KNH NEWSLINE EDITION 25 2021

Newsline

3/12/2021

We Listen, We Care

Issue 25

3/12/2021

PHOTO |NICHOLAS WAMALWA

KNH @120 YEARS

THE HEALING ART ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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Contents

Editor’s note

ISSUE 25 Editor’s note p.2 The healing art p.3-4 Transplant Immunology: Innovation at its best p.5-6 We are not adequately prepared for CBRN disaster p. 7 Benefits of live and virtual community events in building the KNH brand p.8 Our story in pictures p.9 Health records: the lifeblood of patient and hospital management p.10-11 KPCC carries out Medical Outreach at Royal Nairobi Golf Club p.11 Saving lives through emergency care training p.12 KPCC holds induction to the new staff p.13 Being proactive and not reactive p.14 Comic zone and inspirational quotes p.15 ON THE COVER The healing art p. 3

Marketing & Communication Department New Design Concept Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru & Collins Cheruiyot Editorial Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Winfred Gumbo, Sheila Muriithi, Yvonne Gichuru, Shiphrah Njeri and Priscah Angwenyi Stories: Edel Q. Mwende, Kilivwa Mukaya, Verah Mugambi, Luke G. Kung’u, Sheila Murithi, Marian Moraa & Petterson Njogu Design By: Collins Cheruiyot Photos: Nicholas Wamalwa, Winfred Gumbo, Sheila Murithi, Petterson Njogu, Julius Ita & Ken Ndung’u

ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE WITH HIV DONT KNOW THEY HAVE IT; KNOW YOUR RISKS = KNOW YOUR STATUS Dear colleagues, There are lots of people out there who think that they are deeply flawed or tainted because of the way their immune system functions, but contrary to popular belief, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

On 1st December 2021, the world marked 33 years in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to show their support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died from an HIV-related illness.

What role are you playing in this fight?

All the newsletters can also now be accessed online on: https://bit.ly/3uQGCcI

Winfred Gumbo Public Relations Officer Marketing and Communication, KNH

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 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

Find us on Social Media Kenyatta National Hospital

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

www.knh.or.ke

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The Healing Art Creating a calming, healing environment for patients and caregivers.

By Edel Quinn Mwende

I

t is not unusual, of course, to come across art in a hospital, where lovely images can provide a modest but much-needed lift.

Public hospitals have however generally slacked on this matter, but KNH is an exception!

The façade of KNH Tower Block at the ground floor is warm and vibrant, thanks to the often unnoticeable range of mosaics that utter a quiet ‘halo’ as you walk right through the entrance at number 19.

One mosaic stands out- a happy girl in the midst of smiling flowers and healthy butterflies; probably to depict hope to the unkeen passersby who receive intangible benefits of comfort from this piece of art.

As one heads to the paediatric emergency, a series of artwork that comprise of familiar cartoons such as Walt Disney’s Goofy, A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh among other artwork that elicit positive feelings and reduce stressful thoughts present themselves along the walkway.

A ‘wish you well’ mosaic perpetuates the atmosphere of calm, energy and positivity as one gets through gate A of the Tower Block. This is accompanied by other outstanding mosaics of a smiling family, dancing bear and monkey and a pianist dancing to his harmonic set of pitches.

It is unimaginable that a child’s visual appetite would only be satiated by medical equipment in a ward and KNH general pediatric ward has taken care of this. “Ward 3C was adopted by Magnate ventures in 2018 and the refurbishment’s interior look and feel reflect comments the partners directly solicited from the children, parents and nurses in the wards,” highlighted Ms. Josephine Okumu, ACN 3C. Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Walking into ward 3C presents a colorful aura presented in orange, blue and

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A series of mosaics along the walkway towards the paediatric emergency unit

yellow colored lines on the non-slip floors that also swallow the sounds of footsteps. “The lines lead to the admission rooms that also have similar colors to the colorful lines-a helpful design to the parents, since they guide the children to find their way back to their wards,” said Ms. Okumu. This was such an eyeopener to the Newsline team, since it is honestly not an obvious benefit for anyone to consciously notice.

Newsline took a stroll with two children; Irene and David- both nephrology cases. David is newly diagnosed but Irene has been on follow up since age 5. This walk revealed the unimaginable impact of art to them. At the entrance of ward 3C is a picture of a squirrel, owl, antelope, bird, mouse and giraffe in a forest and the children say that this brings the feeling of nature from the outside world to them since they cannot leave the ward.

Not far away, another picture of a squirrel, antelope and bird during autumn is pasted on the corridor towards the children’s bathroom (whose signage, like all the signage in the ward, has a teddy bear on it).

“The antelope is secretly watching

ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Pablo Picasso

the squirrel for an opportunity to hunt him down and the bird is watching from afar as he laughs at the squirrel since he is about to be eaten,” said an elated 8-year-old David. What a pleasant distraction for the children who want to plumb the specifics of this piece of art!

“Inside the rooms, there is the Lord’s prayer whose color matches the interior theme, and the children’s favorite cartoon

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA Orange, blue and yellow colored lines in ward 3C

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(muscular bee with six-pack abs) alongside it written ‘be brave.’ I have never seen that that’s what it reads, until 10-year-old Irene mentioned it during our stroll. Baby Irene said that the encouraging words and cartoon gives her energy to fight the disease. It soothes her pain.

Children admitted to this ward tend to be scared and lonely, but the majestic pieces of art on the walls gives them comfort and hope,” said an impressed Ms. Okumu.

One picture is pasted twice and it stands out for the children in ward 3C. To the Newsline team and any other passer-by, it is just a bridge.

The children luxuriate in the joy of color and meaning of the bridge artwork. “This bridge is built over a river and it means recovering from sickness to wellness,” said an intelligent baby Irene. The interconnecting door to ward 3B closes with a picture of a giraffe with a stethoscope (which the children said that is their doctor)

and a happy monkey that delights them.

We merely appreciate the subconscious power of art but children value its presence. Gone are the days when children just got wowed by stars, moon and the sun. Speaking to the children, they would love to see stimulating, charming and familiar cartoon figures smiling down at them such as Sofia the first, tom and jerry. In addition, bright colored numbers and alphabet letters could also occupy the mind of sick kids and offer some level of relaxation,” said Ms. Okumu.

“Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.”

—John Lubbock (1834-1913), The Pleasures of Life.

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A picture of a happy monkey on the doors next to the isolation rooms in ward 3C

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A picture of a giraffe with a stethoscope on the doors next to the isolation rooms in ward 3C

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A mosaic at number 19 entrance donated by pupils from Mountain View Academy in 2006- a A mosaic at gate A of the Tower Block entrance donated by pupils from St. Elizabeth happy girl in the midst of smiling flowers and healthy butterflies Academy-Karen in 2006

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA A themed artwork of encouraging words ‘hold on’ in one of the rooms at ward 3C A picture of a squirrel, owl, antelope, bird, mouse and giraffe in a forest at ward 3C entrance.

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Transplant Immunology: Innovation at its best Kenyatta National Hospital is a world-class patient-centered specialized care hospital.

By Kilivwa Mukaya

I

ts primary mission is to optimize patient experience through innovative, evidencebased specialized healthcare, facilitate training and research, and participate in national health policy formulation.

In line with our mission of improving our services through innovation, the department of Laboratory Medicine, on the realization that molecular medicine was shaping up as an important technological advancement in diagnostic services, endeavored to keep pace with the emerging trend.

Among the training opportunities projected in the departmental annual training projection of FY 2010/2011, was Molecular Medicine.

One staff member Kilivwa J S Mukaya secured an opportunity to pursue a Master of Science degree in Molecular Medicine. This opened the avenue towards achieving the intended goal by the department.

Molecular medicine is a broad field, where physical, chemical, biological, bioinformatics, and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and develop molecular interventions to correct them.

The molecular medicine perspective emphasizes cellular and molecular phenomena and interventions rather than the previous conceptual and observational focus on patients and their organs.

In 2012, the Renal Team under the late Dr. Antony Were, who was then the Head of Renal Unit, was faced with the challenge of establishing HLA Tissue Typing services.

This was a big issue because all patients projected for Kidney Transplantation could not access these services locally. All the compatibility tests were referred either to South Africa or India. This

PHOTO | COURTESY Installed LUMINEX Fluoroanalyzer for HLA Tissue Typing

PHOTO | COURTESY Mr. Alphonce Kioko, validating HLA typing assay using the LUMINEX fluoroanalyzer machine

process delayed interventional time.

It also increased the cost of carrying out this transplantation procedure.

The cost of putting up and equipping a Transplant Immunology laboratory is prohibitive.

Furthermore, this concept was new in the country and Africa as a whole, save for South Africa and part of North Africa.

Proposals were done for funding through Private Public Partnership (PPP) without success. In 2015, the Africa Development Bank in partnership with the East African governments embarked on the establishment of Centres of excellence in East Africa.

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Kenya was picked to host the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI). This came as a blessing to the aspiration and desire to have a Transplant Immunology Laboratory within our locality.

As per the plan, the current Renal Unit would be improved to offer specialized services as well as train on behalf of EAKI. Part of the funds released for batch one equipment was used to procure LUMINEX machine, a critical equipment in HLA Tissue Typing analysis.

Mr. Alphonce Kioko, validating HLA typing assay using the LUMINEX fluoroanalyzer machine.

A further request was made to

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the project to release more funds to procure the accompanying equipment and accessories required for comprehensive analysis of HLA Typing and Antibody Detection. This request was honored in 2019 when equipment and molecular-based reagents kits were procured for this facility.

Initially, there was a big challenge on space to accommodate the laboratory as well as the cost of putting up the facility.

The hospital identified several possible locations, but finally, the current space within Renal Unit was adopted for renovation.

Luckily, at this moment in time, the hospital was also undergoing reorganization. The coming into office of Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS as the new Chief Executive Officer, Kenyatta National Hospital, was a boost to the Renal Team’s effort to actualize the dream of establishing the HLA Tissue Typing service within the hospital.

He breathed in a new impetus to the project. He sourced funds, that were pumped into the renovation exercise. The renovation works were completed by end of 2019.

Requirements for a molecular laboratory are unique. The laboratory has the following features; Controlled air circulation, controlled access features, smoke detectors, negative pressure, unidirectional workflow, epoxy floor covering, gypsum ceiling, granite benches, sufficient sinks, and working space among others.

The laboratory has been compartmentalized into seven unique work-stations, that is, the general working area, refrigeration (-80 deep freezer and fridges), consumables store (room temperature), DNA extraction room, Amplification room, Luminex machine room, and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC).

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine just below the rib cage. Each is about the size of a fist. Their main function is to filter and remove waste, minerals, and fluid from the blood by producing urine. When your kidneys lose this filtering ability, harmful levels of fluid and waste

accumulate in the body, which can raise blood pressure and result in kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease). The end-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function normally.

The Renal Unit department, KNH, has a team of specialized kidney doctors who work hand in hand with their peers from the University of Nairobi in the management of patients. Their effort to achieve maximum success is hampered by delays in the preparation process before grafting is done.

According to Dr. John Ngigi, a nephrologist and Senior DirectorKenyatta Prime Care Clinic, KNH handles 130 patients that receive dialysis treatment. On average, approximately 260 patients require transplantation every year.

Ms. Nancy Wangombe, a Kidney Transplant co-ordinator attributes the low number of transplant operations to the unavailability of HLA Tissue Typing services locally.

She is upbeat that the number is set to increase upon commencement of the transplant immunology tests within Kenyatta.

The Ultra-modern facility has competent staff who are up to the task. Dr. Anne Baraza (Immunologist) and Dr. Kassim Ali (clinical pathologist) are leading the team.

Other players include Kilivwa J S Mukaya, Patricia Nabende, Alphonce Kioko, Jeniffer Mutua, and Mishack Kirimi. Kilivwa J S Mukaya and Alphonce Kioko further attended Observership training in an HLA Tissue Typing Laboratory at Apollo Hospital, India. The two, later on, attended a two-week LUMINEX Machine-User Training at Immucor Company, Georgia-Atlanta.

With the know-how and thestate-of-art equipment available coupled with the goodwill from our collaborating partners, this

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important facility is set to be rolled out soon.

This will come as a relief to our customers because our Turn Around Time (TAT) has been projected to be 24 hours. Our charges have been greatly subsidized compared to what our clients have been paying out there.

PHOTO | COURTESY Temperaturecontrolled centrifuges important equipment in a molecular laboratory

For a start, the following services shown below will be available; TEST

PROPOSED CHARGE PER TEST

1

HLA-A

7,900

2

HLA-B

7,900

3

HLA-C

8,900

4

HLA-DR

7,900

5

HLA-DQ

7,900

6

HLA-DP

7,900

7

Class I&II Antibody

5,500

8

Class I ID Antibody Detection

12,700

910

Class II IDv2 Antibody Detection

12,100

11

Donor Specific Antibody Detection

5,500

12

Single Antigen Class I Detection

23,900

13

Single Antigen Class II Detection

20,300

14

Single Antigen MIC Antibody Detection

12,500

15

Complement dependent Cytotoxicity

11,500

As a hospital, we will endeavor to live up to our vision and mission in order to continuously improve on our services and meet the client expectations. This new facility will remain as a living testimony.

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OPINION

We are not adequately prepared for CBRN disaster

By Luke Kung’u News just in: ‘Twin bomb blasts in Uganda.’ Authorities are at a loss to establish the motive of the bombing and unnecessary loss of life.’

This was just but one of the numerous headlines that graced major news stations across the continent on November 17, 2021, moments after explosions rocked part of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

This has not just happened in Kampala alone, Kenya too has on many occasions played victim to such attacks, that have claimed hundreds of lives. The attack in Kampala, came at an unfortunate time when the country, just like other parts of the world, was reeling from the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic.

In Kenya, for instance, the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy served as a wake-up call to all of us to be wary of terrorism as a new and unprecedented disaster.

Kenyatta National Hospital Disaster Management Unit has been at the forefront in management of disasters. But there is much that needs to be done at individual level and among KNH staff and patients as well as the general populace residing at KNH. KNH, the country’s apex of specialized health care, attracts traffic of not less than thirty thousand people. This calls for continued vigilance as well as awareness.

‘We have gaps in manpower with the requisite skills, lack proper facilities as well as equipment in responding to Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) disasters. KNH faces the challenge

of decontamination booths, trial site, and adequate training and awareness creation,’ said Alternate Chair Disaster Management Committee Dr. Nicholus Okumu during the five-day training on CBRN disaster management in KNH. All stakeholders need to be sensitized on the way forward in the management of disasters, right from the disaster site.

How do we analyze the type of disaster and how quick is the response? Typically, all people will tend to rush and help the affected while disregarding protocols, thus even the ones not in the original site end up in hospitals.

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For CBRN, anyone who comes in contact with the victims also suffers the same fate. So even if we have the urge to help, there is need to be well equipped with the knowledge as well as response teams to coordinate such events. Detection and identification of contaminants are crucial in CBRN mitigation plans.

To this end, it is prudent that all who have been sensitized during the five-day workshop immediately impart the knowledge to others within the hospital, chart the way forward to create awareness, as well as help in equipping the facility in matters CBRN disaster management.

PHOTO | DW

A scene of bomb explosion

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From the communication desk:

Benefits of live and virtual community events in building the KNH brand

By Sheila Murithi Live/ physical events are popular with hospitals and healthcare systems that want to promote various service lines, build brand awareness, and improve brand perception from a community wellness standpoint. In other words, their community thinks of their hospital first in a time of specialized need as they have engaged their community.

KNH has aggressively pursued community outreaches in the recent past. This had slowly decreased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but we are gradually resuming the norm with the introduction of preventive measures such as the availabilty of vaccines.

The Nairobi Trade Fair, hospital department tours, classes and seminars, screenings, cancer survivor events, charity walks are some examples of events that KNH has participated in to reach out to the community.

Many outreach programs serve priority populations that are less likely to use preventive health services and have a higher disease burden compared to the general population. Health outreach programs play a critical role in improving and extending the reach of health care through activities such as health education, case management, and basic health screening, and facilitating access to services.

We are in a period of disruption.

Hospitals and health systems had to pivot rapidly, going out to meet people was not an option and this brought about the adoption of virtual events. One of the most popular

PHOTO | COURTESY Dr. John Ngigi Kidney Specialist and Head of renal Unit adresses audiences online through a programme called Skiza Doc

Health outreach programs play a critical role in improving and extending the reach of health care through activities such as health education, case management, and basic health screening, and facilitating access to services.

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benefits of hosting a virtual events is that they can be accessed from ANY device, on ANY browser, and from ANY part of the world.

In-short everyone is welcome to join in, but, you may then ask, does the grassroot population have these devices or internet connection? So how then would we reach them?

Capacity building is the answer.

Virtual events bring top trends, insights and medical research right to your doorstep or do we say tabletop?

Making the most out of webinars, live chats, and other in-event information, can now grow the knowledge base in just a few clicks. If the healthcare workers in the “mashinani” is empowered then our community will get the care that they deserve.

From the marketing position it still positions KNH as a thought-leader, a trend setter, the Level 6 specialized referral hospital; the healthcare provider in the County will be able to deal with all the minor cases and only refer cases in need of specialized care.

The brand building benefits we gain from these live and virtual events are: Engagement Marketing today is often referred to in the context of how you can engage your audience. Whether it is virtual or live, we are still reaching out to the Counties physically and from afar.

Brand Loyalty For any healthcare system, it is essential to have a presence in the community. To build a relationship with our patients, we need to be out there and seen as a pillar in the community. When we are engaged locally, we are building our brand as a healthcare champion and create loyalty. That is a compelling way to establish relationships.

Lower Long-Term Healthcare Costs Avoidable diseases like hypertension or diabetes can shorten or lessen the quality of life. Instead of paying for treatment or consultations, new healthcare models are emerging which encourage hospitals and other providers to keep their communities and populations healthy. Using events to teach the community how to take better care of themselves and mitigate preventable life style diseases not only reflects our brand’s mission and vision, it can also improve the bottom line. Healthy living events can ultimately lower healthcare costs by reaching and motivating healthcare consumers and move them towards a better, healthier lifestyle.

The bottom line, community events grow our interactions and therefore build our brand.

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Our story in pictures

PHOTO | SHAWN PAUL

KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri receives excellence award from the outgoing Royal Nairobi Golf Club Captain - Sylvester Odhiambo

PHOTO | KEN NDUNG’U

KNH Aids Control Unit in preparation for 2021 World Aids Day participating in a two day sensitization and HIV testing program in St. Paul’s University, Nakuru Campus

PHOTO | JULIUS ITA

PHOTO | WINFRED GUMBO

KNH-Othaya in collaboration with KNH main Hospital during an outreach to mark the World Diabetes Day.

KNH Staff during a visit to Mercy Servants of the Poor Home in Kithyoko, Machakos County

PHOTO | KEN NDUNG’U

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA

Dr. William Sigilai - Director, Medical Services(Standing 2nd R), Dr. Irene Nzamu - HoU, Paediatric Haemato- Oncology (Sitting M) and Mr. Kennedy Mbogo - Ag. Director, A.I.D among other KNH staff receiving a donation of £18,500 for the establishment of a children’s play area from Prof. Gertjan Kaspers - Pediatric Oncologist, Princess Maxima Centre,NL and Mr. Ferry van Schoonhoven, Board member - World Child Cancer, NL

Director Risk and Audit, CPA Erick Omondi Otieno KNH celebrates at the finish line in jamii na marafiki walk

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HEALTH RECORDS: The lifeblood of patient and hospital management

By Verah Mugambi Good quality medical records – whether electronic or handwrittenare an essential component of safe and effective healthcare for the continuity of care for the patient.

For the management and systematic maintenance of Medical Records in the Hospital, a Medical Record Department is necessary.

The ultimate role of the department is to initiate Medical Records, facilitate proper storage, and retrieve when and as required for the treatment of the patient.

The Newsline team visited the department located at No.19 and had a sit down with Dr. Mark Mudenyo, KNH’s Health Information HOD, and members of his department.

“Health Information is a department under the clinical services division. Our work is mainly to support the clinical department in the provision of patient documents for treatment. Our officers are situated everywhere; from the entry that is at A&E, to the wards, Labs, theaters and generally all over the hospital”, Dr. Mudenyo stated.

“A medical record is a document that is presented or created by the clinician for the patient for treatment.

A health records officer initiates or creates the medical record documents so that the patient can be seen immediately or in the future using the same document,” he says.

“Statistics is one of our major functions as a department. My team generates all the statistics for the hospital; from the entry point (casualty) to exit: how many patients are seen in A&E, how many patients are in the wards, how many beds are available in the hospital, the average stay of patients … These statistics helps the hospital in planning and the country at large when it comes to health policies; KNH being the biggest referral hospital in the country,” adds Dr. Mudenyo.

He goes on: “Once a patient has been received or gone to the wards or the clinics, another date is set for them to come for the continuation of treatment. That is where one of our major functions comes in; we

PHOTO | KEN NDUNG’U Stella Karimi, Senior Health Information Officer

schedule appointments as given in the clinics. He adds that the document or file created is stored by the hospital for a maximum of 10 years from the last date the patient was seen at our hospital.”

“The same documents are used for training and research purposes for paramedical and medical officers.

Clinicians come and register their research interests and we produce the documents to aid in their research. This is done at our research office or library since they are private documents and no one is allowed to take them out of the hospital.”

Dr. Mudenyo then proceeds to explain the file creation process, “After creating the file, we do the coding and indexing of the diseases; one disease is given the same code number worldwide using the directory provided by Wealth Health Organisation and indexing is putting them all together.”

“In case there is a medical-legal issue, good medical records are vital for defending a complaint or clinical negligence claim; they provide a window on the clinical judgment being exercised at the time. The presence of a complete, up-to-date, and accurate medical record can make all the difference to the

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outcome.”

“Our main challenge, however, is filing. KNH is the apex of treatment in Kenya and everyone wants to come to Kenyatta, so we have more than 40 million file documents. Therefore, we are trying to come up with a paperless method in future to make the day to day services smooth and quicken the turnaround time”, Dr. Mudenyo concluded.

Health record technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems.

By use of technology they classify, code, and categorize patient information for databases and registries and maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.

“After receiving files from the wards, we code them also termed as classification using the International Classification of Disease from WHO. Then we put all the patients’ information in our database. The database helps us when it comes to questions like; how many patients are treated with a specific disease, mortality list, etc. All research done in the hospitals must come through here.

We facilitate research by giving the doctors files and preparing them to be taken to the library room”, explained Mercy

PHOTO | KEN NDUNG’U Dr. Mark Mudenyo- HOD Health Information

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Mugo, the Assistant Chief Health Information Officer.

According to Alembi Ayub, also ACHIO, the department is very Key in running the hospital; decision making by the management at any level of the hospital, so whatever data comes from this office should be accurate and reliable.

“Catering department, laundry departments also rely on Health Records stats to determine food quantity and also hospital gowns to be distributed in the wards”, Ayub continued.

Health records have played

an increasingly important role throughout history as an important legal document as they are the most important database containing the health treatment of the patient.

Consistent recording by doctors, nurses, and other staff is proof of proper monitoring of the patients’ health plan and treatment. Initially, health records were used to describe individual processes.

Today, health records are a much broader concept than in the past because it is no longer just the doctor alone who records data, the records consist of various data entered by

health records professionals in either paper or electronic form, with digital images, photos, computerized tests, and letters or other health information.

Some of the Medical Records commonly kept; Case Summary/ Discharge, Notification of death forms – (KNH, City mortuary), Continuation sheets, X-ray request forms, Nursing cardex, Lab request forms, Observation charts TPR/BP, Fluid charts, Treatment sheets, Blood pressure charts, Operation notes, Theatre list, Anesthetic Forms/notes …etc.

KPCC carries out medical outreach at Royal Nairobi Golf Club

By Petterson Njogu

coming today,” said Maurice; a staff at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

KNH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS received an award on behalf of KPCC from the outgoing club captain Sylvester Odhiambo, who also thanked the Hospital for its year-long support towards the club.

Kenyatta Prime Care Centre held a two-day medical camp during this year’s Club Captain’s Prize 2021 held on 26th to 27th November at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

There were about 150 golfers from different clubs in Nairobi and over 70 employees from different companies present at the event.

KPCC used the platform to showcase its

strengths, market its services while increasing its visibility.

Throughout the tourney, the health drive saw members undergo doctors’ consultation, checking BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and nutrition counselling.

Close to 98 people visited the KPCC tent for the health check. In addition to this, we ran a vaccination drive where 37 people received their Covid-19 shots- golfers, caddies’ and other staff of the club were glad that the vaccine was brought closer to their place of work.

“Today I’ve received the Johnson & Johnson jab and I am happy since it is a one time shot and I’m done with it in just a few minutes. Thank you KNH for

PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU KPCC nutritionist Ms Grace Echoka engages a golfer on healthy eating and lifestyle habits at the nutrition education section

PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS follows the progress of his tee shot during the Captain’s Prize tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club

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PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU Nurse Patricia Chivadika administers Covid-19 vaccine to one of the clients who visited KPCC tent during the medical outreach

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Saving lives through Emergency Care Training

By Marian Moraa A five-day training on Emergency Care took place at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Rahimtula staff training center. The 20 clinicians from KNH Othaya were trained on Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support(ACLS) from the 22nd to 26th November 2021.

The hospital invests in such trainings to enable Nurses, Clinical Officers and Doctors working in the Emergency Department/Casualty/ Outpatient Department to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to respond with confidence to emergency situations and to deliver safe, evidence-based quality emergency care in any setting.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of medical care used in emergency, life-threatening situations as the victims await professional care at the hospital. It can help people who are choking, drowning or suffering from cardiac arrest, and be the difference between life and death for some people.

BLS is included in all first aid training courses, along with related life-saving techniques and procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Notably, this sort of first aid training can also be particularly useful for non-clinicians to save lives. At a very basic level, BLS involves securing the proper

circulation, airways and breathing of the patient to keep them alive until professional care can be administered.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) on the other hand allows health workers to administer care to adults that are facing cardiac and pulmonary arrests. This training not only equips them with the skills to care for such patients, but it also allows them to diagnose

such problems as well as other cardiopulmonary emergencies. It also adds on to the basic life support certification commonly known as CPR. KNH prioritizes on capacity building for all employees to develop competencies and skills that can make them more effective and sustainable, in an aim to provide the ultimate customer experience for patients and their families.

PHOTO | NICHOLASWAMALWA

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA KNH-Othaya nurses receiving training on BLS and ACLS at KNH Rahimtulla staff training center.

ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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KPCC holds induction to the new staff

By Petterson Njogu We have all been in a position of starting something new: a new class, a new pastime, and in this case a new job in an entirely new environment.

Monday 15th November, 2021 Kenyatta Prime Care Centre was pleased to welcome new members drawn from different cadres of Administration and Clinical unit meant to operationalize the Daycare Oncology Centre.

KPCC Nursing and Clinical Services manager Ms. Doris Kimbui, in her opening remarks, welcomed the new staff and took them through policies and procedures that guide the facility; the vision, mission, motto, strategic objectives, quality objectives, and

core values.

“The additional staff will go a long way in enhancing operational adaptability as the new employees integrate into KPCC systems and processes,” said Ms. Kimbui.

“The move is in line with the management’s mandate of making KPCC a world-class centre in the provision of healthcare services” she added.

KPCC Assistant Chief Nurse (ACN), Ms Roselyn Okello emphasized the basic nursing procedures terming them as important for putting nursing knowledge into practice while solving the health care needs of the patients.

She reminded them of the need to set and maintain the high standards already at prime care centre. “KPCC is about continuous

PHOTO | SHAWN PAUL KPCC Assistant Chief Nurse (ACN) Ms. Roselyn Okello addressing the new staff during the orientation

improvement, make our brand greater than it is already,” said Okello.

The new members were also taken through customer care sensitization and communication processes in a healthcare setup.

“No matter how knowledgeable a clinician, nurse or a doctor might be if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help,” said KPCC Marketing and Communications Manager Mr. Simon Too. He went ahead to train how to handle different types of customers/patients on how to attain customer and patient satisfaction, and most importantly the importance of sharing factual and correct information about the Hospital.

Other deliberations including target setting and performance management, infection and prevention control components, teamwork and resuscitation were also discussed at length.

“Before we introduce them to their respective units, we take them through such an intensive program to onboard them with our culture, and to tell them what is expected of them now that they are a part of us,” said Winnie Kiongo, Human Resources Manager KPCC. “This will also help in their transition into hospital speciality units, making them feel comfortable and confident and above all instill a sense of belonging” concluded Ms Kiongo.

To the new cohort, welcome and we are glad to have you as part of our KPCC team!

REVIEWS FROM OUR SOCIALS 1. Cecihia Mahia I did my attachment many many moons ago at the PSC under Dr. Josephine Omondi...the best Psychiatrist and just generally kind-hearted medic that I have ever interacted with! A very knowledgeable lady and so supportive made my time there very exciting.

The exposure to persons presenting with various mental health issues and the rotation to different wards to support patients and their significant others was a very enriching experience.

2. Norman Nuwagaba Best hospital in East Africa, with clear directions and no congestion... Am from Uganda 3. Awino Otieno Radolo Were it not for this hospital...I would have died in 2019 May... the staff here saved my life!!

I can’t remember you all by your names....but May God forever bless you 4. Lydia W. Uimbia I had my 3 kids here.

I have experienced both the private wing and the general one, vaginal birth and CS. You are the best. My doctor Dr. Wachira Murage, azidi kubarikiwa.

All the staff are always there for patients, there’s a place for people like you.

5. Nyokabi Mbugua They held my mum’s hand when I was diagnosed with ONH and gave me the best corrective care till I became independent....these were times of Dr. Kamuri and Dr. Wood.... and later God gave me a chance of giving back to them as a Marketing and Communications intern...#KNHikosawa

ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

6. Luciana Njenga I remember it was on 29th December 2020 around 8 pm when nilikua nangonja kuingia theatre and a certain patient came akiwa halimbaya they did all they could to save her but she passed on .....it was my first time to see a doctor crying and nurse ndio nikajua this comes from their heart .....I love you KNH #KNH Iko sawa 7. Joyce Libra Not only my bro, my first time to be admitted there was in 2004 December...I had DVT in pregnancy a life threatening condition,in this facility I found a home far away from home.

Delivered my three babies there and two of those kids were booked for ENT...all I pray to God is to bless every worker from the highest office all the way down.

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Being Proactive And Not Reactive KNH Celebrates Quality Improvement week 2021

The KNH Newborn Unit Staff celebrate as they are awarded a trophy for being the most outstanding unit in Quality Improvement in the Hospital PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI

By Sheila Murithi Since Monday this week, KNH has been celebrating the 2021 Quality Improvement Week. Wednesday 1st Dec 2021 marked the peak of the celebrations as the Standards and Process Improvement Unit took time to recognize the initiatives put in place by different units and departments to improve service delivery to our patients through standardizing processes and procedures.

“Quality improvement is about being proactive and not reactive in our processes. Making sure we standardize processes to minimize mistakes and improve patient experience.” said Ms. Agneta Chelimo, HoU Standards & Process Improvement.

Ms. Anne Kirema, HoU-Patient Affairs described that the Quality Healthcare division ensures the hospital keeps improving and giving the best care to our patients. “The aim is to guarantee the patient is able to get the quality care they need when they need it. We are here to celebrate the small wins & the big wins,” she added as she recognized the great effort put forward by different teams to ensure efficient processes are

standardized.

“Quality improvement is a continuous process. KNH aims to be a world class patient-centred specialized care hospital, to achieve this we must all play a role. It is not a single thing that is done but it is the small efforts done together towards a goal. We should keep ourselves on toes to ensure the care we give always exceeds the expected standard. The activities we do are very key in ensuring our patients get quality and safe healthcare which they deserve. Simple things such as hand washing can reduce the risk of infection and increase patient outcomes. “said Dr. Alfred Birichi, Dir. Pharmaceutical Services who was standing in for Dr. Irene Inwani, Senior Director Clinical Services, KNH. He urged the team to echo his words “I am committed to continuous improvement and I will challenge my colleagues to do the same!” Let us make the change in our time and set standard for the future.

New Born Unit was awarded as the most outstanding unit in Quality Improvement in the hospital during the event. “Teamwork, communication, trainings and infection prevention control is what propelled the unit to win this

ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

award. Our frequent meetings and challenging each other bore fruits and we are glad and happy with this achievement,” stated Dr. Florence Murila, Head Newborn Unit during her appreciation speech after the team received the award.

Various successful quality improvement initiatives effected in different units and departments were displayed during the event. Quality Improvement is gaining ground in KNH and soon it will be a culture that is effortlessly adopted and practiced.

Dr. Florence Nurila, Head New Born Unit, (center) cuts a celebration cake with Dr. Alfred Birichi, Director Pharmeceutical Services and Ms. Agneta Chelimo, HoU standards and process Improvement (far right) among others PHOTO | SHEILA MURITHI

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Comic Zone Laughter, the best medicine!!

Twister tough to tackle : Red lorry, yellow lorry.

Inspirational Quotes When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.

Carol Burnett I’ve noticed when I fear something, if I just end up doing it, I’m grateful in the end.

Colleen Hoover

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

We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action.

Dr. Henry Link When you’ve seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there.

George Harrison What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.

Zig Ziglar

OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care

I’m realizing how much I’ve diminished my own power. I’m not doing that no more.

Alicia Keys You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

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ISSUE 25 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

C.S. Lewis

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