KNH Social work: Successful repatriation

By Paul Murimi Muriuki

One of the mandates of Medical Social work is the repatriation of indigent patients to their families or loved ones and there have been many successful repatriations.

One of the interesting cases we have handled is that of a patient we will call K.M to conceal his identity.

Mr. K. M was presented at Accident & Emergency on December 26, 2020, by a well-wisher who abandoned him without giving any information on who the patient was, where he came from, or next of kin.

The patient was diagnosed with an Ischemic stroke that had affected his memory, rendering him unable to give information that could assist in contact tracing.

It had also partially affected him physically; he was not able to walk thus making him a total nursing care patient. His condition was successfully treated and he was discharged on January 25, 2021.

The patient contact tracing commenced by taking his fingerprints and the results were relayed to the Social Work Department on March 30, 2021, and that is when the patient’s real names and place of origin were determined; he hailed from Kathoka Sub-location.

Through the information gathered, the sub-chief was contacted and it was later established that his family had relocated 100kms from Kathoka, Makueni County to Kyuso in Kitui County. His sister’s mobile number was found and she helped the social worker trace the father. The 83-years-old destitute father by the name of M.M, could not raise the money to offset the medical bill nor cater for logistics to repatriate his son. The KNH social workers made all the necessary arrangements for possible repatriation and Mr. K. M was successfully repatriated on July 16, 2021 (six months after discharge under KNH care) at Kyuso village.

The social worker was accompanied by a nurse and social work interns so that they could also learn the process of repatriation.

There have been several follow-up visits that have indicated that the patient has settled well with his family who can observe him closely.

Mr. Muriuki is a Medical Social Worker III who works in Ward 7B, Infections Disease Unit (IDU), and Multi Drug Resistance (MDR).

Family re -united

PHOTO | MILSPOUSE

Positive mentions from KNH official facebook page

By Luke Kung’u

1. Simon Kuria Njoroge: Having gone to different hospitals and not getting help, we landed at KNH. My son was admitted and after a while, he had a major surgery and was discovered to have cancer of the Kidney. He was well taken care of even after the surgery stayed at ward 1E for a long time. After discharge the clinic visits were well organized. Today our miracle boy is grown and in final year at the university. The oncology doctors are the best.

2. Samir Mukuria: As a kid, I spent time at KNH ward 3D. It takes a toll on a child having to adjust to having classes in a hospital. The employees at ward 3D made my stay there close to home. Well done guys!

3. Macharia Gaitho: I just want to thank God for the treatment I received from KNH. Those doctors and nurses went out of their way. Be blessed beyond expectations.

4. Celly Minanga: Very true. I can confirm how you people are dedicated to serve our nation.

5. Rayuoi Lilian: May God’s mercies and favour follow you all the days of your lives. God bless KNH.

6. Alice Bacia: I personally salute you, though there is still room for improvement. No one is perfect, it calls for hard work. Well done and may the Lord fill you with His goodness. Keep it up!

7. Hillary Nyandiki: We value your service, keep up!

8. Anita Ann: I appreciate your medics so much. My son is back to normal. ENT team thank you!

MAIN PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA Paul Murimi Muriuki - Social Worker