned and sponsors such as Novartis, in attendance as well as some of the patients who had undergone transplantation and their caregivers. “Novartis is working with likeminded individuals and corporates to help patients. The Interlife program addresses the gaps in transplantation such efforts include the supply of transplant medication at subsidized prices to KNH,” said Mr. George Muturi, Head – Novartis, East Africa Division during the event.
Some of the main objectives of observing the day included sensitizing the public about transplantation services available, lobbying for subsidizing immunosuppressive medication, advocacy for the enactment of laws to commence deceased organ donation, and identification of stakeholders in organ transplantation. In addition to the main event, the occasion also entailed awareness activities such as interactions between specialists and patients where the patients and caregivers in attendance were educated on post-transplant care and medication and also engaged in a questionand-answer session with KNH Nephrologists. Organ transplantation at KNH started 38 years ago with more than 200 living-related kidney patients having been transplanted. “The 1st transplant was done in 1978 and we must appreciate that transplants do work and keep people alive. Transplantation is the best way of treating kidney failure,” said Prof. Seth Macligeyo, Renal Specialist
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KNH. “With at least 200 transplant cases recorded annually in Kenya. We look forward to a better outlook in the future as KNH recently opened the Kidney Transplant & Organ Transplantation Centre and HLA Lab. Coupled with the NHIF transplant packages, patients will receive the support they need,” added Mr. John Gikonyo, President - Kidney Patient Association Representative of Societies during the event. To date, KNH has been able to offer 210 affordable kidney transplantations, and 780 patients in the rest of the country since 2006 have been operated according to Kenya Renal Association. According to Dr. Kennedy Ondede – Director, Surgical Services, World Transplant Day recognizes transplants done in all specialties beyond kidneys to mention a few; liver, corneas, bone marrow, and other organ transplants. “In Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is going to be the next center of transplantation if we keep the pace and catch up with other countries
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA From Left - Dr. Ephantus Maree, Head - Division of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) MoH, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS - CEO, KNH, Dr. Nduku Kilonzo - National Blood Transfusion MoH, Mr. George Ooko, Board Chairman, KNH and Mrs. Rose Wafubwa - Deputy Chief Nurse Administration, KNH cutting the cake to mark World Transplant Day
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like South Africa. We need to continue lobbying for more affordable treatment for our patients,” he said. He went on to introduce some of the children who have benefited from organ transplants in KNH including Ms. Lydia Anyango (Mama Baraka) whose son had undergone a liver transplant in KNH. “We ask the government to come in and ease the financial burden of seeking treatment for our children. My son was a beneficiary of a liver transplant. The surgery was a success and now we are managing & healing,” said Mama Baraka. Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, Blood Transfusion & Organ Transplantation, MOH who was a guest speaker at the event said that blood transfusion service has been cognizant across the country. “Last year we reached 300,000 units. A task force has been set up to check on organ donation. Through UHC we are looking into caring for recipients, care of donors, & costs associated with the treatment and care,” she added. The number of disease entities has created an increased demand for Bone Marrow transplant services. According to the World Health Organization, the success rates are as high as 80-90 percent. For matched sibling donors, the success rate is up to 90 percent. For a halfmatched family donor (sibling or parent), the success is 80 percent, while for the matched unrelated
donor (donor from an international registry), the success rate is up to 70 percent. “Through the bone marrow transplant, management of bone marrow cases has improved but we still call for more support in bone marrow transplantation,” said Prof. Muthoni Musibi, Hematologist, KNH. The KNH Ophthalmology department has also transplanted 29 patients between 2010-2015. As stated by Dr. Fredrick Korir, Chairperson - Ophthalmologist Society of Kenya, cornea transplant is still a huge burden for patients who need the service. “Corneas are interchangeable, so anyone’s cornea can be used on different patients. The eye bank at Lions Eye hospital encourages people to donate,” he said. “Through the patient testimonials we have heard today, we must acknowledge how important transplants are to our patients. It is the miracles they have been praying
“Through the patient testimonials we have heard today, we must acknowledge how important transplants are to our patients.,”
for. I’m truly humbled to learn that there are about 800 patients on the cornea waiting list. We urge the media to publicize the issue of transplants and help the public know how they can help,” said Mr. George Ooko, Board Chairman, KNH. The Renal laboratory at KNH has been instrumental in supporting kidney transplants through preparation and monitoring tests. Tissue typing is now possible in KNH after the launch of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory by His Excellency the President in May 2022. This facility will offer a crucial step key in preventing rejection of the graft by the recipient. “Last year KNH gave a promise to upgrade renal theatres & all are now working. KNH is committed to transplants. We have established a link between 3 hospitals in India for bone marrow transplants. We will continue to give our clients a smile & value for their money. Next year we are working with the Ministry of Health to make most transplant drugs free and catered for by NHIF,” concluded Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS, CEO KNH.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA The KNH choir entertaining guests during the World Transplant Day at KNH
- Mr. George Ooko, Board Chairman, KNH.
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Our story in pictures PHOTO |NICHOLAS WAMALWA
SoN graduands and the Administration Police Band marching during the procession graduation
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
KNH Board Chair Mr. George Ooko conferring the graduands with their Merit Awards
PHOTO I NICHOLAS WAMALWA
A team of KNH doctors during the case for active TB case finding event that was held at Raddison Blu, Upperhill on Friday, June 3, 2022
PHOTO I YVONNE GICHURU
KNH transplant specialists and partners from the Ministry of health (MoH) during a photo session during the World Transplant Day celebrations
PHOTO I NICHOLAS WAMALWA
KNH Theatre Sterille Assistant class of 2022 after completing training under KNH School Of Nursing
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PHOTO I LINNETTE LEYI
A team from Bayer EA pay a courtesy visit to KNH
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Malipo Centre and KPCC COC introduce Electronic Queue Management System
A
By Melody Ajiambo, and Petterson Njogu Kenyatta National Hospital’s Malipo Centre and KPCC’s Corporate Outpatient Centre (COC), have rolled out the Electronic Queue Management System (EQMS) in a bid to improve service delivery and reduce the turnaround time for clients seeking billing services. This long-awaited system from Wavetech Company has already shown its numerous benefits. Malipo Center had a great need for a queue management system because of the large number of clients who are served at the premise. According to Mr. Wycliffe Litsalisa, Manager, Malipo Centre, an average of 300 clients are served from the various counters at the center per day. Some of these counters include billing, NHIF preauthorization, debt management unit (DMU), cashpoint, refund, and corporate services. The fact that different counters offer different services was very confusing to the clients, with time wasted trying to locate the right counter. The EQMS has two ticketing forms; one includes feeding one’s phone number to the ticket kiosk located at the entrance of the facility, selecting the service a client wants, then getting a physical ticket number. The other one is a virtual form of ticketing that is yet to function- one either scans the QR code displayed or sends a WhatsApp message with KNH002 to the number provided then they get a virtual ticket. These tickets will show the client what counter to go to as they wait for their turn. One of the benefits of this system is that it has significantly reduced crowding at the service counters. The ticket has a time stamp and date that helps the client follow up on the time taken to get a specific service. Moreover, the tickets show how many clients are awaiting the same service ahead of them, further reducing confusion. Mr. Litsalisa, quoted earlier, stated that this system has increased the efficiency of the
PHOTO |SHAWN OMONDI Digital feedback tool for customer review after service at KPCC
KNH employees stationed at Malipo Center. “The workflow has greatly improved as clients don’t waste time trying to find the right counter,” he concluded. With this improvement, we hope that clients will be satisfied with the fast service that will be offered at the Malipo center henceforth. At the COC, excessive queuing and waiting are among the leading causes of customer dissatisfaction in hospitals. More times than not, walk-ins are
“The entire management has worked tirelessly to ensure we have this Queue Management System in place,” Mr. Simon Too, Marketing and Communication Manager at KPCC
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random and to some extent, chaotic. To avert this, a hospital ought to incorporate a queue management system to automate the process of handling walk-in patients. Kenyatta Prime Care Centre, alive to this reality, rolled out this technology into full operation on the week of 6th June 2022.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA The digital screens provided display the ticket number and the counter where one is to served
What is a queue management system (QMS)? This is a patient journey management system that contains a set of tools that help a hospital enhance the patient’s entire visit, from check-in to discharge. It is aimed to maximize effectiveness and efficiency within the waiting area. A case in point is our Corporate Outpatient Centre (COC). How it works Once a patient walks into the facility, they are met with a ticketing dispenser kiosk where they key in their phone number; a prompt with all the services pops up and the client selects the required service. From there, the patient proceeds to the waiting area as they await the integrated intercom to call their unique numbers and proceed to the relevant service area. The ticket generated contains a unique patient number, the actual
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time stamp, the number of patients already in the queue, the time expected to be attended to, and the specific service area where the patient ought to go; it could be at the pharmacy, or dental clinic just to mention a few. Alternatively, there is also a WhatsApp ticketing option where one is required to scan a QR code, the outcome will be just the same as the one using the ticketing dispensing kiosk. This option will ensure the management of crowding at the dispensing kiosk. In terms of operational efficiency, real-time tracking of services
rendered at each service area will help in improving operational efficiency. This new integrated system will aid in accurately measuring, controlling, and managing patient flow and the number of patients seen by a specific doctor. The QMS will also help in gauging patients’ arrival times for their appointments, and waiting times while they are served; we will also be able to access and generate special reports with this data about a specific category of patients. The system will also unlock untapped potential in terms of patient data that KPCC has never collected before and made use of. For instance, it would be easy to tell the segment of patients who opt for various
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A client interacting with the QMS at Malipo Centre
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clinics in terms of age, gender, and where they live among other parameters. Once this data is collected it will go a long way in enabling the management to get highly relevant insights into the hospital. It will make it easy to identify areas experiencing bottlenecks and how to solve these problems, for example; Why does it take longer to be attended to by the doctor? Why are laboratory results taking longer than expected? “The entire management has worked tirelessly to ensure we have this Queue Management System in place,” said Mr. Simon Too, Marketing and Communications Manager at KPCC. “We aim to improve the walk-in experience while providing the most expedient turnaround time possible throughout the healthcare delivery processes at our facility,” concluded Mr. Too. On the same note, the administration will be collecting additional data via the Customer Feedback Unit (CFU). After the patient is served at the facility, on their way out, they can be able to rate the services using the CFU tool. In return, this will help answer questions like, are patients feeling angry or frustrated? What causes the most unhappiness among the patients? There will be a screen mounted on the walls at COC where numbers read by the intercom will also be displayed there for patients to see while they wait for their turn. Moreover, these TV screens will as well serve as platforms whereby KPCC will be advertising its services (specialized clinics, vaccines, etc.) or running health promotional campaigns. Soon the system will be introduced at billing (10th floor) and at Zarina Merali Daycare Centre. In conclusion, this technology is hugely pegged on improving customer experience at KPCC and increasing the quality of services.
The intern’s experience By Steve Mutuku
Meet: Ian Kipchumba Kerich Department: ICT Program: Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) Tasks: Structured cabling i.e laying network cables -End user termination including RJ45 -Connection and keystones IT support end-users Network trouble shooting Three things learnt about KNH: It is the largest level 6 referral hospital I learnt the importance of team playing with my fellow colleagues. Most memorable moment at KNH? It was an important meeting, where we got a chance to sit with top heads of ICT and review the strategy of the team and set our targets for the next quarter. I was given a unique opportunity to highlight my work. Thanks to my supervisor, he has been very supportive and encouraging. I bet not all interns get such a privilege of showcasing their potential and talent to the entire team. I did my groundwork and was clear as to what I would be presenting. Your five-year career plan: Improve on telecommunication / network skills Gain meaningful employment most preferably at KNH
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From the Medical Research desk:
Comparison of one year outcomes and clinical characteristics among HIV positive and HIV negative patients on maintenance haemodialysis. By Verah Mugambi Kenyatta National Hospital recognizes the importance of research as a strategy towards realization of its vision to be “A world class patient-centered specialized care Hospital.” In this regard, the Hospital has set aside funds to be disbursed through the Medical Research Department to promote research within the Hospital. Dr. Mary Nigandi Kubo, a LecturerUnit of Clinical Pharmacology, Dept. of Clinical Medicine & Therapeutics, UoN, is one of the beneficiaries of the grant and she enlightened Newsline about her research work and the process of getting the funds. What motivated you to conduct a study on this topic? Dr. Mary: HIV remains a leading cause of mortality in Kenya. Additionally, prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is on the rise both globally and locally. HIV is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease and with greater life expectancy among HIV positive patients, the number of patients with both HIV and chronic kidney disease is predicted to rise. Little is known about the outcomes including mortality rates of HIV positive patients on haemodialysis compared to their HIV negative counterparts in our region. This study which took one year to complete, was a retrospective chart review over a ten-year period between 2010 & 2019. It aimed at determining the documented prevalence of HIV among patients on haemodialysis at the Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital Renal Units between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2019. It further compared selected clinical characteristics, one-year mortality and loss to follow up rates among HIV positive patients on haemodialysis during this period compared to their HIV negative counterparts.
Findings/Conclusion. HIV seropositive on maintenance haemodialysis had higher risks of infectious complications, anemia, blood transfusions and poorer outcomes compared to their HIV seronegative counterparts. “Sometime back there was a PHERT (Partnership in Health Research Training) program that provided training in Research methodology, biostatistics and Grant writing. These are the skills I utilized in applying for the KNH grant. For that, I wish to thank Dr. John Kinuthia (KNH), Prof. Dalton Wamalwa (UoN), and Prof. Ruth Nduati (UoN) for their mentorship during the program. “The grant was really a life changing for me since I didn’t have to dig into my pockets to do the
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research. The funding catered for everything. I even had an excellent statistician from KNH; Mr. Ken Mutai. “The research has been accepted for poster presentation at the International Society of Nephrology Frontiers Meeting on Infections and the Kidneys in New Delhi in September 2022. They’ve also graciously awarded me a travel grant to attend the meeting,” added Dr. Mary. As we concluded the interview, the doctor acknowledged and appreciated several people who helped her throughout the process. “I have tried applying for other grants but the KNH one was the smoothest. Very straight forward and KNH research unit staff, such as Mr. Mwenda and Ms. Jacinta were really supportive and guided me on what is required. “We must continue to tell our own story, generate our own data from our own patients to tell the story from sub-Saharan Africa through conducting research. I encourage post graduate students or any other staff who are interested in research, to apply,” she concluded. The department is still receiving proposals and the deadline for receiving the applications is fast approaching; on 30th June 2022. Kindly submit your application electronically through https:// knh.or.ke/index.php/funding-rfa/. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Research and Programs Department (located around Outpatient clinics, first floor next to Staff clinic) on 0202115953 or Ext.44705 or Email knhresearchp@ knh.or.ke, knhresearch@gmail.com Please Note KNH/UON-ERC approval is not a requirement for application, however the study must be approved before funds are released. We also encourage applicants to submit proposals to ERC for approval as we assess the applications.
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KNH managers and supervisors trained on substance abuse By Sheila Murithi In order to address alcohol and drug use and its complications, NACADA organizes sensitizations and structured training targeting communities and workplaces. These sensitizations aim to create awareness on how to go about preventing alcohol and drug use at the workplace. On 13th -15th June 2022, the KNH Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse (ADSA) Committee in collaboration with NACADA organized an Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA) training for KNH managers and supervisors which was held at the KNH Diagnostics and Reporting Centre. The training on drug use prevention focused on building the capacity of participants to understand and implement evidence-based interventions to help employees deal with ADA-related diseases and how inclusivity can be applied in preventive measures. The training was opened by Mr. Duncan Msafiri, Head of Training and Talent, KNH Human Resource Division who was standing in for Dir. Human Resources, Ms. Winnie Mwangi. In his opening remarks, he thanked the team from NACADA for coming and expressed the commitment Human Resources has towards a healthy work environment and workforce. Comprehensive substance use prevention efforts cut back workplace accidents, lost productivity, compensation, claims, and employee health costs. Ms. Diana Ouma and Ms. Ritah Khayo, both facilitators from NACADA encouraged the team to: ·
· · · ·
Be cognizant of the variety of drugs available and the effects they have on the employees’ health and productivity Embed substance use prevention in health and wellness programs/ strategies; Provide information and messages to staff on substance use prevention; Use stress management programs and strategies; Provide brief interventions,
counseling, and referral services to employees on substance use disorders; guarantee the confidentiality of employees as part of combating stigma against seeking help. Engaging presentations, videos, interactive sessions, and role-play were some of the training tacts deployed by the NACADA team to demonstrate how the above suggestions can be practiced in KNH. The participants were also made more conversant with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at the Hospital. Ms. Judith Murithi, Head of EAP explained that Kenyatta National Hospital, through the initiative of Human Resource Department, started an EAP office that offers confidential brief counseling to individuals, groups and a wide variety of consultation services to the employees. The program aims at restoring or enhancing the functioning of employees in their jobs and strengthening the organization’s workgroups and departments that function cohesively, promote higher productivity, and organizational resilience. Dr. Josephine Omondi, Chairperson of the Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse (ADSA) Committee presented
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the proposed KNH ADSA policy to the participants. The policy was discussed in-depth and more ideas were deliberated and added to better the document. Mr. Patrick Opisa, Ag. Deputy Human Resource Manager, NACADA facilitators and representatives of the ADSA committee presented certificates to the participants in recognition of completion of the three-day training.
PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI The managers and supervisors who were trained display the certificates they were awarded after the training
“As Management, we appreciate the work done by the ADSA committee. Issues to deal with managing staff who suffer from ADSA-related diseases are a challenge not only for KNH but for many institutions in both public and private sectors. Partnering with bodies like NACADA helps us tackle this issue through trainings such as this and assisting in the ADSA policy formulation. Working with NACADA has helped us reform 90% of employees suffering from ADSA-related diseases. Since you have undergone the training, kindly be ambassadors of change. Try your best to help your colleagues,” said Mr. Patrick Opisa, during his closing remarks on behalf of Dir. Human Resource, Ms. Winnie Mwangi.
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KNH 16th Annual Prayer Day “A day without prayer is a day without blessing, and a life without prayer is a life without power” - Edwin Harvey By Shiphrah Njeri KNH held its second prayer day this year on Wednesday, 15th June 2022. Unlike the previous events which take place at the Hospital’s Catholic Church Chapel, this auspicious occasion was held at the Information Centre grounds. The theme was derived from Matthew 5:9-12: Blessed are the peacemakers. In attendance were relatives and caregivers of the patients admitted in the wards and members of staff from KNH including the senior management. Mr. Michael Kihuga – Director, Finance on behalf of KNH CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS lauded the effort put by the chaplaincy unit in spreading hope not only to the patients but to everybody within the KNH fraternity. “It is not by chance that we have the Chaplaincy Unit; we have purposed it to be part of Clinical services because we believe that prayer is part of the treatment process, the prayers not only serve our patients but serve the entire nation,” added Mr. Kihuga. He also urged the congregation to pray for our nation during this time of the general elections. There were different prayer categories such as prayer for patients and relatives, staff and family members, KNH management &
PHOTO | LINNETTE LEYI Director Finance - CPA Michael Kihuga giving a speech during prayer day
PHOTO | SHIPHRAH NJERI The congregation listening to the preacher during the prayer day
PHOTO | LINNETTE LEYI KNH choir among the congregation during the prayer day
surrounding institutions and National & County governments which were led by different staff members. “As a people of faith, we are taught about peace but we should seek the peace and have it internally so that we are able to give it to our neighbors,” said the guest preacher Fr. John Musoti from Servants of the Sick Training Centre for Healthcare Ministry, Nairobi. His sermon reflected on the importance of having peace and making a personal commitment towards it. Dr. Rose Nyabanda – Director, Diagnostics and Health information quoted proverbs 16:3: “Commit your actions to the lord, and your plans will succeed.” “We first need our own peace, spiritual wellness, physical wellness and mental wellness for us to be able to provide it to our patients and family,” she added. “These prayers for peace will not only help you rediscover serenity,
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but also act as a stepping stone towards finding strength to take on the less peaceful moments in your life,” concluded Fr. John Kariba - Head, Chaplaincy Unit, KNH.
PHOTO | LINNETTE LEYI Guest Preacher Fr. John Musoti of servants of the sick Training centre for Healthcare Ministry
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Comic Zone Laughter, the best medicine!!
By Edel Q. Mwende
Some dads are “the whole package” all rolled into one!
What did one tonsil say to the other tonsil? “Get dressed up — the doctor is taking us out!” Patient: “Doctor, tell me how I can repay you for your kindness.” Doctor: “You can pay by cash, check, or money order.”
Inspirational Quotes 1.
“Being happy never goes out of style.” - Lilly Pulitzer
2.
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
3.
“You are the total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.” - Maya Angelou
4.
“I have very strong feelings about how you lead your life. You always look ahead, you never look back.” - Ann Richards
5.
“Never lose sight of the face that the most important yardstick to your success is how you treat other people.” - Barbara Bush
6.
“All your life, you will be faced with a choice. You can choose love or hate…I choose love.” Johnny Cash
OUR MISSION To optimize patient experience through innovative healthcare; facilitate training and research; and participate in national health policy formulation
7.
“The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance, to ourselves, they find their order the continuous thread of revelation.” - Eudora Welty
8.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”Martin Luther King Jr.
OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care
9.
“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you’re wasting your life.” - Jackie Robinson
A very angry woman stormed up to the receptionist’s desk at a doctor’s office. “Someone stole my wig while I was having surgery yesterday,” she complained. The doctor came out and tried to calm her down. “I assure you that no one on my staff would have done such a thing,” he said. “Why do you think it was taken here?” “After the operation, I noticed the wig I was wearing was cheap-looking and ugly.” “I think,” explained the surgeon gently, “that means your cataract operation was a success.”
OUR VISION A world class patient-centered specialized care hospital
ISO 15189 ACCREDITED
✓
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10. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” - Dolly Parton 11.
“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.” - Lilly Pulitzer
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