Newsline
8/10/2021
We Listen, We Care
Issue 21
8/10/2021
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Fighting Childhood Cancer
KNH @120 YEARS
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enyatta National Hospital, being the premier health facility in the region, has a wide pool of specialists and experts all working together seamlessly to achieve the best clinical outcomes for patients. Newsline team visited the department of pediatrics and caught up with the expert taking care of children with cancer, Dr. Irene Nzamu and this is her
incredible story. Dr. Nzamu who is currently the only Peadiatric Haematologist/Oncologist in KNH describes herself as a person who loves taking care of sick children, with a heart for those fighting the cancer battle particularly. Outside the KNH walls, she is a wife and a mother, and generally your girl next door living a normal life.
ISSUE 21 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
But while at work, she does what you would describe as God’s work. It goes beyond working to earn a salary. It’s being that hero that these children so greatly need. Her journey into this field didn’t however start as a dream career as most do. She didn’t always know that she wanted to be a Paediatric Oncologist. »»» Read full story on page 3
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Contents
Editor’s note
ISSUE 21 Editor’s note p.2 Fighting childhood cancer p.3 KNH employees receive State Honours p.4 Diabetes champion p. 5 - 6 Facing the camera p.7 Our story in pictures p.8 Hand hygiene p.9 Depression - The tell-tale signs p.10-11 Agricultural Finance Corporation donation p.12
ON THE COVER Fighting childhood cancer p. 3
Dear colleagues,
Marketing & Communication Department New Design Concept Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru & Collins Cheruiyot Editorial Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Luke G. Kung’u , & Winfred Gumbo Stories: Jacqueline Ngure , Dave Opiyo , Verah Mugambi, Sheila Murithi, Petterson Njogu & Melody Ajiambo
It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to the new look of the KNH Newsline on Edition 21. This bi-weekly publication; spearheaded by the Marketing and Communication department, is a vehicle for cutting edge news on what is happening at Kenyatta National Hospital. We thank the management for giving us this platform, and laud the efforts from each member of staff who has continuously supported us with content and precious time away from their normal call of duty. We invite you to continue sharing inspiring stories in your units and departments. In this pioneer edition, we highlight success stories by our amazing teams, key events during the fortnight, together with health issues that may affect us at work. All the newsletters can also now be accessed online on: https://bit.ly/3uQGCcI
Mr. Dave Opiyo, HoD, Marketing & Communication Kenyatta National Hospital
Design By: Collins Cheruiyot Photos: Nicholas Wamalwa, Yvonne Gichuru, Sheila Murithi, Shawn Paul Omondi, Petterson Njogu & Ken Ndung’u
Tel: +254 20 2726300-9 Ext. 43121 or 43969 Fax: +254 20 272572
Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com
To contribute or report on newsworthy items, please contact the Editorial team.
ISSUE 21 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
Find us on Social Media Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page
@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital
www.knh.or.ke
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Fighting childhood cancer The inspiring story of Dr. Irene Nzamu, the only Paediatric Haematologist/ Oncologist at KNH.
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enyatta National Hospital, being the premier health facility in the region, has a wide pool of specialists and experts all working together seamlessly to achieve the best clinical outcomes for patients. Newsline team visited the department of pediatrics and caught up with the expert taking care of children with cancer, Dr. Irene Nzamu and this is her incredible story. Dr. Nzamu who is currently the only Peadiatric Haematologist/ Oncologist in KNH describes herself as a person who loves taking care of sick children, with a heart for those fighting the cancer battle in particular. Outside the KNH walls, she is a wife and a mother, and generally your girl next door living a normal life. But while at work, she does what you would describe as God’s work. It goes beyond working to earn a salary. It is being that hero that these children so greatly need. Her journey into this field did not however start as a dream career as most do. She did not always know that she wanted to be a Paediatric Oncologist. She was just living her life as a postgraduate student in Paediatrics at the University of Nairobi. Occasionally with a group of friends, they would pop into ward 1E (Paediatric Oncology Ward) and spend some time with the kids playing some games, encouraging them, and just being there for them. It was so rewarding to see the kids light up with a smile even though they were in pain. “Interacting with the kids and their families over time, I realized that beyond the socializing aspect, they had so many other needs in terms of treatment and care, and sadly most of my classmates were avoiding that ward. It is a
very sad ward and not many are strong enough to work in that environment,” Said Dr. Nzamu. What began as a compassionate gesture saw Dr. Nzamu take up fellowship training in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, which was fully sponsored by KNH. The University had an exchange program with Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, USA, so she got to train in both places for two years. For four years now, Dr. Nzamu has been working with these children in Ward 1E and Ward 3D and the outpatient clinics. Being the only consultant in this field means she’s on everyone’s speed dial. It’s not easy but she takes it in a stride. With the support of colleagues from the University and the Haemato-pathologists in the labs, they are able to give the children the best care they can. “One thing I am happy about is KNH has advertised to employ two more Haemato-Oncologists and hopefully by early next year, our team will be bigger and we can help even more children.” Dr. Nzamu added. We asked Dr. Nzamu what the hardest part of her job is, and how she copes with those challenges. “It is overwhelming, to say the least. The children who find their way to KNH seeking cancer treatment come in with very advanced diseases.” Sometimes all treatments and therapies fail and now they have to prepare the patient and family for the inevitable eventuality. “People don’t know this but children
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“People don’t know this but children actually understand the concept of death and sometimes they even have a last will or request as a dying wish and as a mother myself, there’s nothing more devastating.” Says Dr. Nzamu.
actually understand the concept of death and sometimes they even have a last will or request as a dying wish. Some will tell you I would want to speak to this particular person before I go, or when I die please give my toys to this and this friend….and as a mother myself, there’s nothing more devastating,” said Dr. Nzamu. What keeps her going is her strong belief in God and the knowledge that medically, she gave her all to the treatment and management of the children and held nothing back. Looking into the future, Dr.Nzamu is hopeful that with more awareness creation, there will be people coming forward to be doctors for these children; because no matter how painful and emotionally overwhelming it is, they cannot be left alone. They also need heroes to hold them as they battle the cancer monster.
PHOTO | COURTESY
By Ngure Jacqueline
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KNH employees receive State Honours Four employees conferred with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya by the Head of State for outstanding service.
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By Dave Opiyo
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our of Kenyatta National Hospital employees feted by President Uhuru Kenyatta for their outstanding service to the country finally received their awards from Chief Executive Dr. Evanson Kamuri. The four, who include Mr. Kimengich Zacharia Patrick, Mr. Kibiwott Christopher Kemboi, Dr. Munyoro Esther Cege & Mrs. Ndung’u Jane Wanja were last year conferred with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (O.G.W) awards by the Head of State during the 2019 Jamhuri Day celebrations. The Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W) is an award presented to individuals in recognition of an outstanding service rendered to the country in different responsibilities and capacities. More importantly, it is an award presented to those who put their lives at risk to save their fellow countrymen. Dr. Kamuri, while presenting the awards, congratulated the recipients for a job well done. “You have done us proud. Keep it up,” said Dr. Kamuri. He made the remarks shortly after addressing the hospital’s management – Directors, Heads of Departments, and Units - during the monthly CEO meeting. Dr. Kamuri’s speech focused on the recent achievements and prospects of the hospital. On the clinical front, Dr. Kamuri said KNH is now a referral-only hospital that will offer specialized services only. He said the hospital also conducted several major surgeries and procedures that have placed the medical facility on the world map. Some of them include the first Intraocular Chemotherapy in Kenya, a lifesaving interventional procedure
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conducted on a five-day-old neonate, just to mention a few. He also announced the resumption of renal transplants that had been stopped as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. “ A renal dialysis machine is now in place at the KNH IDU - Mbagathi,” he said. The CEO further revealed plans to install an oxygen plant at KNH to increase the facility’s production capacity. The hospital, he further added, had launched a curriculum for the Master of Medicine programs for Dermatology and Emergency Medicine in collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The courses are expected to begin in 2022. Plans, he said, are also underway to expand the labour ward to cater to the high demand for specialized services. On Human Resource, the CEO said the CBA with Kudheiha had been approved and was in the process of being registered while that with KNUN had been completed and forwarded to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. “The hospital is currently in the process of negotiating the KMPDU CBA for the FY 2021/24,” he said. He reminded staff that high standards of conduct, competence, and performance are expected of
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them to reflect the hospital’s core values. ‘The management will therefore not tolerate absenteeism, lateness, drunkenness, unprofessionalism, lack of integrity and theft,” warned Dr. Kamuri. On planning and Strategy, the CEO said the hospital had procured and installed supporting hardware for the ERP. “Training of users has also commenced. The next step for us is data migration,” he said. On Performance Contracting, Dr. Kamuri said appraisals should be based on performance in totality and not just the set targets. “Soft skills amongst other qualities should therefore be looked at and rewards/ sanctions given accordingly,” he said. He revealed plans to establish a renal unit at KPCC. The expansion of the facility’s CCU capacity from 5 to 11 beds has improved critical care services. On KNH-Othaya, he revealed that the hospital received laboratory equipment courtesy of the Belgian government, FSE International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. “Prime care has also been operationalized and the renovation of the ICU completed. Currently, the hospital has 16 specialized clinics,” he said.
PHOTO | STOCK 1. Mr. Kimengich Zacharia Patrick (left), Mr. Kibiwott Christopher Kemboi, Dr. Munyoro, Esther Cege & Mrs. Ndung’u Jane Wanja holding their insignia for Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W) Awards 2. KNH CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri (left) issuing the insignia for Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W) Awards to Mrs. Ndung’u Jane Wanja (right) 3. KNH CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri (left) issuing the insignia for Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W) Awards to Mr. Kimengich Zacharia Patrick (right)
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Diabetes champion Read Ms. Lucy Nzuva’s compelling story. She has been a diabetic patient for more than 27 years.
PHOTO | YVONNE GICHURU
By Verah Mugambi In the last Newsline edition (edition 20), we wrote about managing diabetes. One of the key interviewees of the story was Ms. Lucy Nzuva, a beneficiary of the superior health care provided by the KNH. She looked happy and energetic. Lucy has been on a journey battling diabetes for a while and she is winning the fight. She happily shared her experience with the Newsline team. Lucy Nzuva was diagnosed with diabetes in 1995 at the age of 33. She fell in the house and became unconscious. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. When she regained consciousness, doctors gave her news she did not expect that she was diabetic. “It was a shock for me… because I used to hear diabetes as a myth; a disease for the rich and old. At the time I wasn’t that old,” she said
laughing. “My journey to KNH started in 2016 when I got diabetic neuropathy and had no idea. That year I was traveling out of the country. So I decided to treat myself. I went for a manicure and at the Spa, because I couldn’t feel the heat, my legs were burnt. Since I had to travel that very night, I couldn’t stop the journey so I went all the way to Pretoria and was treated there for a month, narrated Lucy. “For the whole of that month, my wounds were getting worse and I had to come back to the country. So, someone asked me, ‘have you tried Kenyatta’ “I said no” and she advised, ‘go to KNH they will know what to do. If you don’t go, you might have the legs amputated,’ advised her friend. “Then, I came to KNH, they looked at the feet, the wounds, and I remember one of the nurses Mr. Isaac asking that I let him give it a try to treat/ manage them and if he’s not successful, they will be forced to amputate the legs. It was scary,” she
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continued. “Am happy to say within three months, I was all good. They walked with me hand in hand, dressing the wounds every day, and eventually, I got healed. It was wonderful,” she said. “The secret is to follow the instructions. They taught me how to manage diabetes; what to eat, how to take my drugs, and also how to safely exercise and stay healthy,” revealed Ms. Nzuva. “What I have learned from this clinic is that apart from treatment, they take time to educate you on your disease; the do’s and don’ts…and if you follow their instructions, you will realize diabetes is not a death sentence and it can be managed and you can live life to the fullest,” she added. “I always refer people here as if am a doctor,” she laughs. “I thank God I came here. KNH have a personal touch with the patient and walk with you step by step as if you are their
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only patient,” she explained. “Diabetes is a quiet disease and in case you suspect you have the symptoms, please go to the clinic and once there, it’s not the end. Diabetes is a journey and requires a lot of discipline. I advise diabetes patients to come to KNH; attend the lessons/ classes on how to manage it. Those classes helped me. The nurses here in the diabetic clinic like Maria, supported me from the onset till am no longer a patient but a friend.” “I want to thank the staff in the diabetic clinic. They are very efficient; they take their time with a patient and do their best to make sure you have enough knowledge to manage the disease,” said an elated Ms. Nzuva. What is Diabetic Neuropathy? Diabetic Neuropathy is a serious and common complication of type 1 and 2 diabetes. It’s a type of nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. The condition usually develops slowly, sometimes over several decades. Some of its symptoms include; numbness (which may become permanent), tingling, pain, burning (especially in the evening), or weakness in your hands or feet. These are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The danger is
usually when you can’t feel pain and an ulcer develops on your foot. In cases of severe or prolonged peripheral neuropathy, you may be vulnerable to injuries or infections. In serious cases, poor wound healing or infection can lead to amputation. Maria Rimberia, a Senior Nurse in the diabetic clinic, told Newsline how Lucy has been a much-disciplined patient. “Taking care of her wounds was a team effort; we analyzed her wounds to determine the dressing material required and medicine.’ “At some point, she felt discouraged and wanted to even sell her car since she felt she might never walk again. We kept on encouraging her because we had experienced worse cases than hers and they got better,” Maria explained. “Initially she could not walk; she was in a wheelchair. Diabetes wounds can be stubborn and take time to heal. It takes the cooperation of the doctors and the patients to work as a team to hasten the healing. Lucy was a really good patient and was eager to learn more on how to manage her condition.” “She’s now a friend to us and whenever we need her, she’s just a phone call away. Sometimes we request her to come to talk to other patients at the clinic with similar conditions and restore hope to them,”
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Maria concluded with a smile. There are different types of diabetic neuropathy that affect different areas of your body, causing a variety of symptoms. If you have diabetes, it’s important to regularly check your blood glucose levels and contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms of neuropathy. “Kenyatta National Hospital is a healing point anytime”, emphasized Ms. Lucy Nzuva.
PHOTO | YVONNE GICHURU
Ms. Lucy Nzuva smiles as she is joined by her nurse Ms. Maria Rimberia, a Senior Nurse in the diabetic clinic during the Newsline interview ISSUE 21 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
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From the communication desk:
Facing the camera: Effective media communication for Health Workers By Sheila Murithi Many healthcare professionals and administrators spend far much more time preparing for lecture presentations than for media interviews. For the former, they have more control of the situation and a receptive audience waiting to listen to what they have to say. In an interview situation, the interviewee has only a few minutes to answer the question and ensure the audience is engaged and the key message is relayed. At times the interviewee may feel upset they made every possible effort to answer the question but the time was not enough or they often got interjected before they could make their point. Effective media communications mean turning how you normally address presentations upside-down. Most presentations adopt a structure where they begin with an introduction/ background – middle/body – conclusion/solution/ recommendation, this would never fly in a newsroom. A news story will inevitably begin with the conclusion or the resolve and then try to build up by understanding the why, adopting its relevance to the audience by revealing how it may affect their lives. Thus, the interviewee needs not only to know his subject but how much the audience needs to know. Audiences will want to know about the benefits rather than the features. This critical distinction between features and benefits will become apparent when you think about how we react as consumers. For example, your interest in a new phone will probably be restricted to the benefits it produces in terms of picture quality from the camera pixels, phone memory, what it looks like, how much it costs, and its compatibility with the applications you need. You will probably not be interested in its internal features, such as how the motherboard was constructed,
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how the design varies, where the materials for assembling the phone were sourced. Similarly, patients are not interested in the features that make up the day-to-day professional lives of hospital managers. Their concern is for patient care, service, and safety. When preparing for an interview, most interviewees are “onedimensional” and think what do I want them to know? Will they know how long and hard I had to work for this? I want them to feel like they are talking to an expert. Good interviewees think in three dimensions: What is good for the interviewer? What is good for the audience? What is good for me or my institution? No, of course, you cannot always please all the people but onedimensional thinking is unlikely to please anyone. Think of the key message. A key message is a take-home message, ideally short and simple with limited jargon but easy for the audience to understand. In a media training class, they ask you to consider “the elevator test” – getting your message across between the first and third floor of a building, when the person you are talking to will get out.
Allow 10-15 seconds or so per message. Stick to two or three key messages in an interview. Key messages can either be simple statements of fact or wrapped up in sound-bites – a summary of the story. Generally, publicity works and generates significant benefits. This is why governments and industries all over the world invest so much time and money in it. Furthermore, what would happen if hospital managers and executives were to learn how to effectively communicate when under the lens and tip the conversation in their favor? It ensures that the individual can defend their credibility, protect the hospital’s brand and control the narrative. Dr. Philip Timms a London Psychiatrist summed it all up by stating, “Psychiatrists should not be discouraged from talking to or writing for the media. If we do not represent our position, it will be misrepresented by the media.” Dealing with the media does not come naturally to most people. Healthcare and the media are incongruent cultures. The right kind of preparation and training can help to bridge the gap.
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Our story in pictures
PHOTO | SHAWN PAUL
KNH Staff who turned up to bid farewell to Dr. Simon Too, A&E department during his retirment party
PHOTO | KEN NDUNG’U
Dr. Esther Nafula HoU -Pain and Palliative Care (R) and Ann Njuguna - Product Manager Europa Healthcare Limited (2nd R) lead in a cake cutting ceremony to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day in ward 3D
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
PHOTO |COURTESY
AKUH,N CEO Rashid Khalani and Mr. George Ooko, Board Chairman, KNH signing the consignment for the ventilators and testing kits equipments during the handover ceremony
KNH Anesthesia and Main-CCU had a team-building at MKASIRI adventures Kitengela
PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
Agricultural Finance Corporation Regional Manager Eastern Region Mr. David Thairu and team visiting the Occupational Therapy department for a demonstration of the equipment in use
Kubota Makiko, Senior Advisor Gender and Development together with her associates from Japan International Cooperation (JICA) take a tour around KNH in a visit meant to strengthen the relationship between JICA and KNH
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Hand hygiene: Staff Clinic scoop KPCC IPC trophy
PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU KPCC Nursing and Clinical services manager Ms. Doris Kimbui presents this year’s IPC trophy to Staff Clinic team member
By Petterson Njogu Kenyatta Prime Care Centre Infection Prevention and Control Unit (IPC) held its annual IPC trophy presentation to the best department/ unit in hand hygiene within KPCC. In an event presided over by Dr. Kinuthia, Kenyatta National Hospital IPC Coordinator, this year’s trophy went to Staff Clinic; after coming top as best unit at last year’s hand hygiene competition. Previously, the trophy was held by KPCC New Born Unit (NBU). Hand hygiene is the act of cleaning one’s hands with soap and water to remove viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, dirt or other harmful substances stuck to the hands. 2020-2021 theme of the hand hygiene campaign is, “The 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene”. “Our mandate is to promote the adherence to IPC standards and precautions whilst building capacity in all aspects of IPC practices”, said Dr. Kinuthia. “I’m glad KPCC has thought of recognizing the best unit in this regard” she added. Hands are the main pathways of transmitting microorganisms during healthcare delivery, and handwashing goes a long way in assisting the caregivers in minimizing the risk of transmission of bacteria between the health worker and the patient.
Ms. Doris Kimbui, KPCC Nursing and Clinical Services Manager, while congratulating Ms. Teresia NzomoStaff Clinic team leader also called upon everyone to take personal initiative in the whole process of handwashing. “Our commitment is to ensure an infection-free environment and that requires all of us. We want to create a lasting behaviour change in embracing hand hygiene in the Hospital,” said Ms. Kimbui. Research done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Control (PC) indicates that 80% of infections can be prevented by a single act of hand hygiene. Thousands of patients die every day around the world from infections acquired while receiving healthcare. Hand hygiene
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is, therefore, the most important measure to curb this. KPCC IPC Coordinator Ms. Janet Mumo emphasized why hand hygiene comes in handy in the fight against Covid-19. “With Coronavirus being a droplet infection, hand hygiene plays a key role in breaking the chain of infection,” said Ms. Mumo. She concluded by stressing on:
PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU KNH Infection Prevention Unit HOD Dr. Kinuthia (Centre) during a photo session with other KPCC members present during the event
The Five Moments for Hand Hygiene which include: 1. Before touching a patient 2. Before a procedure 3. After a procedure or body fluids risk 4. After touching a patient 5. After touching a patient’s surroundings.
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Depression – The tell-tale signs
By Melody Ajiambo Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and home. In Kenya, depression is widely disregarded; most people never think of it as a serious medical condition that needs treatment. Sometimes, people misuse the word when they feel a little bit stressed or when they have lost control of the situation. So, when someone says they are depressed, people don’t take it seriously. Mrs. Edith Nelima Masibo, a counseling psychologist at Kenyatta National Hospital sheds some light on this topic. She explains that depression is more common in the country than we think. “This condition affects people of all ages regardless of social status or cultural background and that even though it is prevalent among the youth, children can be depressed too,” she says.
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people sunk into depression. The youth became bored and unproductive in their homes while most parents lost their jobs and sources of income. Some senior members of the society were deserted by their providers. With many experiencing pandemic fatigue, gender-based violence within families increased, plunging society into nightmarish depression. Further risk factors include the experience of loss, loneliness, discrimination, a relationship breakup, financial problems, chronic pain and illness, violence, abuse, and family conflict. Suicide and homicide cases related to depression are higher than ever in Kenya’s history. There is a need to address this problem and find a lasting solution, but first, how can we help? How can you tell that someone is truly depressed? Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include: • Persistent feeling of sadness. • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting • Unexplained physical ailments • Trouble sleeping or sleeping
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too much Loss of energy or increased fatigue Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others) Feeling worthless or guilty/ low self-esteem Talking negatively about themselves. Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide
With our close friends and family, we may easily notice signs of depression, the same can’t be said about our workplaces – we spend a short period socially with our colleagues. Furthermore, some people know how to hide their problems, a depressed person may be the comedian of the group or the carefree guy that offers the best advice. However, if we are keen enough, we may just see some personality changes in a depressed person. More often than not, people experiencing severe depression become suicidal (attempt or sometimes take away their own
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lives). When a suicide occurs, it is mostly impulsive, in moments of crisis. Some of these extreme factors like suicide and self-inflicted injuries are truly a cry for help. The victim usually feels like there is no way out, hence they start acting out. Mrs. Nelima says the uptake of counseling services within the country is very low. “Most people either do not know or don’t appreciate counseling services offered in different institutions. Others think that if one starts seeing a psychiatrist then it means they are mad, and many more cannot afford these services.” When depressed, sometimes counseling alone does not help, the patient has to be put under medication, mostly anti-depressants then continue with counseling. How can you help? When one shows signs of depression, you can take time to talk to that person and find out what exactly is depressing them. The awake magazine of 2009 from jw.org states that there are different types of depression; major depression
(major depression), manic depression (bipolar disorder), dysthymia, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Once you know which one your friend or colleague is suffering from, you can easily help. Give a listening ear, more than quick advice. Don’t judge! – people are different, a problem that may be easy for you to solve may greatly affect another person. Cautiously suggest that he/she seeks professional help and be there for them through the healing journey. Do not discuss that issue with other people. Offer practical help, assist in cleaning, shopping, and house chores - as discussed earlier, depressed persons may find it hard to even practice personal hygiene. Patients who suffer from clinical depression need all the support they can get, including whatever medical approach might be advisable. It can be risky to ignore depression because in some cases when left untreated it can be life-threatening. Be the help you may need. “Depression is real, mental health is real. We need to find a way of making stress management a lifestyle because every human being will come across stress at some point in life.” Advises Nelima.
Mrs. Edith Nelima Masibo, a counseling psychologist at Kenyatta National Hospital
Donation of ventilators and testing kits by Aga Khan University hospital and European Union
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA AKUH,N CEO Rashid Khalani and European Union Representative Ms. Elizabeth Magnes handing over the equipment to Mr. George Ooko Board Chairman, KNH
By Sheila Murithi On 7th October 2021, KNH received ventilators and testing kits worth over Kshs. 25 million from Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and the European Union through collaboration with the Ministry of Health in an effort to ensure all referral hospitals in Kenya are well resourced with essential equipment to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation is part of the European Union-funded project “Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Regional Eastern Africa COVID-19 Response Partnership” that aims at improving systemic, gender-sensitive responses to overcome health, economic and social vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Africa. Speaking at the handover ceremony, AKUH, N CEO Rashid Khalani noted that the donation was carefully considered given the need that has been previously expressed by the Ministry of Health. “As a healthcare provider, AKUH, N fully appreciates the importance of well-equipped critical care units in providing the care needed by COVID-19 patients. We are glad that we can play our part in supporting the government to provide this care,” noted Mr. Rashid Khalani, CEO AKUH during the handover ceremony. Also in attendance was Mr. George Ooko, Board Chairman, KNH who recognized the great gesture by stating, “we appreciate the support from AKUH, N and the European Union. It takes effort from all of us to fight this pandemic and this coming together is a good step towards winning this war. This gesture you have extended to our patients is a demonstration of your trust and confidence in our mandate. We say a big thank you to Aga Khan University Hospital and its networks.”
PHOTO | COURTESY
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Agricultural Finance Corporation donates equipment to Occupational Therapy department By Sheila Murithi
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NH was honored to host the official commissioning ceremony of the Occupational Therapy equipment donated by the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) on October 1, 2021, at the Occupational Therapy department. The equipment, worth Kshs. 300,000, is aimed at offering strong support and assistance which is indispensable to equip the sensory integration room in the department. “We aim at adding value to the livelihoods of communities by establishing long-term relationships and implementing sustainable projects which leave an impact. We hope that this equipment will go a long way in improving the quality of life of the children in need and improving the society at large,” stated Mr. David Karanja Thairu, AFC’s Regional Manager Eastern Region. The team from AFC also toured the department and witnessed the equipment in action as patients were undergoing their therapy sessions. The experience was heartwarming and the Occupational Therapy team expressed their gratitude. The generous donation from AFC will go a long way in supporting the department to offer better and more specialized therapy to their patients.
The Occupational Therapy department demonstrating the use of the equipment donated by Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) during a therapy session as the team from AFC toured the department. PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI
“There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and helping people in need. We appreciate the great work done by AFC. The essential equipment donated will be used for sensory integration therapy for children with various sensory deficits which interfere with the neuro-psychological and neurodevelopment of the kids. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficiency disorders will be the main beneficiaries. Your kind gesture will lift the hearts of the children and their families through
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ISSUE 21 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
the specialized care they will receive from the Occupational therapy clinics.” said Dr. Dickson Okumu, Asst. Director Rehabilitation services, KNH.
Inspirational Quotes The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible Francis of Assisi Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.- Walt Whitman I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.Jimmy Dean Do what you say you’re going to do. And try to do it a little better than you said you would. - Jimmy Dean If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.- Albert Einstein Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.- George Bernard Shaw
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