KNH NEWSLINE EDITION 18 2021.

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NEWSLINE We Listen, We Care

Issue 18.

10/9/2021

KNH Decades @120 of Dedication YEARS and Loyalty

Mr. Julius Mbithi

Mrs. Alice Nyokabi Gakumo

Mr. Musilu Ndeto Mitambo

Experiences of KNH’s long-serving employees

By Edel Quinn Mwende

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mployees shape the soul of a company. To celebrate the phenomenal KNH at 120 years, Newsline had chats with some of its long-serving employees. They include Mr. Julius Mathenge Mbithi, Mrs. Alice Nyokabi Gakumo and Mr. Musilu Ndeto Mitambo. They shared their experiences.

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Mr. Julius Mathenge Mbithi: The ‘Undercover band master’ A cheerful gentleman walked towards me as I waited at the Engineering Department’s gate. He led me to the plant inspectors’ office as he shared his nostalgic moments at KNH such as the 100 years’ celebrations - the pomp and grandeur that accompanied it and how great his experience has been; working at the referral facility.

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“I have worked at KNH for 38 years; officially appointed on September 14, 1982,” he recalls.

From his humble beginning as an apprentice, Mr. Mbithi has had several promotions over the last three decades and is currently Principal Artisan 1 (Electrician).

His scope of work at the plants’ section in KNH Engineering, entails but is not limited to maintenance of both electrical and mechanical equipment

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Mr. Julius Mbithi at the laundry Mr. Julius Mbithi at the new microwave currently being installed

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such as boilers, washing machines, macerators, incinerators, microwaves, and theatre beds.

“I recall my first day at KNH in 1982, I was quite young, so scared, so green especially seeing the older Engineers that I would be working with,” he says.

“My supervisor asked me to carry his toolkit and we dashed to the KNH laundry section. I saw him put his hands in the hydro extractor machine and seeing the wires he was handling, I was so scared he would be electrocuted, but he told me that the machine’s power was off.” (giggles with nostalgia). He took me for lunch and I worked with him on several jobs until I could work on my own,” adds Mr. Mbithi.

Mr. Mbithi’s favorite memory of KNH is back in the 80s when KNH installed the first Oxygen generating plant in Africa from South Africa.

He was privileged to be trained and work with his colleague a Mr. John who handled the mechanical issues regarding the plant while he handled the electrical issues.

The machine was operated by Mr. Mbithi and Mr. John in shifts and it worked 24/7; serving in-house patients and would refill for bottling and selling in cylinders.

The drama and anxiety that came with the change to the new millennium (1999 to 2000) are most memorable to him.

When complex computer programs were first written in the 1960s, engineers used a two-digit code for the year, leaving out the “19.” As the year 2000 approached, many believed that the systems would not interpret the “00” correctly, therefore causing a major glitch in the system called the ‘Millenium bug or Y2K’.

The new and modern Oxygen plant was a center of technology because it used computers to operate. Mr. Mbithi and Mr. John had to look for a contingency plan to avoid the failure of the Oxygen plant that served KNH patients directly in the ICU and theatres.

The South African supplier of the Oxygen plant machinery was called in to train the two on how to operate the machines manually. They were good to go and on the night of 31st December 1999, Mr. Mbithi and Mr. John stayed at the Oxygen plant staring at the computer screens to roll over to 1st January 2000 or go blank!

The countdown was crazy and at midnight, dates changed to the new millennium and everything operated normally! There was no computer malfunction. The duo danced in excitement and disbelief. The Oxygen plant functioned normally and patients’ lives would continue to be saved.

“I have been motivated to work at

Kenyatta National Hospital

“I started doing music when I was in high school and focused on the brass instruments.

I was a bandmaster at the Salvation Army band Nairobi Central in the 80s and early 90s and I have trained young children from 14 years on how to play brass and how to interpret written music notes because the music is written in Latin.”

- Mr. Julius Mbithi

KNH for the last 38 years because KNH is a very good employer, a great trainer, and a faithful partner. I went to Tel Aviv, Israel in 2013 for a two-week medical equipment exhibition to identify new medical machinery that would be beneficial for KNH. In March 2017, there was gas leakage in the house and my son got a major gas accident in the house and had 80% burns from the gas explosion. I wondered how my son would survive. KNH took care of my son’s 9-time grafting; in and out of the theatre and this took almost 2 months.

All this time, he was admitted at the private wing and the bill came to about Kshs. 1.5 million which KNH cleared for us,” said Mr. Mbithi. To new joiners at

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KNH, Mr. Mbithi encourages them to have an open mind while working at the hospital. “Love your job and KNH will love you back,” said Mr. Mbithi.

When Mr. Mbithi is not at work in the KNH plant, he unwinds at his farm taking care of his livestock, poultry, reads investigative books with his favorite being Sherlock Holmes and watches movies.

“I started doing music when I was in high school and focused on the brass instruments. I was a bandmaster at the Salvation Army band Nairobi Central in the 80s and early 90s and I have trained young children from 14 years on how to play brass and how to interpret written music notes because the music is written in Latin.” said Mr. Mbithi.

He feels honored and happy to share his experience at KNH for 38 years as he is set to retire in 2023. He is passionate and a hard worker.

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Mrs. Alice Nyokabi Gakumo: The ‘Sharpshooter’ and ‘Mum’ The jolly Mrs. Alice Nyokabi welcomed me to clinic 18 and shared her sharpshooter story.

“I started working at KNH 38 years ago on August 23, 1982, as a Medical Laboratory technician. I have specialized in blood transfusion and I am currently a Medical Laboratory Technologist based at Clinic 18 for reproductive health. My job entails bleeding patients and testing for blood sugar, syphilis, blood groups, hemoglobin levels, urinalysis for pregnant mothers which is phlebotomy on the whole,” she said.

She was posted to KNH emergency laboratory and her first day was baptism by fire. Just after her maiden introduction to the team members by the in-charge Mr. Moses Karanja, a nurse came in with a labor ward emergency request for cross-matching (a test performed before a blood transfusion as part of blood compatibility testing).

The mother at the labor ward was bleeding profusely and guess who was tasked with saving life on her first day?

Mrs. Gakumo was handed the request and her supervisor left the office.

Shivering, she put her KMTC theory into practice and in 15 minutes, she had done the cross-match and handed over the blood to the nurse who was waiting anxiously.

By good luck, the blood was compatible and she saved life on her first day at work. Did she sleep that night? No, she was in disbelief about her first day’s assignment which was a rather sensitive task that she felt she had done under so much pressure.

She confirmed that she had saved both lives when she reported the next day. After working at the emergency laboratory, Mrs. Gakumo has worked in various laboratories in KNH including the Blood Transfusion Unit, Parasitology, and Microbiology.

Her most memorable experience was while working at the emergency laboratory where her colleague at the emergency laboratory (now retired) had an ectopic pregnancy at home and she called for Mrs. Gakumo’s help at night while she was on night duty.

Her O Negative colleague was bleeding profusely and needed a blood transfusion but it was not available at KNH nor the nearby hospitals in Nairobi.

Mrs. Gakumo traveled to Machakos at midnight to save her colleague’s life. With her team, she did the cross match and the nurses transfused her colleague. Teamwork and sacrifice

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Mrs. Alice Nyokabi Gakumo doing antenatal profiling for a mother

saved another life.

She also fondly remembers having the honor to bleed H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, CGH who visited KNH and donated blood for the Mukuru-Sinai fire victims in 2011.

He was at the time, the deputy prime minister and finance minister. The spotlight shone on sharpshooter Mrs. Gakumo as she did what she loved in the presence of the bodyguard, security team, and the camera team.

The inspiration to become a medical laboratory technologist was drawn from having an epileptic dad who had several faints and convulsions at home.

The young daddy’s girl; Mrs. Gakumo

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was not conversant with his medication and she grew up yearning to help him and other patients.

“Serving patients and seeing them get discharged after treatment and recovery motivates me to keep working at KNH. What gives me the greatest joy, in particular, is offering phlebotomy services to women visiting the fertility clinic, seeing them get treated, conceive, deliver at KNH and go home with bouncing babies gives me great joy.” said a passionate Mrs. Gakumo.

Her advice to new joiners at KNH is that they should work diligently and be dedicated to their work while

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http://www.knh.or.ke embracing teamwork since KNH has the best professional exposure and resources.

During her free time, she spends time with her children and grandchildren, attends ‘Chamas’, and goes to worship in church. The 60-year-old sociable

peacemaker loves cooking ‘Mukimo’ and stew.

She feels humbled for being chosen to tell her KNH long-tenure story and thanks KNH for allowing her to explore her career.

Her nickname is ‘mum’ because of

her tenure at KNH and her motherly aura. “I am very proud of KNH turning 120 years and I wish the institution and employees all the best as they offer outstanding patient care.” Said Mrs. Gakumo. She retires this year, 2021.

Mr. Musilu Ndeto Mitambo: The young at heart ‘Chief’ Mr. Ndeto joined KNH from the Ministry of Works 38 years ago on October 11, 1982. When KNH became a parastatal in 1987, some of his colleagues were deployed to the Ministry of Health, and others were retained by the Ministry of Works.

“I dropped my application to work at KNH and went on with my life. I did not know if I was hired or not until a friend came to visit and told me that he had heard that I had been hired.

So I went to pick my appointment letter on Machakos road; the Ministry of Works divisional headquarters in Nairobi. I realized I had been hired a month before and my salary came and was retained (he shrugs). I could not be paid since I had not worked,” said Mr. Ndeto.

“As Principal Artisan 1 (Electrician), my overall job is repair and maintenance of KNH’s installations such as the High Voltage Distribution

Mr. Ndeto explaining the importance of the KNH Generators

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System that powers the hospital. I am also in charge of the generators that provide backup in case of downtime.

The water pumping station is also another critical installation that I am in charge of. I am however not limited to attend to these sections only-we attend to all plant machines as a team. KNH sponsored a colleague in mechanical called Mr. Ngugi and I (electrical), to train in Thailand on how to maintain the laundry machines,” said Mr. Ndeto.

The transformation and growth of KNH for the 38 years form his most memorable experiences and range from the KNH beautification and flowerbeds that by the way never existed in 1982, to the bus stop being originally full of vendors cooking ‘ugali’ and other businesses, salary increments, medical cover, unions, technicians departmental structure and continuous upgrade of medical

Mr. Ndeto checking on some controls at the High Voltage power substation

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Mr. Ndeto doing a routine check on the water pumping station

machines.

Healthcare is very expensive on the whole and KNH takes great care of its employees with the medical cover, staff clinic and this is my key motivation to work here. “I was diagnosed with Covid-19, and I got the best care in KNH’s private wing from 24th March till 5th April 2021.

I was on Oxygen for 6 days and I felt very well taken care of. At 59 years, KNH saved my life,” said Mr. Ndeto His advice to new joiners is to love what they do and be consistent in working well for them to be successful.

He watches NatGeo, Engineering, history, and travel documentaries during his free time. He feels honored to share his experience about working at KNH and vividly remembers how privileged he felt to receive his certificate of long service for 35 years three years ago. Mr. Ndeto’s nickname is ‘Chief’ because of his amiable and sociable demeanor. He is young at heart and also finds great joy in training new joiners in his department.

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Feted - Twice in a row…

KNH bags two awards in this year’s Energy Management Awards – Scoops best in Service Sector as well as best in Public Institution Awards.

By Dave Opiyo Kenyatta National Hospital has for the second time in as many years been feted for its efforts to promote efficient energy use in its operations.

The hospital bagged two major awards during the Annual Energy Management Awards during a ceremony at Safari Park Hotel, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.

KAM has been mandated by the Ministry of Energy and the Petroleum Regulatory Commission to organize the awards.

KNH emerged as the winner in two categories – Best in Service Sector as well as Best in Public Institution Awards.

An elated Director Facility and Services Eng. Richard Binga attributed the awards to hard work.

During similar celebrations held in October last year, KNH emerged the best in the New Entrant Award for Small and Medium Energy Consumers Award as well as Best Energy Management in the Service Sector Category.

In an interview with Newsline, he said the hospital has been implementing several energy management initiatives, which gave them an edge over their competitors, hence the awards.

On Electrical Energy, KNH was feted for its move to replace fluorescent tube lights with energy-efficient LED light fittings.

“The hospital has more than 40,000 lighting points and so far have replaced about 10,000 light tubes with energyefficient lights resulting in an annual saving of 424,200 Kwh electrical energy thus reducing the annual electricity bill

by Kshs. 7.9million,” said Eng. Binga.

He went on: “We have also installed solar heating systems for KPCC, New Renal Extension, and Infectious Diseases Isolation (Ebola

Kenyatta National Hospital

Eng. Richard Binga- Director Facilities and Services (middle) , Director Planning and Strategy Mr. Job Makanga ( left) receiving the prestigious trophy during the awards.

Isolation Unit) buildings.”

Eng. Binga further revealed that the medical facility had replaced air compressors with standard electric motors for laundry and TSSU/ CSSD with current technology energyefficient electric motors.

Other initiatives on Electrical Energy includeInstallation of lifts with energyefficient motor drives at surgical daycare, renal extension building, and dump waiters (Theatre lifts), together with installation of energy-efficient laundry equipment.

On Thermal Energy, Eng. Binga explained that the hospital uses boilers to generate steam which is a critical utility for cooking, washing, drying, and ironing of patient linen as well as sterilization of theatre linen and surgical tools at the TSSU/ CSSD. The boiler, he said, uses Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to generate steam, which costs the hospital about

Kshs. 120m annually.

“Towards efforts to reduce this cost, the hospital replaced oil burners with modern boiler burners that are fitted with an automatic operation control system for running the equipment,” Eng. Binga said.

“This resulted in an average reduction in the daily fuel consumption by the steam boiler of 350 litres. The annual saving 125,000litres at a unit price per liter of Kshs.70 equals the annual cost savings amounts to Kshs.

8.82 million,” he said.

On Administrative Best Practice, the hospital was feted for the development of an energy management policy.

The policy, Eng. Binga explains, was submitted and approved by EPRA in compliance with the Energy Management Act 2019.

“We also carried out an Investment Grade Energy audit for the entire institution. The report was submitted and approved by EPRA in compliance with the Energy Management Act 2019,” he said.

“There was also the appointment of an Energy Management Committee to spearhead energy management activities in the hospital as well as allocation of resources (budget) for the implementation of the energy management initiatives identified in the energy audit report,” he added.

The trophy awarded to KNH during the awards

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The plague of self diagnosis PHOTO | ERCARE24.COM

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By Chris Mwiti It is no secret that many people don’t seek expert opinion when it comes to their health issues unless the heat is too much for them to handle.

Mr. Henfrey Mugendi, a Health Care Quality officer at Kenyatta National Hospital -Othaya notes that in the provision of health services, instances of patients with prior self-medication are a common occurrence which means self-diagnosis.

This norm, according to Mr. Mugendi, has had adverse effects on the patient thus, the need to get a professional opinion.

“Getting an official diagnosis is so important to everyone’s health.

Nowadays, people are relishing peer diagnosis, and internet sources for diagnosis.” Mr. Mugendi says.

He adds that the underlying consequences of self-diagnosis are dire and can be fatal.

“Individuals who self-diagnose themselves risk misdiagnosis of ailments and thus treating the wrong disease. Consequently, this leads to unnecessary expenses as a result of wrong medication.” he added.

Further consequences of selfdiagnosis include drug resistance, overdosage and under-dosage, delays

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“Individuals who selfdiagnose themselves risk misdiagnosis of ailments and thus treating the wrong disease.

Consequently, this leads to unnecessary expenses as a result of wrong medication.”

- Mr. Henfrey Mugendi, a Health Care Quality officer at KNH - Othaya.

in seeking appropriate care, and also dangerous drug interaction in the body.

All these consequences can be fatal and as Mr. Mugendi notes, “Selfdiagnosis makes treatable conditions turn chronic and thus when the patient seeks proper medical attention, there is little intervention that can be done.”

But why would patients prefer selfdiagnosis instead of seeking proper medical intervention?

“Influence from friends and media outlets is a major reason why people don’t visit health facilities for diagnosis. If a friend had similar

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symptoms to the patient, there is a tendency of them prescribing to themselves the medication used by their friend,” he notes.

He said the unregulated sale of drugs has been a major contributor too. “People can buy drugs over the counter without any prescriptions.”

Other potential causes of selfdiagnosis include lack of access to health facilities especially during night hours and lack of awareness of the negative effects of self-diagnosis.

Irrespective of all drawbacks, Mr. Mugendi notes that there is a way out.

“One way we can avert the problem is ensuring that there is extensive health education in the society to create the requisite awareness among the community residents. It is also important to regulate the sale of drugs and ensuring that anyone buying drugs has a prescription,” he says.

It is important to get the right diagnosis and this can only be done by a qualified medical practitioner.

This will go a long way in assuring an individual of the state of their health.

Ignorance can be costly and yet easily avoidable.

Seeking advice from certified health practitioners is an invaluable move.

Let us get tested, let us be healthy.

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OUR STORY IN PICTURES

CEO KNH Dr. Evanson Kamuri and KPCC Ag. Director Dr. John Ngigi dance during the launch of Prime Care Pharmacy

Representatives from Hope for Cancer Kids, Lion Club of Riverside and Kilele wellness program cut a cake at ward 3D wishing the patients a quick recovery

Kamtix Cleaners at work near the main theatre

Engeenering department staff lead by the Director facilities and services Eng. Richard Binga showcase the trophies after they bagged two major awards during the Annual Energy Management Awards

KPCC Oncology nurse Ann Wangu shares a cake to celebrate Ms. Juliet Kyeba who successfully completed her 18 cycles of Chemotherapy in a span of 54 weeks

Mr. James Macharia Mwangi, Chief Accountant, KNH, addresses Nigerian delegates from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), during NHIF benchmarking at Malipo Center.

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Support for Gender-based violence victims at KNH-Othaya

By Abigael Lunani Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed to an individual or group of people based on gender.

These acts can occur either in public or in private and include; physical, sexual mental, and economic harm.

Gender-based violence is classified as one of the most prevalent forms of violation of human rights in the world.

While both men and women experience gender-based violence, the majority of victims are girls and women.

Sadly, justification for gender-based violence is mostly based on social norms about the proper roles and responsibilities of men and women.

These norms socialize males to be aggressive, powerful, unemotional, and controlling and contribute to a social acceptance of men as dominant.

Similarly, expectations of females as passive, nurturing, submissive and emotional also reinforce women’s roles as weak, dependent upon men.

This has resulted in an unequal power relationship between men and women.

The consequences of gender violence go beyond the victim to

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“In Nyeri county, the most reported cases of gender-based violence are against women.

It includes mainly wife battering, rape, and economic abuse of women.”

PHOTO | WWW.COE.INT

society as a whole. To the individual, first, there are physical injuries that can lead to disability or chronic health problems.

Secondly, there is psychological harm, where victims face anxiety, fear, mistrust of others, loneliness, inability to concentrate, PTSD, and sometimes suicide.

And last, there is economic and social rejection, which can lead to loss of jobs and increased vulnerability to other gender-based violence.

Others may include threatened family structures; children suffer emotional damage and homes may break up.

In Nyeri county, the most reported cases of gender-based violence are against women. It includes mainly wife battering, rape, and economic abuse of women.

There are also reports of deaths, where women have been reported to be killed by their husbands and vice versa.

Neglect of children and many cases of absentee fathers also stick out as forms and contributors to genderbased violence.

Even though there are many reported cases of gender-based violence, there are very few GBV recovery services in the region. It

is with this that Kenyatta National Hospital-Othaya launched a genderbased violence clinic in May 2021.

Since the launch, the clinic has been receiving survivors of gender-based violence most being rape, physical abuse, and emotional abuse survivors.

These survivors need a lot of care management and proper follow-up.

This kind of care is offered at the KNH-Othaya GBV clinic.

The unit works hand in hand with the local administration; the police, chief’s office, and children’s office for referrals.

For the rape cases, the hospital conducts the necessary lab works, which include; A High Vaginal Swab (HVS) Urinalysis, STD tests, and Provider Initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC).

Survivors of all forms of GBV will get a listening ear, an enhanced sense of safety, and lots of support from our health care providers. The major challenge faced is that many people still suffer in silence because they don’t know where to report or get help in case of gender-based violence.

And there is a need to sensitize the community about gender-based violence

Report any form of GBV through these hotlines: 0729 209398/ 0717 968398/ 0800 720308 National GBV helpline: 1195 Children helpline: 116

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Lactation Lounge: KPCC leading the way

KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri cuts ribbon to officially open the new lactation lounge, alongside him is Dr. John Ngigi - Ag. Director KPCC and HOD Renal unit, in company of a team from Nestle Kenya

By Petterson Njogu Once again, Kenyatta Prime Care Centre has claimed its place as a top healthcare provider in the country after launching an exquisite lactation lounge at the KPCC maternity ward.

The new lactation room targets the nursing mothers who are already discharged or about to be discharged but have their children at the newborn unit (NBU).

The facility seeks to provide a comfortable, private and safe place to breast-pump for these mothers who visit the hospital once or twice a day.

This remarkable project was carried out in partnership with Nestle Kenya.

The Hospital had projected Kshs 1 million towards this venture with the multinational food and drink

processing company donations going into fully furnishing the lactation lounge.

“There are a lot of health benefits that breastfeeding offers to mothers and their newborns” noted Dr Evanson Kamuri, KNH CEO. “However, a majority of mothers are forced to start weaning their babies early due to lack of accommodation and breastfeeding facilities at their workplaces. This initiative shows our commitment to supporting new moms as they strive to strike a balance between work and life”, he added.

The room includes comfortable recliner seats, a microwave, a refrigerator for storing the expressed milk. Storage cabinets are also available for mums to store their pumps among other personal

CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri (L) unveils the plaque with Nestle Kenya Finance Director. Mr. Gibson Singen(R).

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belongings until the discharge is due.

Data from World Health Organization indicate that lack of exclusive breastfeeding leads to an increase in child mortality, something Nestle Kenya is trying to undo.

“As Nestlé, we are committed to promoting and supporting the WHO recommendation on breastfeeding, to ensure that mothers can give their babies the healthiest possible start in life”, said Gibson Singen, Nestle’s Cluster Controller East & Horn of Africa.

Speaking at the event, KPCC Senior Director, Dr John Ngigi thanked the team from Nestle Kenya for believing in the KNH Prime Care brand and coming on board to partner in this noble undertaking.

Few of the mothers who spoke to Newsline were full of praises; how the lactation room has changed their stay at the Hospital for the better.

“The seats are very comfortable, I can now express with no trouble with my legs rested a bit high which is very helpful to my back,” says Ms Emily Kariuki as she reclines her chair. “The music in here also calms me and when the mind is relaxed expressing milk becomes way easier”, adds the firsttime mother of twins.

As a way of promoting both the mum and the child health, this establishment is aiming to give the nursing mothers as they breastfeed their children a comfortable, safe and private space as they wait upon discharge.

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More than two million Kenyans vaccinated

By Vera Mugambi The Government is planning to have all adults fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by December 2022.

The news was shared as the country received the first batch of Johnson & Johnson vaccines from the United States.

The country has ramped up its vaccine roll-out efforts to ensure more accessibility.

Vaccination centers have been set up across the country including Kenyatta National Hospital where thousands turn up daily to get the shot.

A total of 2,020,100 people have so far received the first dose of the vaccine and 809,509 others have received the second dose of the vaccine, according to the latest data by the Ministry of Health.

The data also shows that 205,345 health workers have received the first dose while 134,772 have received both doses.

It’s been more than one year since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic.

As it ravages the globe, it is going through various mutations bringing to the fore several variants. Some variants are more infectious than others.

Variants of SARS-CoV-2 of concern: the Alpha Variant (formerly called the UK Variant and officially referred to as B.1.1.7), first found in London and Kent, the Beta Variant (formerly called the South Africa Variant and officially referred to as B.1.351), the Gamma Variant (formerly called the Brazil Variant and officially referred to as P.1), and the Delta Variant (formerly called the India Variant and officially

KNH Vaccination team at helipad.

Dr. Naomi Chirindo - Medical Officer KNH

referred to as B.1.617.2).

“Viruses constantly change to adapt and survive, and variants emerge when a strain has one or more mutations that differ from others. Delta variant is so far the most contagious variant”, Dr. Naomi Chirindo, Medical Officer KNH stated during an interview with Newsline.

Members of the public line up for the jab at the KNH helipad grounds

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According to Dr. Naomi, this variant has led to increased infections amongst the unvaccinated population resulting in severe illness and death.

“But of great importance is that the vaccine has improved our chance of survival by reducing the severity of illness in the vaccinated population,” she explained.

The Delta variant can spread more easily, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The strain has mutations on the spike protein that make it easier for it to infect human cells. That means people may be more contagious if they contract the virus and more easily spread it to others.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, both AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are being administered at the Helipad ground from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday.

“For all eligible people please visit portal.health.go.ke, create an account and register for the vaccination you will then receive a text message in your phone bring this with you when you come for your shot”, stressed Cynthia Cherono, KNH Marketing & Communication Officer while talking to Newsline.

The vaccine is voluntary and no one should be forced to take the vaccine, despite its immense benefits it is an individual’s right to decide. “We are not going to force anyone to take it or not, but I would like to truly encourage for those who are in the essential services to take the jab”, said the President on the mandatory vaccine administration.

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Visiting for a worthy cause Back row: Dr. Festus Njuguna- Moi Teaching and referral Hospital (left) Mr. Fredrick Muthusi - Senior Assistant Chief Nurse Paediatrics (4th Left), Dr. Gertjan J.L. Kaspers (5th left), Dr. Irene Nzamu (Right) during a visit to ward 1E.

By Winfred Gumbo KNH Paediatric Department on September 6, 2021, played host to two visiting medics.

Professor Gertjan J.L. Kaspers, a Paediatric Oncologist and the Director Department of Academy and Outreach at the Princess Maxima Center for Paediatric Oncology in the Netherlands was accompanied

by Dr. Festus Njuguna, Paeditrician and Haemato-Oncologist from Moi Teaching and Referral HospitalEldoret.

The medics held discussions on several issues with their counterparts from KNH, including experiences in managing children with cancer and blood disorders.

The team further explored potential areas of partnership.

Thereafter, the guests led by Dr. Irene Nzamu, Head Paediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit visited various Paediatric Oncology Wards, Clinics, Playgrounds, Pharmacy, Blood Transfusion Unit, and Haematology laboratory. They were indeed impressed with what they saw.

Dr. Juliana Muiva, the HOD Paediatrics thanked Prof. Gertjan for the visit as KNH looks forward to partnering with Princess Maxima Center for Paediatric Oncology in helping the children undergoing cancer treatment at KNH.

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Dr. Gertjan J.L. Kaspers (left) during a visit to ward 3D.

Irene Nzame (2nd left) making an explanation to Dr. Gertjan J.L. Kaspers (left) during a Paediatric Oncology ward visit.

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Redouble efforts towards improving hospital – CEO urges new HoDs/ HoUs

By Dave Opiyo New Heads of Departments and Units at Kenyatta National Hospital have been challenged to redouble their efforts towards improving the referral facility as they settle in their new workstations.

The call was made by the hospital’s Chief Executive Dr. Evanson Kamuri, when he hosted them for a breakfast meeting on September 7, 2021. Also present were members of the hospital’s Executive Management Committee.

As he welcomed the HoDs/ HoUs to management, the CEO encouraged them to always cultivate an open door policy, discuss issues with their staff as they delivered their mandate to the public.

“The hospital has improved over the last two years. I’d like to therefore challenge you to make it even better.

We owe this to our clients, ” said the

KNH CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri - EBS adresses the top management during the meeting CEO during the meeting held at the Senior Staff Canteen.

“We can, however, not achieve our goals if we don’t manage time well.

We have the best in terms of personnel

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 OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care

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but we are sadly not managing our time well… let’s enforce proper time management at our places of work.

If we do so, we will improve our performance,” he said.

He further encouraged the new departmental leadership to invest in the people they lead as this will not only yield positive results but will also improve productivity.

“You have been chosen to lead in these positions because of your potential. Let’s bring about the change we would wish to see in the hospital.

Never stop doing the right thing if you want to move forward,” said Dr. Kamuri.

Senior Director Clinical Services Dr. Irene Inwani on her part appreciated the outstanding work done by the outgoing team leaders.

“You have moved the hospital forward.

We truly would like to appreciate the work done,” said Dr. Inwani as she welcomed the new HoDs/HoUs.

Inspirational Sayings “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits.

The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.

They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ― Rob Siltanen

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.” ― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

www.knh.or.ke

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

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