KNH NEWSLINE EDITION 1

Importance of effective communication in hospitals

Editor’s note p.2

Impact of effective communication in hospitalsp.3

Congratulation message to Dr. Inwani p.4

History Check: HIV/AIDS and KNH’s swift response to tame the pandemic p.5 - 6

Types of Sleep Disorders p 7

KNH acquires more laboratory state-of-theart analyzers p.8

KPCC at the forefront of promoting its core values p.9

Free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine p.10

Health CS visits Mwai Kibaki Hospitalp.11

KNH’s Blood Transfusion Unit receives a much-deserved facelift p.12

Pediatric Oncology Clinical Officer at KNH; Dr. Godrey C. Wadu p.13-14

Positive mentions from KNH socials p.14

Our story in Pictures p.15

KNH joins APS, GSU graduation ceremonies p. 16

Birthday Wishes p. 17-19

Safety is not expensive, it is pricelessp. 19-20 Comic zone p. 20

ON THE COVER

Importance of effective communication in hospitals p. 3

Marketing & Communication Department

Design Concept Team:

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

Editorial Team:

Dave Opiyo , Edel Q. Mwende, Phillip Etyang, Linnette Leyi, Yvonne Gichuru, Luke Kung’u, & Steve Arwa

Stories:

Philip Etyang, Luke Kung’u, Verah Mugambi, Joan Macharia, Edel Q. Mwende, Petterson Njogu, Chris Mwiti, Stephen Mokaya & Poline Njue

Design By: Collins Cheruiyot

Photos:

Steve Arwa, Joan Macharia, Petterson Njogu & Poline Njue

Tel: +254 20 2726300-9

Ext. 43121 or 43969

Fax: +254 20 272572

Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com

Dear Colleagues,

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2023.

The New Year is a time to look back and to look forward. Some people make resolutions to break bad habits, create new ones or maintain existing ones.

It’s been another year of rapid change and transformation. After almost three years of Covid-19, it is still here with us and has many dangerous variants. Please let us be cautious and keep following the COVID protocols.

I am grateful to put 2022 behind us and look toward a hopeful and better tomorrow. Let’s reignite that fire that we once had. If you focus on a goal long enough, you’re bound to succeed. You have to be patient. Whatever you do, always be kind to each other and make the world a better place.

On behalf of the Marketing and Communication team, we wish you and yours the best Year!

You can access all KNH Newsline and Newsletter publications online at: https://bit. ly/3uQGCcI

Ms. Verah M. Mugambi Editorial Officer, Marketing & Communication Kenyatta National Hospital.

Impact of effective communication in hospitals

By Verah Mugambi

What is communication?

A process of exchanging information between individuals through a standard system of speech, symbols, signs, or behavior. Communication is essential for effective human interactions. It is a process of sharing ideas, information, views, facts, and feelings from one place, person, or group to another.

In a hospital setting, good communication between the patient/guardian and the doctor/ nurse contributes a lot to a positive effect on a patient’s health outcome. Patients/guardians and relatives want the information to participate in the patient’s treatment and associated decision-making. So medics need to communicate effectively and also do so sensitively and compassionately.

Patient communication begins at first contact, the initial moment of patient care, and lasts until the end of the care cycle. Once the patient/ relative feels they have the complete undivided attention of the healthcare giver, they tend to reveal all their problems freely with the satisfaction that someone is listening and will take care of them.

When healthcare professionals don’t communicate effectively, patient safety is at risk for several reasons: lack of critical information, misinterpretation, and overlooked status changes. In addition, lack of communication creates situations where patients feel ignored and not cared for, frustrating their family and friends.

During communication, doctors/ nurses must be straightforward and avoid medical jargon. The purpose of simplicity in touch is for the patients to understand the situation thoroughly and what’s done- the process. There should be no room for doubts or misunderstandings. Eye contact is also critical.

Kenyatta National Hospital is solely an emergency and referral hospital which is highly preferred by most.

At Accident and Emergency, the patients that need urgent attention are color coded as they come in. i.e., red, orange, green, and yellow. Each is handled differently given the severity of the case. Therefore, communication, in this case, is critical to make the patient/relatives understand their color code and what to expect.

Patients’ opinions of the quality of their healthcare are highly dependent on their interactions with their healthcare team. A wealth of research data supports the benefits of effective communication and health outcomes for patients and doctors/nurses.

Patients’ connection with their doctor can ultimately improve their health facilitated through participation in their care, treatment adherence, and patient selfmanagement.

The benefits of effective communication in hospitals may include the following: Understanding the patient’s condition and emotional state, the social determinants of the patient’s health, and identifying the patient’s specialized needs, the relatives are at ease as they are involved in every stage.

According to Institute for Healthcare Communication, the core elements comprising patient satisfaction include:

• Expectations: Providing an opportunity for the patient to tell their story.

• Communication: patient satisfaction increased when members of the healthcare team took the problem seriously, explained information, tried to understand the patient’s experience, and provided viable options.

• Control: Patient satisfaction is improved when patients are encouraged to express their ideas, concerns, and expectations.

• Decision-making: Patient satisfaction increases when the importance of their social and mental functioning as much

as their physical functioning is acknowledged.

• Continuity of care: Patient satisfaction increases when they receive continuing care from the same healthcare provider(s).

• Dignity: As expected, patients treated with respect and invited to partner in their healthcare decisions report greater satisfaction.

Nurses provide patients with deep interpersonal, intellectual, and technical abilities and skills at the point of care and beyond. To do so, they must possess more than just clinical knowledge – they need interpersonal communication skills.

According to the US National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), communication in medicine is a “vital element in all areas of activity and its interventions.

Medical professionals must learn, understand and apply various communication traits in their field of work when necessary. Emphasis must be placed “on communication between doctors/nurse and patient.

“ Patients’ opinions of the quality of their healthcare are highly dependent on their interactions with their healthcare team. A wealth of research data supports the benefits of effective communication and health outcomes for patients and doctors/ nurses.,”

Patient Safety Excellence Award 2023

Lydia Okutoyi DIRECTOR, HCQ KNH AND ACQUIRE & SQHK

For services to National and International Care Quality and patient safety leadership

HIV/AIDS and KNH’s swift response to tame the pandemic

By Philip Etyang

History annals inform us that the first case of HIV in Kenya was detected in 1984.

By the mid-1990s, the disease was already putting a strain on the healthcare system as well as the economy of the then-young nation.

Ministry of Health statistics indicates that by 1996, at least 10.5 percent of Kenyans had the disease. The situation was getting out of hand and in 1999, former President, the late Daniel Arap Moi declared HIV/AIDS a national disaster in the country.

The former Head of State also called for the establishment of the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), which was then established through an executive order as a State entity under the State Corporations Act, Cap 446 published under Legal

Notice No. 170 of 1999.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), being the country’s largest hospital, was already caring for the highest number of HIV/AIDS patients in the country.

Available statistics at the Hospital show that HIV/AIDS patients were occupying at least 60 percent of all KNH medical wards’ beds. The Hospital was also admitting between 18,000 and 25,000 HIV/AIDS cases.

The fruits of the hospital’s efforts to manage the pandemic are evident from statistics, that indicate that prevalence has almost halved since 1999.

According to the NACC, by 2015, the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS stood at 5.9 percent. This rapid progress was mainly driven by the upscaling of HIV/AIDS management in the country, with KNH being at the forefront. By 2016, 64 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS were on

antiretroviral treatment.

HIV/AIDS counseling, an important service in the prevention and management of the disease, kicked off in 1989 as an emergency facility for patients diagnosed with the virus. This service was strictly offered at the Patient Support Centre (PSC).

At the time, it was found that these patients developed psychological reactions which were detrimental to their mental health as much as it was affecting their physical health. Soon afterward, pre and post-test counseling were implemented for all HIV/AIDSinfected patients attending the Hospital. This went a long way in helping the patients live positively with the disease.

Additionally, PSC embarked on an awareness creation and sensitization program on HIV/AIDS to care for all staff who had developed a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS

PHOTO | EVERYDAYHEALTH ARV drugs

patients.

The gravity of the virus on KNH compelled the Hospital to embark on a management-driven program aimed at highlighting the challenges of HIV/AIDS to healthcare providers. The program titled ‘KNH AIDS Initiative 2000 and Beyond’ was launched in the late 1990s.

Among other things, the program which mainly emphasizes homebased care for patients proposed long-term solutions to the problem of congestion in the wards, which had been aggravated by the pandemic.

The initiative’s main objectives among others were to bring together health personnel involved in HIV/ AIDS work (research, healthcare, education, and counseling), and facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, challenges, and information on the care of HIV/AIDS patients.

Other objectives were to promote the exchange of health information, promote HIV/AIDS research, explore modalities of home-based care of HIV/AIDS patients, and sensitize health educators on HIV/AIDS patients.

The last objective of the initiative was to sensitize health educators and personnel involved in HIV/

AIDS work and encourage them to participate in advocacy, awareness campaigns, and surveillance programs.

PSC expands horizon

Over the years, the role of PSC has gradually expanded to include the following;

1. Psychological management in disaster areas

2. Counseling services for;

(i) Drug abuse and alcoholism

(ii) Marital problems

(iii) Domestic violence

(iv) Stress management

(v) Rape cases

(vi) Psychiatric disorders

(vii) Personality disorders

(viii) Adolescent problems

In August 2001, the then Minister for Health, Professor Samson Ongeri, officially opened the KNH AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing Center (VCT), an important body in the fight against the deadly scrouge.

The VCT was established with financial support from the American and Japanese governments and is situated on the second floor of the Tower Block, adjacent to the chapel. The facility is meant to enhance behavioral change which is now recognized as an important tool in the war

PHOTO: STEVEN ARWA

Entrance to KNH Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre situated on the second floor of the Tower Block.

Types of Sleep Disorders

By Priscah Angwenyi

Does it bother you when you go to bed and lie there for hours unable to fall asleep? It happens to most of us at times. But when sleeplessness becomes the rule rather than the exception, perhaps the sleep disorder called insomnia has set in.

Insomnia means nothing more than being unable to sleep. But sleeplessness may have a variety of descriptors and causes.

Newsline was able to interview Dr. Sarah Wawa, a consultant psychiatrist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Department of Mental Health and this is what she had to say on sleep disorders;

“Some people have a chronic problem with falling asleep. They feel tired and go to bed early enough, but then toss and turn for hours. Another form of insomnia happens when you go to sleep only to awaken and lie there for hours. This could result from several reasons, such as a spouse who snores, a cat that jumps on the bed, lights in the room, or noise. And if it happens regularly, you can certainly suffer from insomnia’’ says Dr. Wawa.

Dr. Wawa further said that some people fall asleep and remain that way all night. But in the morning, would not have rested. Their exhaustion may indicate sleep apnea, another potentially serious sleep disorder that prevents deep sleep during the night. Those with classical sleep apnea have a breathing disorder in which they just stop breathing for 10 to 20 seconds or so. And when breathing pauses happen 20 to 30 times each hour.

In central apnea, the brain is slow to signal the body to take another breath. More often, sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea and is associated with carrying too much weight and not being in good shape, so when you lie down to sleep, loose soft tissue collapses and pinches the breathing tubes closed.

“Insomnia may also result in Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a disorder in which you constantly move legs

because of unpleasant sensations in them. RLS is often a result of various other disease conditions such as stroke, and spinal cord injuries and one form has a genetic origin,” stated Dr. Wawa

“Narcolepsy, a chronic, lifelong condition, is a sleep disorder in which an affected individual has frequent sleep attacks during the day. It is not a mental illness, but it does qualify

as a nervous system disorder because, for unknown reasons, the brain produces too little of a family of important brain neuropeptides called hypocretins or orexins,” says Dr. Wawa.

The hypocretins /orexins proteins, identified in all major groups of vertebrates, cause wakefulness when bound to hypocretin/orexin receptors. Lacking either the protein or the receptors cause narcolepsy.

Sleep disorders can only be clinically diagnosed. Before any medication is administered, one has to get the underlying causes which include stress, alcohol/drug use, weight issues, and physical illnesses such as airway obstruction. Natural remedies will be administered to improve the kind of sleep. Natural remedies create a good sleep hygiene pattern.

Good sleep hygiene are activities that you do during the day to make your sleep pattern better. They entail exercise, no taking of carbonated beverages, and eating early before bedtime such as 2-3 hours before sleeping While in bed you need to put your phone away, and your bedroom should have calming colors such as purple or blue. Playing calming music that has natural sounds. Reading good stories also calms the mind. Taking a cup of natural teas such as rosemary, passion , and even warm milk before bedtime tends to induce sleep.

PHOTO |STOCK

A man hacving difficulty sleeping

PHOTO | COURTESY

Dr. Sarah Wawa, a consultant psychiatrist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Department of Mental Health

KNH acquires more laboratory state-of-the-art analyzers

By Joel Stephen Mukaya

Technology is dynamic, and keeping pace with technological advances is paramount for KNH. Being a national referral and teaching facility, the Hospital endeavors to remain a leader in the provision of health care services in the region.

The acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment in the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Unit Laboratories confirms our resolve to serve our clients better. This new technology is intended to assist clinicians to make a speedy diagnosis and eventual management of medical conditions presented by our clients.

Cellular Analysis Line

In November 2022, Kenyatta National Hospital acquired a new generation hematology analyzer dubbed the cellular analysis line (CAL). The newly acquired MINDRAY ®CAL 8000 is a smarter workstation with a simpler workflow.

The MINDRAY ®CAL 8000 2.1 is an integrated system composed of three pieces of equipment in one platform connected by a track module system and operated from just a single computer, hence a more compact solution.

The system integrates two identical 6-part MINDRAY BC-6800 PLUS hematology analyzers as ANALYZER 1 and ANALYZER 2 respectively, which work independently even though operated from one computer software.

The advanced MINDRAY BC 6800 PLUS hematology analyzer is a high throughput 6-PART Analyzer, dubbed so due to its ability to test for Immature Granulocytes (IMG) besides the common 5-PART Differential White Blood Cells (WBC) parameters.

Each analyzer is capable of performing 200 samples per hour for the common complete blood count and white blood differentials (CBC+DIFF). With the two identical equipment in one platform, this means that 400 tests of complete blood count can be done per hour. The software-operated track module

system ensures that the sample racks are loaded into the analyzer not engaged at the time hence ensuring continuous testing and individual test results without delay or confusion which is most common with openvial testing equipment.

The hematology analyzers have flexible modes of testing according to the physician’s preference per individual patient; including an option for reticulocyte testing.

The analyzers are also able to perform tests for both blood samples and body fluid samples such as Cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) Peritoneal fluids, synovial fluids, with 40 tests per hour for the latter per individual analyzer.

The third equipment in the CAL 8000 is the MINDRAY SC-120. This is an automated blood and body fluid smear preparation and staining component for microscopic examination by pathologists.

The automation in slide preparation and staining gives a highly standardized and consistent slide for the pathologist’s quick reading and interpretation. The system has preset validation rules on the equipment software thus, a single blood sample can move to the hematology analyzer

for haemogram tests and finally move to the SC-120 for its slide preparation and staining before being offloaded from the equipment.

The equipment system uses the most advanced technology and principles of the ‘Focusing Flow DC’ method for red blood cell testing and platelets count confirmation (optical), Cyanide free reagent for hemoglobin testing, Flow Cytometry, and ScatterFluorescent (SF-CUBE) 3D Analysis for the most accurate analysis of clinically significant parameters in a hematology lab.

“The hematology analyzers have flexible modes of testing according to the physician’s preference per individual patient; including an option for reticulocyte testing.”

KPCC at the forefront of promoting its core values

By Petterson Njogu & Edel Mwende

Several factors tend to contribute to a company’s success and core values in any workplace culture are a key factor to this.

This is attributed to the fact that employers and employees must enjoy a cordial relationship that is supported by a set of core values that guide the behaviors and attitudes of an organization’s staff.

However, as we all know, words are like wind. Living up to these values is where the real work begins.

What are core values? According to Forbes, core values refer to a company’s principles. In this case, at Kenyatta Prime Care Centre- the core values portray what KPCC stands for; they are the beliefs that drive the culture at KPCC.

KPCC has not been left behind in identifying its core values and taking bold steps in living up to them. They include Professionalism, Responsiveness, Empathy, Teamwork/team spirit, and Innovation (PRETI).

Of the above simple yet very critical core values, KPCC has taken great strides in promoting them.

During the 2023 maiden Senior Director’s meeting, KPCC Senior Director, Dr. John Ngigi launched the Staff Social Corner which culminated with a New Year’s cakecutting event. These two activities could have emphasized the value of teamwork and team spirit better.

Ms. Winnie Kiongo, in-charge Human Resource at KPCC while speaking at the event, said “we are launching the birthday corners to reinforce our team spirit. The staff corners will be donning birthday wishes for KPCC staff and they will be updated every month,” she said.

When any team comes together, a sense of unity and purpose tends to create a working environment where colleagues trust each other, communicate well and collaborate in achieving desirable results. Moreover, workplace synergy

shoots up and improves the team’s performance in the long haul.

Since teamwork and team spirit are among the KPCC core values that various teams and sections have embraced, the efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The teams were well rewarded for the achievement.

One way of reinforcing good behavior is by recognizing and rewarding individuals. That is exactly what happen to wards

10A and 10D, with the latter being recognized for excellent service. They (Ward 10D) bagged a

certificate and the most coveted Kichari Cup (KPCC Customer Care Trophy)- in honor of Ms. Frida Kichari, a retired nurse at Ward 9B who exuded great customer service qualities.

Ward 10A was also recognized with a certificate as the 1st runnerup as reported in December 2022.

Dr. Ngigi also emphasized accountability and integrity-two core values that are fundamental in ensuring the success of KPCC as a whole.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA KPCC Senior Director, Dr. John Ngigi launches the KPCC Staff Social Corner

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Manager, Nursing & Clinical Services- Ms. Doris Kimbui (2L), Ms. Jane Macharia-KPCC catering unit and Senior Director, KPCC-Dr. John Ngigi cut the KPCC New Year’s cake

Free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine

Kenyatta National Hospital is offering FREE HPV vaccine for girls aged ten (10) to fourteen (14) years at clinic 66 Vaccination Center, from Monday to Friday 9.00 am– 4.00 pm

The intramuscular injection is offered in two doses, six months apart, to reduce the development of cervical cancer.

By Luke Kung’u

Health CS visits Mwai Kibaki Hospital

By Chris Mwiti

Mwai Kibaki Hospital hosted the new Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Susan Nakhumicha on her maiden visit to Nyeri County.

The CS, who was accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Health and local leaders, heaped a lot of praise on the management and staff of the hospital.

“I must confess, earlier the picture that had been painted about the hospital is not what I have witnessed here today,” said CS. Nakhumicha while addressing the management and local leaders in a closed-door session.

She added: “KNH Board of Management, CEO Dr. Evanson .N. Kamuri, EBS and staff, have done a wonderful job, in the short time you have been here, considering the many hurdles you have come across.”

The CS who also paid a courtesy call to the Nyeri governor’s office to deliberate the best way the ministry of Health and the County Government can work together in delivering the best healthcare services assured the local leaders that the facility has still a long way to go in being autonomous.

“The Hospital has made tremendous progress, though there are things it lacks like MRI and CT scan which it must have, for it to achieve Level 6 status,” said the CS while addressing the media. She added: “We have put up a team that will give a road map realizing the vision of the Hospital standing on its own as Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Level 6 Hospital, and this could take years, months or days so let us all be patient and support the hospital for the time being.”

The visit comes barely two months after the hospital marked its third anniversary, a period that the board and management have turned around a self-operational, poorly-staffed hospital into a fully operational 350-bed facility, attending to over 500 patients a day, an ultra-modern oxygen plant, a 200-body farewell home, a 20-bed CCU unit, the biggest in the region, over 500 staff members just to mention a few achievements.

On their part, the local leaders promised that they would support the Hospital more so in educating the

communities they represent on the referral system and NHIF benefits that have been a bone of contention.

“We will support the Hospital fully moving forward and also support our level 1, 2,3, and 4 health facilities so that our people can get the basic

services and leave the critical cases for Level 6,” said the Member of Parliament for Othaya Mr. Wambugu Wainaina, during a media address. Nyeri County Governor Hon. Mutahi Kahiga also concurred with the MP’s sentiments.

“We thank the CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS for the tremendous work done at the hospital, we will continue to support the Hospital hand in hand with the Ministry of Health as we look forward to making this facility a fullyfledged Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Level 6 Hospital,” Governor Kahiga said.

“I must confess, earlier the picture that had been painted about the hospital is not what I have witnessed here today,”

- Dr. Susan Nakhumicha

PHOTO | CHRIS MWITI Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Susan Nakhumicha is introduced to Ms. Juliana Tsinanga, HSC, the Deputy Director Nursing and Clinical Services at Mwai Kibaki Hospital-KNH Annex by the CEO KNH, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS (left). Looking on is KNH Board Chairman, Mr George Ooko.

PHOTO | CHRIS MWITI

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Susan Nakhumicha watering a tree that she planted at Mwai Kibaki Hospital-KNH Annex when she paid a courtesy call to the facility on January, 9,2023. KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS was in attendance.

KNH’s Blood Transfusion Unit receives a much-deserved facelift

By Steven Arwa

Blood is a precious gift that flows in our veins. Blood donation may at times help to save the lives of those in need of a transfusion.

The New year would not have begun any better as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in collaboration with Lued (A) Chemicals Limited opened up the just completed, newly refurbished, and equipment-upgraded Blood Transfusion Unit on the 10th of January, 2023.

This came on the backbone of a fruitful partnership between the two institutions that dates back to 2014 when KNH’s Blood Transfusion Unit acquired one of its blood bank equipment from Lued (A) Chemicals Limited.

Therefore, it is through this strong partnership that Lued (A) Chemicals Limited through its senior management, decided to further strengthen its relationship with KNH through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project year 2022/2023, aimed at bringing a longtime positive impact to one of KNH crucial departments.

The project’s major aim was renovation, expansion of rooms, and equipment upgrade to assist the Hospital to manage both the workload and a high number of donors.

“The new revamp will see numerous changes,” the Head of the BTU department, Mrs. Perpetua Asuko believes, the Unit will be moving in the right direction.

“The new revamp will ease the workload of the staff in my unit, therefore, providing us with a humble time to offer better services to our clients,” she said.

Among the key changes in the department is the renovation and expansion of the waiting area seating capacity which was previously used to hold a maximum of 15 people to 35 people, therefore, increasing the sitting area for our clients.

The donor room also underwent renovations that will increase the number of people donating blood at any one time from 4 to 8 therefore, allowing the BTU Department to

receive more blood donors as well as increasing the units of blood being donated at the Hospital.

The laboratory also was expanded to allow fridges that were previously outside the laboratory to be placed inside. This is a significant change as previously, laboratory attendants would take a longer time due to frequent movements taking test samples from their stations to the fridges but with the new changes, the attendants will spend less time accessing the fridges.

Equipment upgrade was also part of the CSR project that was carried out in the department, the previous existing testing machine GALILEO NEO according to its capacity used to work singularly with an echo machine as a backup.

Due to its specification, tests were done separately taking a much longer time for the finalization of results. With the new upgrade installed machine, NEO IRIS can allow tests to be done in the same place reducing time spent waiting for results.

“The new machine will be an upgrade as it is faster, therefore, giving us concrete results,” said Ms. Asuko while taking the team of guests around the machine room.

Speaking on behalf of CEO KNH

while opening up the renovated BTU Department Dir. Diagnostics Services, Dr. Rose Nyabanda expressed the Hospital’s gratitude and also welcomed future partnerships. “This project will greatly assist in the workload of blood transfusion and emergency testing requirements that the Hospital receives therefore, the year couldn’t have begun any better for the KNH BTU Department.”

Ms. Lucy Kiogora, Lued (A) Chemical LTD Director of Administrative Services while representing her CEO also expressed her gratitude for the good partnership both institutions have been having.

“We appreciate KNH management for entrusting us with this very important and comprehensive project, we don’t take it for granted but rather we feel deeply honored.”

As the year begins, these new changes will bring much-needed and significant development allowing the hospital to not only increase the number of clients but also allow the BTU Department the opportunity to provide better-quality services to our clients. Lued (A) Chemicals Ltd is a Company that works in Medical Equipment, Medical Supplies, Unit renovations, and Chemicals business activities.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Ms. Perpetua Asuko, (center) In-Charge of Blood Transfusion Unit KNH taking guests around the refurbished BTU.

Pediatric Oncology Clinical Officer at KNH; Dr. Godrey C. Wadu

By Steven Arwa

Coming across a medical officer the general public perception is that they are always serious individuals who cannot easily see an ounce of cheerfulness in them especially going by the intensity of their duties, providing exceptional medical healthcare to their patients.

This is a fallacy and meeting with one of KNH’s Clinical Officers, Dr. Godrey C. Wadu as I have had the opportunity on different occasions may easily come to see why this is the case. His ever-cheerfulness and welcoming presence bring out an individual who despite working in a critical environment, his ambiance rubs off positively not only on his colleagues at the place of work but also on his patients.

Newsline got the opportunity to have a sit down with Dr. Wadu to find out more about him and his career as a medical professional.

What do you pride most of your work not only in Ward 1E but KNH in general?

First and foremost, getting an opportunity to work at KNH as a medical professional is an opportunity on its own. That is to say, it is something that I will never take for granted and I take pride in. Also going by the high levels of unemployment in Kenya today, I see myself as lucky to be here.

Since you were posted in Ward 1E, in 2020, you haven’t been moved to any other Wards/ Designations, how does that portray your work?

I see myself as an all-around person. I would put it down to how I interact with my patients, my colleagues, and of course the management as they have seen me fit to continue to offer my services to Paediatric Oncology patients of Ward 1E. Therefore, I would say it portrays my work well as I always strive to learn more and improve the quality of services I offer, and in this sense, it is just not in the medical aspect but also outside the sphere of medicine like participating in activities that assist

with their all-round well-being as they continue with their treatment at KNH.

Has it always been your ambition as a Clinical Officer to provide medical healthcare to Paediatric Oncology patients?

Honestly, the first time I was appointed I was not looking forward to working in a Paediatric Oncology Ward and Oncology in general as it was not one of the fields, I thought I would develop an interest but I am a different kind of person in the sense that I don’t like looking at the difficulties in an opportunity but rather opportunities in difficulties. It wasn’t easy at first, but I chose to develop a positive attitude toward my work, colleagues, and patients.

Slowly as I developed the culture of learning, I developed an interest, therefore, allowing me to acquire skills and knowledge which improved my attitude toward Paediatric Oncology and eventually the services I deliver to my patients and KNH in general.

I have seen you interact with the patients at different times, when they are feeling gloomy while receiving treatment and when they are at their happiest moments, how do all these moments impact your ability to offer quality medical care?

How you handle each situation will

always have an impact on the quality of medical care you are offering to your patients. One of the things I have come to learn from my interaction with patients and my colleagues is that there is a difference between treating a disease and treating a patient. A good doctor treats the disease but the best doctor treats the patient. Treating the patient does not begin with you knowing a lot of science but rather for me, it begins with the patient being able to believe that you can treat them.

Therefore, the patient’s perception of you as a medical caregiver plays a big role in how they respond to interventions you are giving them especially when your patients are children therefore, I have learned to adapt according to circumstances. Children’s attitude changes easily therefore that’s why you see me always cracking jokes and laughing with them it makes them feel that they can trust you and this helps in how they respond to the medication they are receiving.

What are some of the major challenges that you have encountered so far in the course of discharging medical services to your patients?

Challenges are quite diverse, there are challenges for me as a person, my experiences, and those related

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Dr. Godrey Wadu attending to a Peadiatric Oncology patient in Ward 1E

to working in the ward. First, when I started in ward 1E it took me some time to adjust to my new role as you know when you are new to a place learning a new routine takes time. This I was able to overcome when I decided to develop the right attitude towards practicing in this particular unit and wanting to learn more which helped me to outgrow my fears and adjust to my work environment.

In the Ward, the major setback comes when one is dealing with cases of cancer patients relapsing therefore regressing significant progress that might have been made. In Paediatric Oncology, it is easy to get attached to the patients as they look up to you for guidance, moral support, and assurance therefore, whenever they relapse it greatly affects not only me but also my colleagues. I believe during such times medical professionals need psychological support because such instances can easily drain you emotionally.

When you are not at work what do you do to relax?

I am like any other human being I also have got interests outside my profession.

Outside KNH I write music and I am also a singer. I enjoy singing and am hoping to realize my potential as a singer that’s not to say at some point I will leave my medical path but I will be living it from a different angle and see how much I can do when being on the other side.

My artist name is G8-17 and the first music I released was about my mom as a thank you because she has played a critical role that has made me become who I am today. The music I like most is hip-hop and hopefully, if am to release another song it will be in that line.

Parting shot?

Like I said before, medical professionals are like any other human beings, we have families and children, and we get tired and also get sick. Therefore, sometimes in the course of discharging our duties, we may come out a little bit strict or inapproachable, this might only look so because of the nature of the work, and the psychological and emotional expense that we go through sometimes hence you have to show some level of strictness to ensure that things don’t get out of hand because sometimes it might mean life and death.

However, we are also social beings, we enjoy good times even when we are at work, crack jokes with our patients and colleagues, and is very much approachable as I am evidence of that.

Positive mentions from KNH socials

By Luke Kung’u

Kimutai Meli KNH is the best.

Wang’oma David Cheers to even better services this year.

General Kip KNH all the way.

David Wanganga

Continue doing good.

Munee Mercy

Very proud of your services

Esimba Senior KNH is the best.

Solomon Okoth

Great job KBH!

Dorcas Mawia KNH offers the best services ever.

Mulwa Danson

Always offering excellent services.

Pauline Wairimu

God bless you KNH for the good work you are doing.

Charles Nyamari

Thanks kwa kazi nzuri mnafanya. May God uplift you to higher levels in 2023.

Clinical Officer KNH, Dr. Godrey C. Wadu

Our story in pictures

PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU

The KNH Disaster committee develops the disaster policy at the KNH Training Research & Training Centre

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

The KNH CBRN committee develops the CBRN policy with the planning team at the KNH Training Research & Training Centre

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Ward 3D holding January’s birthday celebration for its Peadiatric Oncology patients on 20th January,2023. Every month the Ward holds birthday celebrations for its patients and this month was no exeption.

KNH Executive Management Committee took a proposed and ongoing project implementation tour of the hospital on 19 th January 2023.

PHOTO | LUKE KUNG’U

KNH joins APS, GSU graduation ceremonies

By Poline Njue

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) received an invitation to offer specialized clinical services at the Administrative Police Service (APS) 58th Graduation ceremony and General Service Unit (GSU) 49th Graduation recruits pass out.

The events were officiated by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH. President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. They took place on the 11th and 12th of January 2023 respectively at the Embakasi Campus.

KNH was tasked with specific roles and responsibilities to carry out in health service delivery:

i. Preparedness and mitigation of any negative impact on humanity with respect to the function

ii. Provision of specialized health care services for emergencies that may arise within the campus

iii. Provision of ambulance services

iv. Readiness for casualties’

management

The KNH team had various activities aimed at achieving the objectives which included; campus hazard mapping, establishing the available resources, establishing the available capacity and capability, and establishing varying job cards

Various resources were availed during the event. They include;

• KNH Doctors and disaster/ emergency nurses (all specialized for best performance in the specific job cards assigned to them

• Kenya Red Cross Society volunteers

• St John Ambulance Services

• Ruai Family Service providers

• Institutional healthcare givers within the campus

• Private first aid providers

• All governmental security arms were in place and a good collaborative state.

The various job cards for the two

events included;

• Emergency casualty assessment

• Diagnosis

• Treatment by specialized doctors and nurses from Kenyatta National Hospital and other team members

• Evacuation of any casualty identified to be in danger

• Safety of the work environment by safety officers

The Hospital attended to 18 casualties at the APS event and 8 casualties at the GSU event. The diagnosis comprised asthma attacks, acute headaches due to dehydration, panic attacks, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, joint sprain, breathing complication, sickle cell, and chest pain among others.

The KNH disaster and emergency staff carried out all the delegated duties from the state orders and handled complex health emergencies successfully with reference to the KNH mandate and the disaster plan and policy.

PHOTO | eac.it

PHOTO | POLINE NJUE KNH disaster and emergency staff attend to patients during the GSU pass-out.

Happy birthday to the 455+ January babies! From

Marketing & Communication team

1. MRS. DOROTHY MUTHONI KIBITI

2. DR. DOUGLAS MUSYOKI MUTUA MAKEWA

3. MR. CHARLES OCHIENG

4. MR. RICHARD MUTUA KIOKO

5. MRS. RACHEL MONCHARI KOROS

6. MRS. CECILIA NYAMBURA NJOROGE

7. MRS. RAEL BOSIBORI OKETCH

8. MRS. ALICE NYOKABI GAKUMO

9. DR. JANE WANJIKU MUGO

10. MR. HUMPHREY MWANGI MUIGAI

11. MRS. WILFRIDA AKINYI OTIENO

12. MRS. CATHERINE WANGUI MWATHA

13. DR. FRED M. TOBOSO OTSYENO

14. MR. FRANCIS KAMAU IRUNGU

15. MR. WALTER OWINO GONY

16. MR. JONAH INZIANI CHITIRA

17. MR. PETER KARIUKI KIMANI

18. MISS. ELIZABETH WAMBUI MUCHIRI

19. MRS. AGNES AKINYI CHIKA

20. MRS. PURITY WAIRIMU KARIUKI

21. MR. KENNEDY OMWEGA NYABUTO

22. MR. JOSEPH NYOIKE KIMANI

23. MISS. DEBORAH OMWAKWE ALALA

24. MR. MICHAEL OKUMU ONDENG

25. MR. DAVID NDUNGU GICHUKI

26. DR. KENNEDY ONTIRIAH MOMANYI

27. MISS. ANNE WANGECHI KIONI

28. MR. DANIEL WAMBUA MASIKA

29. MISS. KIRISMAS LOMAKAR

30. MISS. ROSE GATHONI NJOMO

31. MRS. RAHAB WARIGIA MBUGUA

32. MR. GEORGE OUMA ODHIAMBO

33. MISS. JULIET AKELLO MUGGA

34. MR. HARRISON MUCANGI MUNYI

35. MR. MURIUKI MUNDIA

36. MRS. JANE NJAMBI CHORE

37. MR. KENNEDY KING’OLA KITUMU

38. MISS. KELLEN RUGURU MUTEGI

39. MR. BONIFACE NZYUKO KYULE

40. MRS. LUCY NKUNU MUTHURI

41. DR. ADELINE LODENYI VILEMBWA

42. MR. JAMES KIHUHA KANYONGA

43. MRS. JANE WANJIKU NGUGI

44. MRS. MAREN ATIENO AJOWI

45. MISS. JOCYLYNE MUMMY AMUNGA

46. MR. CHARLES RUIRIE KIMANI

47. MR. EDWARD MBAABU NKANATA

48. MR. ELIUD OKELO OKEYO

49. MR. MOSES BALEWA KUYA

50. MR. ROBERT OKEMWA NDEGE

51. MISS. JANEFER KHAVAYI MULINGA

52. MR. COSMAS MAKORI OMBOGA

53. MR. JOSEPH NYONGESA WAFULA

54. MISS. RODAH ANYANGO WERE

55. MISS. VALERIE AKINYI MILANDA

56. DR. GERMAINE SERUBUGA

57. MISS. BEATRICE KHAVAYI CHIKAMAI

58. MISS. CATHERINE WAMBUI NDUNGU

59. MR. KIMUTAI SEGEM ELIJAH

60. MR. RONALD OMWANZA

61. MISS. JOYCE WANJIKU KIMANI

62. MISS. IRENE WANGECHI MURAGURI

63. MR. RICHARD NYAKUNDI SOO

64. MISS. CAROLINE ATIENO ABIERO

65. MR. DAVID MAINA NJUGUNA

66. MRS. BEATRICE MATETE NJOROGE

67. MISS. MARY NTHENYA KILEE

68. MR. JOHN GICHUHI NJENGA

69. MISS. ALICE WAITHERA NJIHIA

70. MRS. PEGGY MMBONE MADAHANA

71. MR. NICHOLAS MWANYUMBA

72. MR. THOMAS NGENDA MBUVE

73. MRS. RISPA ATHIENO SIMASI

74. MISS. DIVINER KEMUNTO NYARERA

75. MISS. MERCY WAIYEGO MUTUGU

76. MISS. MILKA BONARERI ONTITA

77. MR. JAIRO HUMBWA OHUNZA

78. MRS. GLADYS MUKAMI IRINGO

79. MISS. ZAITUNI AMINA SAIDI

80. MISS. IRENE MUGURE WAINAINA

81. MRS. STELLA GATWIRI KIAMBI

82. MRS. MARGARET WANJIRU KIMANI

83. MISS. WINNIE WAMBUI MWANGI

84. MR. NJUE MURWANDIA

85. MR. SYLVESTER MUENDO KIVINDU

86. MR. BENJAMIN LIMUNGI ICHENGI

87. MISS. CATHERINE NYAMBURA MUCHORI

88. MISS. ANASTACIA MORAA BOSIRE

89. MISS. ANN MERCY KAMUYU

90. MISS. ANNE KATHURE MBWIRIA

91. MRS. LYDIA WANJIRU KIBITHE

92. DR. ALFRED RUGENDO

93. MISS.

129. MISS. GRACE ATIENO OUMA

130. MR. JOHN KIMANI NDABA

131. MISS. ANNE WANJIRU GATHOGO

132. MR. YOPHES NYAMARI OBARA

133. MR. JAMES MITHAMO MURIU

134. MISS. ANNAH PHILIP HIRBO

135. MISS. JOYCE WANJIKU KIMANI

136. MR. FRED GETUGI MACHUKI

137. MISS. RHODAH AMATI AMUNGA

138. MISS. WINNE WANJIRU MWANGI

139. MR. GEORGE NJUNG’E WANDATI

140. DR. FRANCIS OMONDI WANGO

141. DR. LAWRENCE KOLI KIOKO

142. MISS. HILDA NJOKI GIKONYO

143. MRS. EVERLINE BOSIBORI MORANGA

144. MR. CHARLES ONYANGO OBUTE

145. MRS. JANE WAITHERA NYOIKE

146. MISS. DORIS NANCY KAARI MURITHI

147. MR. AYUB ALEMBI OSANYA

148. MISS. GRACE RITAH MONYANI ECHOKA

149. MISS. JOSEPHINE MWATHATHI THAIMUTA

150. MR. JOHN GICHUHI WANYOIKE

151. MISS. PRISCA KERUBO MOMANYI

152. MR. JOHN GITUANJA NGUGI

153. MR. MOHAMED JATTANI DIMA

154. MR. SYMON CHEPTIRIM KIPKECH

155. MISS. VICTORIA WANJIKU MUTURO

156. MR. GEORGE MUNGANIA ITINYA

157. MR. CHURCHILL OCHIENG OTIENO

158. MR. JOSEPH MUYUNDO SHIVACHI

159. DR. JANE KEMUNTO GWARO

160. MR. FREDRICK RAPHAEL SIMWATA OGUTU

161. DR. STEPHEN AYO ONYANGO

162. MISS. BRENDA JERITA AWINJA

163. MISS. MARGARET NYAMBURA MWANGI

164. MISS. DIVINAH ALOYS KEMUNTO

165. MISS. EVERLYNE MONGINA NYAMBANE

166. MISS. IMMACULATE WANJIKU WAWERU

167. MR. DAVID OBWOTO CHIBEKA

168. MR. DENNIS MUNENE MURIITHI

169. MR.RASHID MOHAMED

170. MRS.DINAH GACHERI MUGO

171. DR.ANNE MARIE WANGUI MACHARIA

172. MISS. PAULINE SILAPEI RUMOI

173. MRS. EMILY CHERONO KOSKEI

174. MISS. NANCY NYAMBURA MUIRURI

175. MISS. NAOMI WAMBUI KARIUKI

176. MR. ROBERT KINOTI KAARIA

177. MISS. JENIFFER WACHERA MAINA

178. MISS. MARIAPIA KAWIRA KIMATHI

179. MISS. PRISCAH MIHADIA KISATO

180. MISS. ANNE MUTHONI NDUNGU

181. MISS. CATHERINE NASIMIYU SIKUKU

182. MR. JOHN MAERO NYAMRINDA

183. MISS.AGNES WANJIKU MWANGI

184. MR. HENRY SHIVERENJE MBUSIA

185. MISS. BEATRICE AYUMA KANGWANA

186. DR.CYRIAQUE MBARUBUKEYE

187. MISS. LOIS KIVIVYA MUTUA

188. MISS. VICTORIA MWIKALI MUTISO

189. MR. PAUL LANGAT KERICH

190. MISS. JANE LOKO MAKAU

191. MR. CHRIS WAMBUA MUSANG’A

192. MISS. DOROTHY N. KENNEL

GATHIGA GITHAIGA 122. MR. PATRICK NGARI MWANGI

193. MISS. BEATRICE PAMELA OGUTTU

194. MISS. REBECCA KENDAGOR CHEPKEMBOI

DR.(MRS) ROSALINE NJOKI KINUTHIA

196. MISS. PETRONILLA KEMUNTO MOGUSI

197. MISS. JANE WANGARI KIGATHI

198. MR. MOSES KARORI GITAU

199. MISS. WILFRED KANANU GIKUNDI

200. MR. ROSWE BOKE ROSWE

201. DR.VINCENT NYABOGA OYIENGO

202. MR. RICHARD NGUKUH NG’ANG’A

203. MR. JOSEPH MWANGI NGANGA

204. MR. RICHARD NGICHABE BINGA

205. DR.MARY WAIYEGO KARIUKI

206. MISS. RACHAEL JEPKEMOI KANGOGO

207. MR. SIMON LAVU MATHEKA

208. MISS. EMILY NYABOKE MOCHAMA

209. MISS. LUCY WAMBUI NDIRANGU

210. MISS. BEATRICE NJERI MUCHIRI

211. DR. ANDREW OKIKO

212. MISS. ANNE ADHIAMBO OPIYO

213. MISS. GLADYS NYAMBEKI MACHINI

214. MRS. DOREEN GATWIRI NGAKU

215. MISS. MAGDALINE WAMBUI NGANGA

216. MISS. SABINA PAMBA MAGERO

217. MISS. JOSEPHINE NYABONYI OUKO

218. MR. KENNETH KIPRUTO KIMENGECH

219. MISS. RACHAEL WAVINYA KIILU

220. MR. JARED ORINA MBECHE

221. MR. HASSAN KIPRUTO CHEPKERES

222. MISS. ANICETA MUGURE MPUTHIA

223. MR. TITUS GICHIA NJAU

224. MISS. TERRY NDUTA MUKULI

225. MISS. ANNE NYANG’ANYI GEKARA

226. MR. TIMOTHY KIMATHI NYAMU

227. MR. REUBEN KINYANJUI CHEGE

228. MRS. ROSE NJERI MUTEMBEI

229. MR. BERNARD MUANGA MUTHENGI

230. MR. WALTER KIPLAGAT CHESANG

231. MR. ANTONY NGARUIYA WAWERU

232. MR. NICODEMUS WANANGWE

233. MISS. EVERLYNE WANJIKU NGIGE

234. MISS. MARY NAMUNYAK GITAU

235. MR.JOSEPH KARANJA KAMAMIA

236. MR.MBUVI MUSEE

237. MRS. ANN NKATHA MWIRIGI

238. MR. TOM ONG’AYO MAKORI

239. MISS. FLORENCE KARIMI MIRITI

240. MR. JOSEPH SANG CHESIRE

241. MISS.SUSAN NJERI NGUGI

242. MR. ANDREW NYAKUNDI GICHANA

243. MR. SIMEON OTIENO K’OKOPE

244. MR. CHARLES NYANG’AU ONGIGE

245. DR. TIMOTHY ONYUMA OYWERO

246. MISS. CATHERINE WAMBUI KAMANDE

247. DR.VICTOR KIPKEMEI BARGORIA

248. MR. JOSEPH OCHIENG OYUGI

249. MISS. CAROLINE WANJA WACHIRA

250. MISS. LILIAN MWIKALI MULWA

251. MR. JULIUS KANDA KIPTOO

252. MISS. JAYNE JEPCHUMBA KANGOGO

253. MISS.EMMAH WANGUI KURIA

254. MISS. TABITHA MUMBI WANGUI

255. MR.NORMAN ISAIAH NGETICH

256. MISS. NANCY JEPKONGA ROTICH

257. MISS. LINDA KINYA MUTIA

258. MRS. POLLYSINA WANJA NJAGI

259. MRS. FRANCISCA MUKAI IKULI

260. MISS. ANN MWIKALI MWAU

261. MISS. ESTHER WAITHERA MAINA

262. MR. NELSON KIPNGENO

263. MR.JARED OYORI OSEKO

264. MISS. ESTHER AKOTH NYAMITA

265. MRS,CAROLINE MURIUKI THOGORI

266. MISS. ANN NJOKI WANJIRU

267. MR. MORRIS WAIRI IRUNGU

268. MR. IGNATIUS NAMUNYU KWAMEH

269. MISS. MAUREEN ACHIENG OBONDI

270. DR. FELISTER WANGARI MAINA

271. MR. DENIS TOO KIPNGENO

272. MR. NAFTALY KAHOKO NDERITU

273. MR.CLIVE OGASA NYAUNDI

274. MR LAWRENCE WAMBUGU KAROBIA

275. MR. ZACCHEAUS NDOLO MUSYOKA

276. MR. JOSEPH SARUNI LETIKIRICH

277. MISS. MERCY WATIRI MUTHI

278. MISS. HELLEN CHEPKOECH KIRUI

279. MR. PETER MURIITHI MURAGE

280. MISS. MONICAH NGUNYU MANORE

281. MR. JARED ARISTARIKO ABUGA

282. MR.ELIASH ONYANGO MBOGA

283. MISS. IRENE KANINI NTHIWA

284. MISS.GLADYS CHEMUTAI CHEPKWONY

285. MISS. EDNAH CHEMUTAI

286. MISS. JANET CHEPKOSGEI

287. MR. DANIEL K. YEGO

288. MISS. GAUDENSIA NYABOKANO GIKARO

289. MR.JAMES KIARIE WAWERU

290. MISS. BEATRICE CHEPKEMOI

291. MISS. MERCY MUTHENYA MUTIA

292. DR.ROBERT MIAWA MILLER ABOTT

293. MR. EVANS WAWILE WASILWA

294. MISS. ELIZABETH NDUNGE KASIMU

295. MISS. RAEL MESO WANJERE

296. DR.EVANS ONDIGO CHARANA

297. MR. DOUGLAS BOOKO NYAKUNDI

298. MR.RICHARD JUMA OTWO

299. MISS.ANGELA MUTANU MUTIE

300. MISS. JANE JOYCE NKIROTE MITI

301. MR. ELIUD TOWETT KIPKORIR

302. DR. ALEXANDER THURANIRA KAUGIRIA 303. DR. JANE NAMASAYA MANYASI OTIDO

MISS. GLADYS JERONO KEMBOI

MR. ROBINSON ONGUBO GETERI

MISS. EUNICE GATHONI GATHIGI

MISS. BETTY GACHERI MBOBUA

MR. PATRICK KIPCHIRCHIR BOEN

MISS. BELINDA JEPTOO LAGAT

MR. DOUGLAS MWITI

330. DR.SARAH WAWA KOMBO

331. MISS.LUCY NANJALA BARASA

332. DR. ENOCH MAKORI NYASING’A

333. MISS. STELLA WANJIRU KINYUA

334. MRS.NANCY ONKUNDI KEMUNTO

335. DR. REGINA NANZIA OJIWA

336. MRS.SHIKHUTSI CONSOLATA

337. MRS. CAROL CHEROTICH LANGAT

338. MRS.PETRONILLAH ATIENO OYEMBO

339. DR. MAXWELL CHIERA GACHIE

340. MISS. WINNIE JEPKORIR YEGO

341. MR. GEORGE OOKO OSEWE

342. MR. PIUS BUNDI NJOKA

343. DR. MARK NDUNGU NJOROGE

344. MISS. DEBORAH BOSIBORI ELLIAS

345. MR. VICTOR NYONGESA MATANDA

346. MR. WESLEY KIBET

347. MR.STANLEY MUOKI MUNYAO

348. MISS. PURITY JOY KENDI NJAGI

349. MISS. EDITH GACHERI KAARIA

350. MISS. SHEMMY HUSSAIN

351. MR. BENARD GECHIKO NYOKWOYO

352. MRS. MOTIERI NORAH BISIERI

353. MR. DENNIS MUTWIRI GITONGA

354. DR. ABDI ADAN ABDIRAHMAN

355. MISS. NAOM KERUBO ATEKA

356. MISS.MARTHA KEMUNTO NYANDIKA

357. MR. JACKSON MWERO NGOJA

358. MRS.CATHERINE KAEKE MUKWATI

359. MRS.EUNICE ADHIAMBO ODHANO

360. MRS.EVERLYNE BITENGO KENYANYA

361. MR. MOSES JOSEPH IKOI

362. MRS. EMILLYHN ADHIAMBO ONYWERA

363. MR. FRANCIS OWINO MIGANGO

364. MRS. JULIA AWUOR OWINO

365. MISS.GRACE WANJIRU NDUNGU

366. MR. FLEMING OMONDI LUMUMBA

367. MISS. VIOLET ATIENO OGWENO

368. MR. SIMEON OTIENO DEA

369. MRS. ERINA AJIAMBO OGAMA

370. DR. JOSEPH NYAMIOBO ONKUNDI

371. MISS SHARON MORAA ONSANYA

372. MISS. FRIDAH MUTHONI KABURU

373. MR. PATRICK KIMUTAI TOO

374. DR. YVONNE ADHIAMBO SUDA

375. MISS. COLLETA JOSEPH KOROSO

376. MISS. YVONNE KEMUMA RATEMO

377. MR. CAVIN KAMBUGA OTIENO

378. MR. LEKAKENY PHILIPH METETEK

379. MISS.DOROTHY MWENDE WAYUA

380. MR. PETER ARAKA NYAOSI

381. MISS. VIVIAN CHEROTICH KIPKUT

382. MR ISAACK MUNYWOKI NGOLE

383. MR.HENRY SAKA SUMBA

384. MR.LEONARD KIPNGENO

385. MISS.SPINICAH MOGITI SAMWEL

386. MISS.KEZIAH WANJIKU MUIRURI

387. MR. SAMMY CHERUIYOT KOECH

388. MR.DANSON NJENGA NDUNGU

389. MR.FRANCIS NDUMBI MWANGI

390. MRS.DORCAS NAITORE MUTUMA

391. DR.ESTHER MORAA MONYONKO

392. MISS. ESYLINE NAMAROME WALUBENGO

393. MISS.JOYVIVIAN AUMA IMAMAI

394. MR. LEWIS OUYA

395. MR.WILLIAM BRANHAM NGUMBA WAICHIGO

396. MRS.MARTHA WANJIKU MUTHONI

397. MR. MORIS MBAO MADEGWA

398. MR.LEVI KIPRUTO MAKWILA

329. DR. DORCAS WARIGIA CHOMBA

399. MRS.FLORENCE AKINYI MAGWAMBO

400. MISS. AGNES AKINYI

401. MISS.MOREEN MWENDE RWIGI

402. DR. AGNES KARINGO KARUME

403. DR. VIVIAN WACUKA GATHECHA

404. DR. ANNE WACHEKE RUGWE

405. MISS. NANCY JEPKOECH

406. MISS.RACHAEL WANGARI NGANGA

407. MRS. OYUGI CATHERINE KEMUNTO

408. MS. AMINA AHMED ABDILLAHI

409. MISS. DIANA CHEPNGENO

410. MISS. MERCY CHEPKEMOI

411. MR. KEVIN KIMATHI MUTEGI

412. DR.MARY WENDY ATIENO

413. MR. ORWA MARTIN NGUKA

414. MR.BONFACE KAIMENYI WINLIGHT

415. MISS. VIVIAN MILKAH ONDARI

416. MR. DICKSON KAIRITHIA MUREGA

417. MR.PETER BUNDI MOGENI

418. MRS.DIVINAH KEMUNTO NYAGOSIA

By Joan Macharia

The management and staff of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) are committed to the provision and maintenance of the highest Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) standards for staff, patients, and all

419. MISS. PIERA KARIMI MWITI

420. MISS.RUTH NYAMBURA MBUGUA

421. MISS. WANDA DAY AWUONDA

422. MISS.FAUZIYA NJIRA ABDALLAH LUGOGO

423. MR.JAMES OYOO ARIKO

424. MISS.GLADYS CHEPKOECH

425. MR.TARACISIO GIKONYO WANJIRU

426. MISS. RITAH CHELANGAT

427. DR.MITCHEL NYAWAKA OPAKA

428. MRS.JEPCHIRCHIR KIPROP

429. MISS.SINAIDA KAYAJA KIVAILU

430. MISS. JUDITH NDAVI MBULWA

431. MISS. CYNTHIA WANGECHI NDIRANGU

432. MISS.SHARON ACHIENG OTIENO

433. MRS.FAITH MWENDE MALONZA

434. MRS.SYLVIA NANDWA MUGANDA

435. MISS. BEATRICE NJOKI NG’ANG’A

436. MR.FESTUS KIMOJINO

437. MR. EMANUEL MWINAMO AMUNALA

438. MR. MOHAMED MUHIDIN MAYOW

439. MRS. DAMACLYN NYOMENDA MAGERO

440. MISS.ESTHER SAU CHOLA

441. MISS. JACKLINE ANYANGU CHISIANG’ANI

442. MR.VINCENT KIPLAGAT BIRGEN

443. MR. DENNIS CHERUIYOT MAINA

444. MISS.FAITH WAMBUI MWAURA

445. MR.JAMES MATHENGE MAINA

446. MS. MERCY MBATA MUNYWOKI

447. DR.BRIAN OMUGA MANGOA

448. MR. JOHN LOROT EKADELI

449. MISS.SHARINE JAMBIHA BERU

450. MR.ALEX GITHUI MURAGE

451. MR.JOHN NDUNGU WAMBUI

452. MR. CLINTON ONSEMBE MBECHE

453. MR. KELVIN GITONGA MUGA

454. MISS.MONICA WANJIKU GACHUHI

455. MISS.BETTY JEPTOO

other stakeholders within its operational boundaries and environs.

The Hospital OSHE secretariat underwent a three-day training that was facilitated by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) from the Ministry of Labor to ensure

employees are not injured or made ill by the work they do, intend to make everyone develops positive health and safety culture, comply with the provisions of the law to protect the health and safety of employees.

There are two Acts of Parliament that were

Safety is not expensive, it is priceless

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Hospital OSHE Secretariat and a team of facilitators and trainers at the Research Center after the training.

enacted in 2007 to help in the promotion of safety in the workplace. They include Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, 2007), which aims at prevention, and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA 2007) which provides for compensation.

The law provides the scope of roles played by different people in the implementation of the requirements of the activities such as employer, employee, and the government enforcement agency.

Ergonomic safety in the workplace is very important. People suffer work-related aches and pains such as lower back pain and neck pain due to manual handling, transporting, or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force or inappropriate office furniture, tools, equipment, working positions, and posture and hence this creates a great need for safety at work.

The OSHE committee has a great mandate in ensuring that safety is maintained which includes:

1. Schedule an inspection

2. Inspections at least once every three months

3. Inspect, investigate and make recommendations

4. Identify Occupational hazards and cases of ill health among workers at the workplaces, make appropriate recommendations to the occupier

“ There are two Acts of Parliament that were enacted in 2007 to help in the promotion of safety in the workplace. They include Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, 2007), which aims at prevention, and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA 2007) which provides for compensation.

5. Compile statistics of accidents, dangerous occurrences, and cases of ill health.

6. Investigate complaints on health measures for hazardous work or activities

7. Establish effective communication between management and workers

8. Organize contests or activities on occupational health and safety

9. Conduct seminars on safety, health, and welfare at the workplace.

Accidents are predictable and preventable events. They don’t have to happen they are costly. Occupational accidents can be prevented through compliance with the health and safety legislation, and formulation and implementation of safety policy.

There are situations that are potential in causing harm in the areas of operation which are called hazards and these areas and there is a preferred order based on

the overall effectiveness of control of exposures known as the Hierarchy of controls as indicated below.

1. Elimination whereby you physically remove the hazard.

2. Substitution here you replace the hazard.

3. Engineering controls whereby you regular machine service.

4. Administrative controls involve establishing work practices that reduce the duration or intensity of exposure to hazards.

5. Personal Protective Equipment. It’s recommended that this hierarchy can Lower worker exposures and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

Safety is therefore, Standard Operating Procedures clean and dry surfaces, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, waste management, no crowding, well-lit areas, preventing any falls, fireproofing and fighting equipment, clear actions in case of emergency, staircase rails, reporting all near misses, Certified first Aiders and Safety Officers, Me and You. The Hospital is committed to ensuring the safety of all staff and stakeholders therefore, ‘do not be safety blinded but safety-minded.’

Comic Zone

Laughter, the best medicine!!

By Edel Q. Mwende

Aches and Pains

A woman went to the doctor complaining of pain all over her body.

“I hurt all over,” she said.

“What do you mean all over?” the doctor asked, “Can you be a little more specific?”

The woman proceeded to touch her right knee with her index finger and yelled, “Ow, that hurts.” Then her nose and yelled again, “Ouch! That also hurts.” Then she touched her left earlobe and yelled again, “Even that hurts doc.”

After examining her, the doctor concluded… the woman had a broken finger.

You’re Number 1

What is awarded to Dentist of the Year?

A little plaque.

A Game of Telephone

A guy strolls into work with both of his ears bandaged up. His boss asks him, “Jeez, what happened to your ears?”

“Well, yesterday I was ironing a shirt when the phone rang and I accidentally answered the iron.”

“Well that explains one ear,” the boss replied, “but what about the other one?”

“I had to call the doctor!”

URL-ologist

What do you call a doctor who fixes websites?

A URL-ologist.

Inspirational Quotes

1. “Goal setting is the secret to a compelling future.” -Tony Robbins

2. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”- Paulo Coelho

3. “It’s not about better time management. It’s about better life management” -Alexandra of The Productivity Zone

4. “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” -Dalai Lama

5. “Love your family, work super hard, live your passion.”-Gary Vaynerchuk

OUR MISSION

6. “Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality”- Les Brown

7. “If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.” -Mark Cuban

8. “One of the differences between some successful and unsuccessful people is that one group is full of doers, while the other is full of wishers.”- Edmond Mbiaka

9. “You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind. To begin, begin.” - Gordon B. Hinckley

10. “Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.”

-Pablo Picasso

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

OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care