KNH NEWSLINE ED 6 2022

Newsline

25/3/2022

We Listen, We Care

25/3/2022

Blazing the trail in Culture Change

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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PHOTO | YVONNE GICHURU

Issue 6

25/3/2022

Contents

Editor’s note

ISSUE 6 Editor’s note p.2 Blazing the trail in Culture Change p.3-4 KeRRa adopts 20 beds p. 4 A glimpse of KNH’s One-Stop Breast Clinic p.5-6 Sharp, shooting, sickening and drowning pain: Endometriosis Awareness Month p. 6-7 Our story in pictures p.8 Family Medicine: All you need to know about Family Health and Wellness p.9 March birthdays p.10-11 A&E doctors undergo training on handling trauma patients p.12 The intern’s experience p.12 Protecting people living with vitiligo disorder: from our perspective p.13-14 Celebrations to mark Global Youth Day 2022 marked at KNH p.14 Tiba ya mwili: Yote unayohitaji kujua kuihusu p.15-16 Positive mentions from KNH official facebook page p. 16 The big G! And how to deal p.17 Comic zone p. 18

Dear colleagues,

ON THE COVER Blazing the trail in Culture Change p. 3

The World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated every year on March 24 th to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

Marketing & Communication Department

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

Design Concept Team: Dave Opiyo, Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru & Collins Cheruiyot

Editorial Team: Dave Opiyo , Edel Q. Mwende, Luke Kung’u, Linnette Leyi, Yvonne Gichuru, Priscah Angwenyi, Shiphrah Njeri, Joan Macharia, Blanca Nyaga & Njoki Waigi

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Invest to end TB. Save lives”. This highlights our dedication to fighting this deadly yet curable disease.

This year, Kenyatta National Hospital focused on members of staff and their dependents for TB screening as they are highly exposed to the disease at their areas of work including the wards.

Stories: Edel Q. Mwende, Linnette Leyi, Jacqueline Ngure, Cynthia Cherono, Verah Mugambi, Petterson Njogu, Priscah Angwenyi, Barbara Otieno, Julius Ita, Naftali Ruto, Melody Ajiambo, Luke Kung’u, Barbara Otieno, Elly Makanga, Edward Njuguna, & Linnette Leyi

Design By: Collins Cheruiyot

Photos: Nicholas Wamalwa, Steve Nduati, Barbara Otieno, Yvonne Gichuru & Steve Mutuku

Tel: +254 20 2726300-9 Ext. 43121 or 43969 Fax: +254 20 272572

We would like to encourage people not to shy away from testing for Tuberculosis, as it is treatable at no cost in public hospitals and at subsidized costs in private hospitals.

Remember, “TB ina Tiba” (TB is Curable).

All the Newslines and Newsletters can be accessed online on: https://bit.ly/3uQGCcI Ms. Linnette Leyi, Editorial Officer, Marketing and Communication Kenyatta National Hospital

Find us on Social Media Kenyatta National Hospital

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

www.knh.or.ke

Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com To contribute or report on newsworthy items, please contact the Editorial team.

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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Blazing the trail in Culture Change

By Edel Q. Mwende

T

he Kenyatta National Hospital Division of Pharmaceutical Services is a trend-setter in initiating culture change and quality improvement.

This is aimed at honoring their staff (pharmacists, pharmacutical technologists and pharmacy auxilliary staff) who go above and beyond to provide exceptional and distinguished service and help deliver on the division’s mission which is; “To optimize patient experience through pharmaceutical care, facilitate training and participate in national health planning.”

A publication by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement written

by Pidson Kamugisha on Thursday, December 2, 2021 “How Shared Ownership Supports Sustained Quality Improvement,” highlighted that proper implementation of Quality Improvement (QI) strategies can not only increase productivity and efficiency but can also improve quality and safety.

This, however, requires a dedicated team to effectively carry out the changes.

Cultural change is the process in which an organization encourages employees to adopt behaviors and mindsets that are consistent with the organization’s values and goals.

The culture change initiatives at KNH were introduced in the FY 2021/2022. The Pharmaceutical Services Division identified some key activities among the recommended options in culture change which included coaching and mentoring, office rotation and staff appreciation.

The Division established a collaboration with Phillips Therapeutics Limited to offer training for its twenty-seven (27) team leads who underwent a 3-day “Phillips Top100 Leadership” training

PHOTO | YVONNE GICHURU Phillips Therapeutics Limited Marketing Lead; Dr. Eric Githaiga (left) and Phillips Therapeutics Limited Key Accounts Manager; Jotham Nkonge (2nd left) hand over the KNH Pharmaceutical Services Division ‘High Performance Team Award’ trophy to KNH Director Pharmaceutical Services Dr. Alfred Birichi (middle), Head of Unit- Pharmacovigilance, Poison & Drug Information Dr. Dorothy Aywak (2nd right) and KNH Assistant Chief Pharmacist Dr. Faith Tuikong (right).

which was conducted February 7th to 9th 2022 as part of coaching and mentoring the staff in the Healthcare Environment about leadership.

The fully sponsored training which took place at the Diagnostics and reporting Centre incorporated execution as a leader, leadership styles, effective communication, and powerful presentation skills.

A significant part of the collaboration was the support towards initiating the “Pharmacy Awards Program.”

The Phillips Therapeutics Top 100 Training is targeted to Retail, Wholesale, or even Hospital Pharmacy owners and provides methods, best practice skills, and tools to help in Therapeutic soft skills upgrade.

The Business modules are intended to support Retail and wholesale Pharmacy owners with

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

“To optimize patient experience through pharmaceutical care, facilitate training and participate in national health planning.”

Mission for Pharmaceutical Services Division

business skills to successfully, start, grow, or expand their business.

The Pharmacy management recognizes that every team member plays an important role in achieving the Division’s performance targets.

Recognizing this effort and encouraging others to raise the bar with regards to meeting set daily and monthly targets was a driver to initiating an award mechanism to recognize and celebrate exceptional accomplishments of the staff who demonstrate good leadership and teamwork.

The Division’s performance monitoring team will be responsible for selecting the winner of “Pharmacy Team of the month.”

Every month, each pharmacy will be scored on its performance with regards to pre-determined criteria that includes quality and timeliness

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of reports, productivity assessment, inventory management, team engagement and adherence to pharmacy standards among others.

On Thursday March 24, 2022, the Phillips Therapeutics Limited representatives handed over the trophy which will be used to awards the “Pharmacy Team of the month.”

Phillips Therapeutics donated the trophy following a request to start recognition of good performers after Phillips Top 100 Leadership in Pharmacy & Healthcare Training.

Speaking during the trophy handover, Phillips Therapeutics Limited Marketing Lead; Dr. Eric Githaiga congratulated the KNH pharmaceutical services team for their relentless efforts

“We are very grateful to Phillips Therapeutics for sponsoring the culture change training for our Pharmacy leaders and for going an extra mile in providing a trophy for motivating our teams to ensure quality improvement,” - Director Pharmaceutical Services Dr. Alfred Birichi.

PHOTO | YVONNE GICHURU KNH Pharmaceutical Services Division ‘High Performance Team Award’ trophy

in maintaining outstanding performance in service provision.

He was accompanied by Phillips Therapeutics Limited Key Accounts

Manager; Jotham Nkonge.

“We are very grateful to Phillips Therapeutics for sponsoring the culture change training for our Pharmacy leaders and for going an extra mile in providing a trophy for motivating our teams to ensure quality improvement,” said KNH Director Pharmaceutical Services Dr. Alfred Birichi.

Dr. Dorothy Aywak, Head of Unit- Pharmacovigilance, Poison & Drug Information added: ‘We thank Phillips Therapeutics for assisting us to achieve our objectives for this financial year which include quality improvement, recognition of outstanding staff, coaching & mentoring and teamwork.”

The trophy was received by Dr. Alfred Birichi, Dr. Aywak and Dr. Faith Tuikong, KNH Assistant Chief Pharmacist.

The Pharmacy team that wins the trophy three months in a row will benefit in sponsorship for conference attendance at PSK (Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya), KPA (Kenya Pharmaceutical Association) and HOPAK (Hospital Pharmacy Association of Kenya).

As Phil Crosby said, “Improving quality requires a culture change, not just a new diet.”

KeRRa adopts 20 beds

By Jacqueline Ngure Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) donated 20 beds to Kenyatta National Hospital for the Adopt a bed campaign on Friday, March 4th 2022. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Director General KeRRA Eng. Philemon Kandie expressed his delight to being part of this journey and supporting the UHC agenda.

“Given the noble role played by KNH in our society, we felt the need take social responsibility as a Corporate citizen and give this donation for the comfort of patients in KNH,” said Eng. Kandie The generous donation was received by KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS who thanked KeRRA for extending a hand of compassion and called upon Kenyans of good will to also come on board and support this noble cause.

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA Director General KeRRA Eng. Philemon Kandie (left), KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS, (middle), Ag. Director Nursing Services Ms. Raheli Mukhwana (2nd right) and Ag. Deputy Chief Nurse (DCN) Nursing Standards & Research Richard Kiosok (right).

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A glimpse of KNH One-Stop Breast Clinic

By Cynthia Cherono

R

eceiving state-of-the-art care at one of Kenya’s best surgical treatment centers is reassuring for those facing the many uncertainties of various breast diseases.

The One-Stop Breast Clinic is committed to helping women and men address all issues concerning the breast.

Located within the Kenyatta National Hospital, the Breast Care and management surgical clinic (24) offers a full spectrum of services to improve breast health.

The services include screening and diagnostics, breast cancer treatment for both benign and malignant breast disease, breast abscess/Mastitis Cancer, and other breast problems, all delivered with the expertise, compassion, and individualized service expected from East Africa’s largest National Teaching and referral hospital-KNH. KNH was the first in the region to be granted full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

The Hospital is also an accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence through the KNH Radiology department (Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Breast Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging). The clinic has a navigation cancer treatment team through collaboration with an NGO and the KNH multidisciplinary team.

The breast clinic receives referred patients and KNH staff only and operates on an appointment basis where patients are given an appointment date for minor problems, and in the case of cancer patients, they are booked within a week or attended to immediately.

Treatment and diagnosis The clinic comprises expert specialists at breast treatment; most of whom are well-trained nurses, physicians, registrars, and specialized doctors. The consultants and students from UON work collaboratively to identify the most effective treatment options for each breast-diagnosed condition for the

respective patients.

Diagnosis and management This entail all aspects of breast and skin problems, benign breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge, family history, breast cancer treatment, oncoplastic surgery, immediate and delayed reconstruction, breast implant exchange, augmentation, reductions, and lipo modeling- for correction of breast deformities and or breast asymmetry for patients having undergone breast cancer surgery in the past.

KNH radiology department works

together with the surgical clinic for Breast Imaging, incorporating mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and image-guided biopsy.

PHOTO | STOCK

What to Expect at the One-Stop Clinic: At the clinic, one is seen by the Breast Consultant and a nurse, where they ask if you have had any breast problems before and whether you have a family history of cancer.

The specialist examines the breasts and under the armpits. They then explain the tests needed.

These may include:

“ The Hospital is also an accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence through the KNH Radiology department (Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Breast Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging).”

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

Mammogram – uses low-energy X-rays to identify abnormalities in the breast. This is the most important breast screening tool as it identifies early signs of breast cancer, micro-calcifications, and small lesions. Regular mammograms are the most effective tests for detecting breast cancer early, sometimes up to 3

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years before it can be felt as a lump.

Breast ultrasound – uses highfrequency sound waves to assess the size and shape of breast lumps and determine whether they could be tumorous growths or fluid-filled cysts and ultrasound of the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Biopsy – uses an image-guided method to obtain a breast tissue sample via a needle so that it can be evaluated by a laboratory.

Breast MRI- uses an advancedimagine technology that helps detect and diagnose breast cancer and can be an additional safeguard for women at increased risk.

KNH breast clinic has developed a multidisciplinary care program every Tuesday to streamline breast

treatment and diagnosis, followup of the patients. In addition, the surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons work in collaboration to plan and perform breast reconstructions.

Personalized breast treatment plans - In most cases, the patient meets with multiple physicians in a single day and leaves with a treatment plan in place.

Clinical trials and basic researchBy combining laboratory and clinical research, the patients receive the latest advances in breast diagnosis and treatment, including sentinel lymph-node mapping, breast-conserving surgery, immediate breast reconstruction, and radiation therapy implants for cases of a cancer patient and they are given proper follow –up by the

Multidisciplinary team.

Support Services Cancer treatment is a complex journey for patients and families.

Before the diagnosis of breast diseases, life has its challenges and with the ailment, they may seem insurmountable. The anxieties about health, keeping up with daily activities, and maintaining important critical relationships are common concerns for all cancer patients and their families.

KNH patient and family support services are established to help patients so that they know that they have experienced specialists to count on. KNH breast clinic makes a difference not only in the patient’s clinical outcome but in the journey to full recovery.

Sharp, shooting, sickening and drowning pain: Endometriosis Awareness Month

By Verah Mugambi March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a disorder in which small pieces of tissue that normally line the uterus grow outside the uterus.

With Endometriosis, the tissues can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines.

It is not just a bad period, it’s not just a bad time of the month, it is a chronic illness causing emotional and mental stress with physical pains, agonizing pelvic cramps and ovulation, painful bowel movements, and urination.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Endometriosis is one of the most painful health conditions which affect more than 1 in 10 women around the world.

There is a lack of awareness of this chronic condition. It wreaks havoc in women’s lives and relationships, it comes with pain and stress.

In an interview, Dr. Wanja Njiru, KNH Senior Registrar Obstetrics & Gynecology said that Endometriosis is a dangerous illness which if not treated, the symptoms will remain and in some cases, they may get

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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worse.

“With endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Since this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form,” explained Dr. Wanja.

Newsline: What causes endometriosis?

Dr. Wanja: The cause of endometriosis is still unknown, however, there are some possible explanations/theories.

Some of the major ones include: Retrograde menstrual flow; is the most likely cause of endometriosis.

Some of the tissue sheds during the period flow and goes through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis.

Genetics: It is more common to be affected by endometriosis if a female member of your family (especially a parent or sibling) has endometriosis. It can occur in women of all ethnicities.

Immune system: It may be that some women’s immune system is not able to get rid of the tissue, therefore women with low immune systems may be more at risk of endometriosis.

“In addition to pelvic pain, infertility is another common complication of endometriosis. About half of all women with endometriosis have problems getting pregnant. Patients with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Any woman with severe pelvic pains should consider visiting their Gynaecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Wanja told Newsline.

Newsline: Is endometriosis curable?

Dr. Wanja: For many women, endometriosis goes away at menopause, when their periods stop.

Until menopause, medicine and surgery may be able to help with symptoms of endometriosis.

Ultrasound- This test uses highfrequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. To capture the images, a device called a transducer is either pressed against your abdomen or inserted into your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). A standard ultrasound imaging test will identify cysts associated with endometriosis (endometriomas).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- MRI is an exam that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. For some, an MRI helps with surgical planning, giving the surgeon detailed information about the location and size of endometrial implants.

Laparoscopy- a laparoscopy test provides information about the location, extent, and size of the endometrial implants. The surgeon may take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further testing. Often, with proper surgical planning, the surgeon can fully treat endometriosis during the laparoscopy so that one needs only one surgery.

Symptoms of endometriosis Symptoms may vary with some women having none or severe pain. The most common symptoms are pain and menstrual irregularities.

Others include pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back around ovulation time, but also throughout the cycle, ongoing pelvic pain lasting six months or longer, pain during or after sex, difficulty getting pregnant, painful bowel movements, and emptying of the

bladder.

Treatment for endometriosis involves medication or surgery.

According to Dr. Wanja, the approach is dependent on how severe one’s signs and symptoms are and whether one plans to get pregnant.

“Typically, it recommends to try conservative treatment approaches first and opting for surgery if initial treatment fails. Some overthe-counter pain relievers e.g non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to help ease painful menstrual cramps.

Doctors may also recommend Hormone therapy like; Hormonal contraceptives, Gonadotropinreleasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists and Aromatase inhibitors.” Dr. Wanja concluded.

Endometriosis is still shrouded in stigma as many reproductive health problems are in our society. Patients suffering from the disease are mostly in unbearable pain and discomfort but given the stigma, they rarely share their suffering with others.

PHOTO | COURTESY Dr. Wanja Njiru, KNH Senior Registrar Obstetrics & Gynecology

Tests to check for physical clues of endometriosis include: Pelvic exam- during a pelvic exam, your doctor manually feels (palpates) areas in your pelvis for abnormalities, such as cysts on your reproductive organs or scars behind your uterus.

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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Our story in Pictures

PHOTO | PETTERSON NJOGU

Dr. Amina Guleid speaking to clients at the 2 rivers Mall in an outreach held

by KPCC to celebrate Women’s Day.

PHOTO |NICHOLAS WAMALWA

The Ministry of Health through the National Cancer Control Program donates Chemoports, Colostomy bags and Core Biopsy Needles. The donation was received by Dr. Esther Nafula Head of Palliative Care

PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU

PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU

KNH Karate team lead by Eng. Richard Binga - Director Facilities and services (Far Left) during a grading event held at Bomas of Kenya on Sat, March 12th 2022.

Dr. Rose Nyabanda- Director, Diagnostic Services & Health Information donating blood during the Global Youth Day Celebration 2022

PHOTO | STEVE NDUATI

PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU

KNH BTU staff together with staff members from the Ministry of health registering blood donors during the Global Youth day celebration 2022

KNH Disaster Management Team and specialist haemophilia nurses during a sensitization at Emergency Ward No. 42 in preparation of the haemophilic circumcision rite admissions

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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Family Medicine: All you need to know about Family Health and Wellness

By Petterson Njogu Universal Health Coverage (UHC) entails the governments initiative of eradicating poverty to dignity, that goes to great lengths to provision of affordable healthcare complementing access to basic needs.

The only way to achieve this is for families and the society at large to employ preventative care measures rather than curative ones. This will be achieved by involving family health physicians as part of their wellbeing and treatment.

Family physicians are all-rounded doctors trained in numerous fields of medicine to provide comprehensive health care to individuals and families.

They also provide patientcentered care that takes into consideration the individual symptoms, their holistic health status, and the environment within which they live.

Newsline sat down with Dr. Caroline Robai, KNH Family and Wellness Physician in an attempt to demystify the little-known themes around family medicine and wellness.

package where we screen the new hospital employees at the beginning of their contract for any communicable or noncommunicable diseases. We also do an annual screening and also post-employment to screen for any occupational diseases that may have been acquired in the line on duty.

We also have a well-man clinic; categorized into below and above forty years of age. We test them for colon cancer, prostate cancer.

General wellness conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, among others.

We also run the same wellwoman wellness clinic for women in the same age bracket. (Above and below 40 years of age). In addition to a full hemogram test for women below the age of forty, we also run colon and breast cancer tests and an annual pap smear procedure.

Other services include; •

Newsline: What is wellness?

Dr. Robai: Wellness is a state of being free from disease. Various aspects affect human beings: psychological, physical, and social aspects, in general, affect families and the community. For instance, a patient suffering from diabetes, has hypertension and probably suffers from mental illness at the same time. As family physicians, we try to manage all three inter-related conditions using the information that we may gather from the patient to make this individual feel better in a holistic approach.

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• Newsline: What wellness clinic services do you offer at KPCC? • Dr. Robai: At KPCC we offer a wellness package for both staff and the members of the general public. We have a pre-employment

Obesity and weight management clinic- these are also offered at the wellness clinic and help in preventing and managing most communicable diseases Smoking cessation- we offer guidance and counseling to people who wish to quit the habit of smoking cigarettes Geriatric wellnesspromotes wellness to the elderly patients by improving their health as well as their dignity. This gradually leads them to essential healthy aging.

Annual full body checkups and regular health maintenance visits Pre-university admission check-up Immigration and travel assessments among other occupational

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

disease assessment Newsline: What are the benefits of a Holistic Care approach Dr. Robai: The approach puts patients in a biopsychosocial and contextual approach which makes it comprehensive • Ease of referral to specialist doctors when needed, while acting as an advocate in navigating through the healthcare journey • It focuses on disease prevention and health promotion by identifying disease risk factors and red flags for complicated illnesses • Coordinates care with other specialists to ensure harmonized and non-fragmented care Reduces misdiagnosis and hospitalization • Kenyatta Prime Care Centre offers a consultant Wellness Clinic every Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM. Book your clinic today on 0782 550844.

PHOTO | COURTESY Dr. Caroline Robai, KNH Family and Wellness Physician

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Happy birthday to the 390+ March babies!

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MARCH BIRTHDAYS MRS. TERESA AUMA ONGORE MRS. ROSE TAAKA MUGENI MRS. NELLIE ATIENO OMOL MR. JACOB WEKOTO OCHAMI DR.(MRS) PATRICIA M.A. OTIENO MRS. ESTHER WANJIRU BUBA MRS. LUCY WANJIKU KAMAU MR. ANTHONY KINEGENI IGNATIUS MR. JOHN MURIGU MWANGI MRS. ANNE ANTOINETTE WEJULI MISS. ANNE WAITHERA MWANGI DR. WESTON WAKASIAKA KHISA MRS. ZIPPORAH NYABOKE NYAMANYA MRS. MIRIAM MWONGELI MUTETI DR. MOSLEY ODHIAMBO OWINO MISS. PAULINE KAVETE KIUNGU MISS. RACHEL AMAKOBE SHEM MR. FRANCIS KARIUKI NGIRIA MR. PETER MWANGI MAINA MR. PETER KIBERA GAKERE DR. EPHANTUS WACHIRA MURAGE MR. ALFRED ATIAKA SHIRE MR. JOHN OUTTA OCHENJE MR. FRANCIS WANDERI MWANGI MR. PAUL MUGO KATHUTHWA MR. JAMES KIMWOLO CHETURKUT MR. JOHN HARRISON THIONGO MR. SAMUEL KANGERI KARURI MR. MORRIS KINYUA KARAINE MR. DANIEL NOAH BOSIRE ONSONGO MR. JOHN WAMBUA MUNYAO MRS. MARGARET GATHONI KAMAU DR. KENNEDY JERRY KOECH MISS. GETTER NAKHUMICHA WASILWA MISS. JOYCE ATIENO OWINO MISS. MARGARET WAIRIMU BABU MR. FRANCIS NGUGI KARORI DR. GILBERT JAGERO ODERO F. OBURU MRS. STELLAMARIS K. WAMBUA MUSOMI MRS. FLORENCE NDINDA NZUKI MISS. IRENE NJERI KAGWE MISS. PAULINE WANGITHI MWANGI MR. JOHN PETER IRUNGU MRS. CONSOLATA WANGARI KINUTHIA MISS. PRISCILLA WAIRIMU NJERU MR. SAMUEL MWANGI GACHERU MISS. CATHERINE WANGECHI MWANIKI MR. RICHARD KARANJA WAMITI MR. LONGINO KABAKIZA MUCHEUSI MRS. HANNAH WANJIKU MWAURA MRS. VERONICA KARIMI JUSTUS MRS. NANCY WANGECI KARUME MR. PATRICK KAGAI KIARIE MR. PETER MUSYOKA MUTISO MISS. FRANSISCA AKINYI OTIENO MR. JACTON GARI AIRO MRS. MARY MAGDALENE MUGA WAOMBA MISS. EUNICE ACHIENG OGUMBO MISS. JACQUELINE E. M. MJOMBA MR. DAVID JUMA FWAMBA DR. CHARLES MUTHII MURIITHI MRS. SARAH MUTHONI MUIRURI

64. MISS. CELINA GACERI MWARANIA 65. MR. ANTHONY NGANGA MUNGAI 66. MISS. HARRIET KAIMURI M’IKIARA 67. MISS. JANE NJERI KAHUHO 68. MR. MICHAEL KINYANJUI KIHUGA 69. MR. JOSEPH MWORIA KIMARI 70. DR. ANDREW KIBET CHERUIYOT 71. MRS. JOSEPHINE WANJIRU KAGO 72. MISS. ESHA TALU ALI 73. MISS. RACHEL WAMAITHA WAWERU 74. MRS. JANE WANJIKU MATHAGA 75. MRS. EMILY LUGANO OWINO 76. MISS. ANNE WANJIRU KAMAU 77. MR. DICKSON OKUMU AGUTU 78. MISS. MWAJUMA MAULID JUMA 79. MR. ALLAN OMINDO ABUORO 80. MISS. JUDITH WANJIRU MUSYOKI 81. MISS. ROSELIDA NAKHUMICHA SUNGUR 82. MR. DAVID NDUNGU NGUGI 83. MISS. JOSEPHINE MUMBUA KIILU 84. MISS. SCOLASTICA AWUOR BITA 85. MR. KIBET BIRGEN 86. MISS. BEATRICE KAWIRA MARETE 87. MISS. ESTHER WANJIRU MBURU 88. MISS. PAULINE T. MUTEMBEI 89. MR. JOHN OKUBASU LUCHERA 90. MISS. EMILY MUTHUA KIMANI 91. MR. THOMAS MORARA CHOTI 92. MISS. ROSA SARAH KATHILO 93. MR. PHILIP MUGWERU NDUNGU 94. MISS. ELIZABETH NJERI WAITITU 95. MISS. CATHERINE SYOMBUA MUTHENGI 96. MR. JOHN DAVID ONYANGO 97. DR. ANTHONY NDIRITU NDIRITU 98. MR. PETER ODHIAMBO OCHOLA 99. MRS. LYDIA NTHAMBI MAINGI 100. MISS. PHILOMENA MINOO FRANCIS 101. MISS. WINNIE NJERI GICHERU 102. MISS. ROSEBELLA JEPKOSGEI MATONYEI 103. MRS. JEMIMAH WANGARI GITONGA 104. DR. EVANSON NJOROGE KAMURI 105. DR. INNOCENT SIMEON ORORA MARANGA 106. MISS. EUNICE WAMBUI KINYANJUI 107. MISS. IRENE WAMBUI NJOROGE 108. MISS. JULIA MIRIKO IKUNDA 109. MR. SYLVESTER ONYANGO OMBAGO 110. MISS. MARTHA MUKELA MUNYAO 111. MRS. ANNE MUGURE KAMAU 112. MR. JAMES OMONDI ODHIAMBO 113. MR. GEORGE MWAI KARIUKI 114. MISS. ALICE MUTHONI NGATIA 115. MISS. ELIZABETH MULISYA KASONE 116. MR. SAMWEL MBUTHIA MWANGI 117. MRS. AUDREY JEPKURUI ROTICH 118. MR. GEOFFREY MUIRURI NDEGWA 119. MR. GIRISHON NJOROGE CHEGE 120. DR. ANTHONY KENYANYA OMWANDO 121. MISS. EMILY MORAA NYAMBASORA 122. MRS. ANNA ADHIAMBO NGESA 123. MR. GEORGE GITURI MURIUKI 124. MR. GEOFFREY NGAHU NGUYA 125. MISS. LILIAN KAGWIRIA KINOTI 126. MR. MOSES NJOROGE KAGWE

127. MRS. CECILY ANNE WAMBETI MUSYIMI 128. MRS. CATHERINE KANYIRI MBOBUA 129. MISS. JOANE STELLA ACHOCHI 130. MRS. SYPROSE AWINO MINGINJO 131. MR. AGGREY ANINGU WAKHULE 132. MR. BERNARD GATHITU KAMUNDIA 133. DR. FRANCIS MAINA NDIANGUI 134. DR. JULIUS MUTHENYA MUIA 135. MISS. LONAH AOKO 136. MISS. SUSAN NDAVE MULI 137. MISS. CAROLYNE WAYUA WAMBUA 138. MR. EDWIN ONYANGO AGWA 139. MISS. ROSE WAMBUGI KINEGENI DAUDI 140. MISS. JOSEPHINE TEMEA NDAMBU 141. MISS. LUCY WAMUCII NDEGWA 142. MISS. RACHEL ADERA OLIECH 143. DR.(MISS) ANNE NJAMBI NJERI MUGERA 144. MISS. ANNE WANJA KIBUNGA 145. MR. JOSEPH NAMU NJUE 146. MR. KENNETH CHEBON CHEBOTIBIN 147. MR. JAMES NJOGU MIGWE 148. MRS. VIRGINIA WAITHERA KIMANI 149. DR. KEVIN OTIENO ARUNGA 150. MISS. PATRICIA JEROP KURGAT 151. MISS. ELIZABETH WANGU KOIGU 152. MR. DANIEL MUYAKA KAGERA 153. DR. STEPHEN MUSYOKI MUTISO 154. MISS. BEATRICE ATIENO MAGANYA 155. MISS. LORNA ALUOCH OKOTH 156. MISS. CAROLINE KARWITHA MUUGI 157. MISS. EVA KOMEN 158. MISS. PAMELA NASIMIYU MABONGA 159. MISS. AGNES WANJIRA NDEGE 160. MISS. MARY WAIRIMU KINGA 161. MR. HAGAI OCHIENG OKOTH 162. MR. MARTIN MUNYUI WAMBUI 163. MR. KIBET KIBII 164. MISS. JANET WAIRIMU WAMARA 165. MISS. FAITH NJAMBI KAMAU 166. MISS. RACHAEL MUTHONI NGACHA 167. MISS.ROSALID WAKUTHII HARRISON 168. MISS. SARAH CHEREDI 169. MRS. WINNIE WANJIRU MWANGI 170. MISS. ANGELICA MBITHE NDETO 171. MISS. CAROLINE KARIMI JOHN 172. DR. BENJAMIN WASICHE WABWIRE 173. MR. MATEO MUTUMA ARITHI 174. MISS. JANE MUTHONI KARINGA 175. MR. JAMES SHIKUKU MUULUNDA 176. MR. KENNEDY MWANGI WANJIKU 177. MISS. WILFRIDA MAGOMA ONYARE 178. MISS. DORIS KANJA KIMBUI 179. MISS. JANET KALEKYE MWALE 180. MISS. FRIDAH WANGECHI KAMWERU 181. MISS. ESTHER WAMBURA MUNGA 182. DR. WINNIE JEMATOR BORE 183. MISS. BESSYFINE KATHAMBI MBOGO 184. MISS. ESTHER NYAGUTHII NDIANGUI 185. MR. SOLOMON KAMUTU MURUTHI 186. MISS. GRACE WAITHIRA MWANGI 187. MR. DANIEL MAINGI NDUNGU 188. MISS. CATHERINE WAMBUI KIONI

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCH BABIES

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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189. MISS. SCOLAR NDUKU MBEVI 190. MISS. EDNA CHEPLETING MUTAI 191. MR. JOHN MAINA MATHENGE 192. MISS. CAROLINE ATIENO OYARO 193. MR. ELIAS MWITI MURUGU 194. MR. GEOFFREY KOOME PETER 195. MISS. GRACE PAULINE WANGA 196. MISS. IRENE JEBIWOT TUWEI 197. MR. NICHOLAS KIPROTICH BUNEI 198. MISS. MARGARET LOKO MUTISYA 199. MR. HUSSEIN HASSAN ABDULLA 200. MISS. IRENE MUTHONI MUGO 201. MISS. ESTHER R. MNENE 202. MR. JULIUS MURIUKI RUTERE 203. MR. BONIFACE KAMUNYA KARIUKI 204. MR. DANIEL REX MUREITHI WANDIA 205. MISS. PURITY NJERI GICHINI 206. MISS. CAROLINE ATIENO OTIENO 207. MISS. RUTH NYABOKE NYANSIKERA 208. MISS. HANNAH WANJIRU WANGAI 209. MR. GEORGE OMOLO DULO 210. MISS. ESTHER NJERI NDUATI 211. MISS. IRENE MOKE NYAMBASORA 212. MISS. JACQUELINE KEZIA SILA 213. MR. JOB BERNARD MAKANGA 214. MR. PAUL MULI KISINGU 215. MISS. PURITY WANJIRA MACHARIA 216. MISS. PHANICE FLORENCE NGARDI 217. MR. PATRICK RINA OUMA 218. MR. SAMMY KIPKOSGEI BIWOTT 219. MRS.EMMA NDUNGE MBWIKA 220. MR. JOBROY KIRIMI MUTHIRU 221. MISS. JOSEPHINE NTHEHYA NYAMAI 222. MISS.CHRISTINE MWIKALI MUTUA 223. MR. JOSEPH MWORORO NDUATI 224. MRS. REBECCA AHALO AHALO 225. MR. LEAKY NICOLAS NYAYO WANDERA 226. MISS. ANGELA WANJIRU GICHURU 227. MISS. JUDITH ATIENO OJUNGA 228. MISS. ROSEMARY W. MATHENGE 229. MR. ERICK ODHIAMBO ODONGO 230. MISS. JOSEPHINE AKINYI AGOLA 231. DR. CAROLINE WAIRIMA KEBUKA 232. MR. PATRICK WAMBUA NGUMU 233. MISS. MILKAH AKECH ONGUDI 234. MISS. CATHERINE CHEROTICH TUWEI 235. MISS. BINTI HAMISI MAMBEYA 236. MISS. RACHEL WANJIKU THUMARI 237. MISS. JULIET KATHOMI GITARI 238. MR. DERRICK MUTINDA NZOVE 239. MISS.CAROLYN NJERI 240. DR. WILSON KINGORI MWANGI 241. MR. FREDRICK ODHIAMBO ACHIENG 242. MISS. REBECCA KWAMBOKA NYANGAU 243. MR. GEORGE STEPHEN WAWERU MUTHEE 244. DR. JAMES MWANGI GACHINI 245. MR. EVANS ODHIAMBO KOLA 246. MISS. BEATRICE TUIKONG 247. MR. LUCAS ORINA NYAMARI 248. MISS. ELIZABETH ACHIENG ABAYO 249. MISS. EVERLYNE MUENI MUTETI 250. DR. DAVID KAMAU GACHOKI 251. MR JARED OMWOYO OGWECHE 252. MRS.NANCY MUMO MUTUKU 253. MISS. ALICE WANJA RIUNGU 254. MISS. MARIAM NANGELEKI KISATO 255. MISS. SARAH NYANJIRU KIOI 256. MRS.ESTHER WANJIKU GATHIGA 257. MRS.MERCY NJOKI IRUNGU

258. MISS. JOSEPHINE LENKOLOS 259. MISS.FLORENCE WAWIRA GICHOBI 260. MISS.ROSE GATWIRI NDEGE 261. MR. STEPHEN OTIENO OKUTA 262. MISS. MARTHA ANYANGO ODHOCH 263. MR. NICHODEMUS MUTUKU MUTHIANI 264. DR. SUSAN DIANE AKINYI ADONGO 265. MISS.ADDY PENINA WARUINU 266. MISS. JACQUELINE MKARYE M’BWANA 267. MISS. LILIAN WANJIKU KINYUA 268. MISS.WINNIE NYANJIRU NJERI 269. MR ERICK KIHUGWA NGERESO 270. MR. ALPHONCE OTIENO MAGAMBO 271. MISS. DAMARIS KAWIRA GITURA 272. MISS. HENRIETTA MWIKALI JAMES 273. MR. JOHN MAHUVI 274. MRS.ANN MUTHONI MUTUA 275. DR. ZEPHANIAH KIAMBI MANGHE 276. MISS. DEBBORAH MAKONJO MAKUNDA 277. MISS. CAROLINE MALINDA MUSYOKA 278. MRS.MARY WANJIKU MURUGO 279. MISS. SELINAH AKHWALE WERE 280. MR. MOCHAMA JUSTINE MATENA 281. MISS. CECILIA N. WANJIRU 282. DR.CAROLINE MWENDE KITHUKA 283. MISS. LINET MORAA NYAGWENCHA 284. MR.ALEX IKOB OKIRING 285. MR. LAWRENCE MWITI RINGERA 286. MR.STEPHEN NDIRANGU KURIA 287. MISS. TRUPHENA SHAMBI MWANYANGWA 288. MR. BARAKO DUBA BORU 289. MISS. NELLY NKATHA KIRIINYA 290. DR.ALI KASSIM ABDOW 291. MR. RAM NANDWA NGOVIA 292. MISS. CELINE SEIN KILANYA 293. MISS. DOROTHY MAWIA KITAVI 294. MISS.ABIGAEL NYAMBURA CHEGE 295. MISS. CAROLINE MWIKALI MUTISYA 296. DR. RUTH MUTETE MULWA 297. MR. DENNIS MWAVU 298. MRS.CHARITY KARIKO NJOGU 299. MR. MICHAEL RAMUKA SAGALA 300. MR. ERICK AMBATSA 301. MISS.BRENDA NANJALA MIHESO 302. MR. HEZRON MABONGA MARUTI 303. MRS. MERCY WAMBUI KARIUKI 304. MR. KENNEDY MUNGAI IRUNGU 305. MISS.SUSAN NYAMBURA MIRICHO 306. MRS. MARY NYAMBURA KIMANI 307. MR. CHARLES MULI KIRAGU 308. MISS.BEATRICE WANGUI NYAMBURA 309. MR.NEWTON MAINA WANJUGU 310. MRS.REDEMPTA MORAA MASEA 311. MISS. WILMA ADHIAMBO AMENYA 312. MRS.HAWAA ISSA ALI 313. MRS.SHEILLAH CHAMBE KALEKA 314. DR.JOSPHAT NDUNGU MWANGI 315. DR.PRISCILLA NJERI NGANGA 316. MRS.BRITNEY JEPKEMBOI KOMEN 317. MISS. LILIAN CHEPKOECH SABILAH 318. DR. AMINA ADAN GULEID 319. MISS.NANCY AWILI OTIN 320. DR. ESTHER NAFULA WEKESA 321. EVA.MORRIS MUROKI MUCHEKE 322. MR. ERICK OMONDI OTIENO 323. MRS.JOY MUTHONI MUTEGI 324. MISS. ANNAH KASIVI MUTINDA 325. MR. PETER MWIKUYU MUTHAMA 326. DR. NICKSON MWENDA RUKUNGA

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

327. MISS. JANETH JERONO KANDA 328. MISS.MARIA WANJIKU 329. MISS.LUCY MURINGI KARIUKI 330. MRS.AGNES CIAMPUI KINYUA 331. MISS. FLORENCE SYOMBUA NZYUKO 332. MR. ZACHARIA MURUAH GACHIE 333. MR. JACOB NYENDE NAFWA 334. MR. RABBI OCHIENG OWINO 335. MR. JESEE MAINGI NDUNGU 336. MR. DAVID KENANI OMWOYO 337. MRS. MERCY JEROTICH KORIR 338. DR. DAISY NANDAKO LUPAO 339. MISS. MARYGORRETY NAFULA BARASA 340. MISS. BRENDA CHEPKORIR BETT 341. MRS.BEATRICE WANJIRU NGUNJIRI 342. MR. VICTOR ONYANGO NATABONA 343. DR.VICTOR MUIA MUTISYA 344. MRS.MARGARET MUTHONI GITAU 345. MRS.SHARON CHERONO KOECH 346. MRS.EDEL QUINN MWENDE 347. DR. MUSTAFA OMAR KASSIM 348. MRS.MARY NYOKABI KIARIE 349. MS. DOREEN BUYAKI OMBATI 350. MISS. FAITH KENDI 351. MISS. CAROLINE MUTHONI NJURAITA 352. MISS.JOAN BENEKA MWOVA 353. MISS.FAITH JEPCHUMBA CHEBON 354. MISS. EVALYINE BONABERI NYANGARESI 355. MR. RAPHAEL ONDIJO ONAM 356. MISS. MILKA GATHONI NGUGI 357. MISS.SHEILA ATIENO OCHANDA 358. MISS. JOYCE WAMUYU GIKANDI 359. MR. DENIS NDIWA KUMNO 360. MR. DENIS NJOROGE MUTHONI 361. MR. KELVIN MUTUA KIBIRA 362. DR. ALBERT WAWERU KINUTHIA 363. MR. MOSES KOMBO OMUSULA 364. MR. JUDE KIVUVA MUASA 365. MRS.SALLY KHAMONYI ASIENWA 366. DR. SAMUEL GITHINJI MAINA 367. MS. ANN WANJIRU CHEGE 368. MR. JOSEPH MWAURA NGIGI 369. MR. MWONGELA MUTUA 370. MISS.MWANASITI SAID SHEE 371. MISS. JENIFFER MUNYIVA MUTUA 372. MISS. SHEILAH CHEPKORIR TOWETT 373. MISS.MERCY KANANU KUBAI 374. MR. FREDRICK OMONDI 375. MR. DAVID WANJOHI WAMBURA 376. MISS. ESTHER MUSA AYAKO 377. MISS. SHARON MORAA MWAMACHA 378. MR. RICHARD OYOLA ONYANGO 379. MISS.ANNE APIYO OYUGI 380. MR. CYRUS MUTUA 381. MISS. WINNIE ACHIENG NYATIENDE 382. MRS.ROBE BARILLE LACHA 383. MR. ERICK MWANGI GIKUNJU 384. MR. EDWIN MURIITHI NYAGA 385. MRS.CAROLINE MWENDE KINYUA 386. MR. FRANKLINE RONOH KIPKEMOI 387. MISS. MELVIN ATIENO OKUMU 388. MISS.HILDA MAKENA NGEERA 389. MR. ANTONY MWENGA NZOMO 390. MISS.ANNA WAIRIMU MUGO 391. MISS. CATHERINE MUGURE MURIITHI 392. MR. COSMAS KIPRONO

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A&E doctors undergo training on handling trauma patients

The intern’s experience

By Barbara Otieno

Meet: Judith Akinyi Ajwala Department: Orthopaedic Department Tasks: Prosthetic fabrication and repairs, taking measurements and patient counselling

By Naftali Ruto The Advanced Trauma Life Support of Kenya (ATLS) has trained 14 doctors from Kenyatta National Hospital Accident and Emergency Department. The three-day training held at the Hospital School of Nursing was carried out to further sharpen their skills on how to handle trauma patients.

The exercise was aimed at improving the doctors’ knowledge on how to handle patients when they are brought to the Hospital in order to reduce the number of death as well as complications.

The ATLS Country Director, Dr. Mike Siboe said: “It is through our partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital that we can provide quality care to our patients by having a uniform procedure for handling patients that require advanced trauma life support services. It is important that all our doctors are trained using one universal language, which is ATLS, so that we can safely handle patients.”

The training program is internationally accredited and recognized by the American College of Surgeons. The fourteen (14) medics received certificates after passing

their exams. The classes involved both theory and practical training.

“We really want to thank the administration of Kenyatta National Hospital for cooperating with us and allowing us to hold such training at their facility and we pray that we continue with this cordial relationship into the future,” concluded Dr. Daniel Ochuka the President of the Surgical Society of Kenya.

PHOTO |STEVE NDUATI The 14 doctors in class keenly following the training session

by ATLS

Three things you have learned about KNH? KNH referral system is a necessary pre-requisite in healthcare management Staff rewards in terms of promotions encourages professional development among employees. KNH is a huge and busy environment with new skills to learn How has the internship added value?

I have gained skills on club foot management strategies Most memorable moment at KNH? Monday, Wednesday and Fridays department prayer sessions. Fist time experiencing this in a work setting.

Your five year career plan after graduation?

To mainstream orthopaedic services to the under privileged through information sharing(creating awareness).

PHOTO | STEVE NDUATI A practical session on a patient during the ATLS training at KNH

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

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Protecting people living with vitiligo disorder: from our perspective

By Elly Makanga & Edward Njuguna People tend to attribute negative meanings to ideas, situations, or anything else that they don’t understand. This is the path of least resistance.

In an article on the medium website, Tom Connor says that a person resembles a river.

One goes through life taking the path of least resistance; trying to change the direction of their flow in certain areas of their life-their eating habits, the way they work, the characterized by loss of color on way they relate to others, the way the skin. She further adds that the they treat themselves, the attitudes disease is an autoimmune disorder they have about life. One may even that is systemic with genetic succeed for a time, but eventually, susceptibility. find their way back to previous Although there are various behaviors and attitudes. treatments available to manage Due to the difficulty in accepting and prevent the spread of that although we all have different depigmentation, there is no known characteristics, we should be treated cure for vitiligo. the same. We follow the easier According to Dr. Kavete, this path that involves the association fact makes it difficult to treat. She of different people with inferiority, outlined treatment options that a superiority, or even danger. person living with vitiligo can opt Some people fall victim to this for include; phototherapy, systemic more than others. Among the victims therapy, surgical treatments and are people living with particular skin topical treatments. diseases.

People with vitiligo frequently Skin is one of the most defining struggle to balance school, careers, features of our external appearance. relationships and major life It is one of the characteristics people use in identifying others. So when some have an unusual skin appearance, to avoid confusion, they tend to follow the path of least resistance which is identifying them with negative designations. Apart from albinism, one of the most stigmatized people are those living with vitiligo.

The fight against this stigmatization begins with being informed. Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. It occurs when cells that produce PHOTO BY | EDWARD melanin die or stop NJUGUNA functioning. Dr. Jane Wachira; a Caroline Kavete; nurse in KNH living with vitiligo a consultant dermatologist describes it as an acquired skin disorder

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

milestones while dealing with the loss of pigmentation and in some cases, an entire identity.

According to Dr. Kavete, due to the disease being physically disfiguring because of loss of colour, the patients may have a reduced quality of life, face stigma and this leads to social anxiety and even depression.

Acceptance of vitiligo has been gradually increasing in Kenya.

However, when it comes to raising awareness, we still have a long way to go.

Aside from acknowledging the disease’s existence, people should be educated on how it affects the patient psychologically. They can be made aware of dos and don’ts to avoid unintentionally hurting them and instead provide psychological support to them.

Jane Wachira has had the condition since 1997. That is when she noticed her gums were becoming light in colour. Within the same year, she started working at KNH as a nurse.

Even though she has had a skin disorder for many years, she is a vibrant lady who is proud of her profession and family.

She is the chairman of a disability group at her church where they work to raise awareness for individuals living with disabilities.

When her condition became noticeable, she was shamed by some family members and those who did not recognize what she was going through.

She claims that

PHOTO | WIKIPEDIA Hands of a man with Vintiligo

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it was at that time that HIV-related misconceptions began to circulate.

When her lips started losing color, she was thought to have been infected

by HIV by one of her uncles who discouraged her since she was going through a condition that he came to understand about later.

Aside from the lifetime costs of medication to contain the disease, the most severe effect of living with the condition is the psychological trauma experienced as one’s color changes and people begin to stigmatize them.

To help someone with vitiligo, the first thing one should do is learn as much as one can about the disorder.

With this knowledge, below are some things one should not say to a person

living with vitiligo, according to the ‘unite for vitiligo’ website: • “You seem fine to me”- The impacts of vitiligo on a person are primarily psychological, which means you never know if they are doing well or not.

• “Your treatment isn’t working” • “My friend/relative’s experience with vitiligo was much worse than yours” • “I know a great doctor, I bet he can cure you”- This might be a well-meant statement but vitiligo has no known cure.

• “But you are so pretty!”

• “Maybe it’s God’s will” • “I don’t see you as a person living with vitiligo, I see you as a person”

•

“I know a person who has vitiligo so I totally understand” • “At least you don’t have albinism” It is natural to want to console or advise someone who is suffering from a sickness, but if one does not have all of the facts, their words can cause more harm than good. A person may mean well, yet they wind up saying something offensive or upsetting to the affected person.

The writers are on internship at the Marketing & Communication department at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Celebrations to mark Global Youth Day 2022 marked at KNH

By Priscah Angwenyi The Global Youth Day is celebrated worldwide in March every year.

This year’s theme “Loving the forgotten” was to highlight the contribution voluntary blood donors make to our healthcare system.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this exercise has not been carried out for the past two years, causing a major strain on blood collection centers countrywide.

The blood donation campaign was launched by KNH Director Diagnostics & Health Information Services; Dr. Rose Nyabanda on behalf of KNH CEO; Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS. In attendance during the launch was the President of South Kajiado Nairobi Field; Pastor Kennedy Onchana, Chief Lab TechnologistKNH; Mr. Joel Mukya accompanied

by Director Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS); Dr. Nduku Kilonzo.

SDA Churches have been at the forefront in replenishing blood banks in Kenya which is aimed at saving lives.

The launch of this blood donation campaign could not have come at a better time. Professor Walter Mwanda, a Paediatric Hematologist at the University of Nairobi disclosed “3 to 7 Children have blood complications and require blood. One

pint of blood can save up to 5 lives.”

“Blood is life and life is blood,” Ms. Perpetua Asuko, In-charge Blood Transfusion Unit further highlighted the essential contribution of regular blood donation.

KNH in partnership with Adventist churches and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS), collected about 193 pints of blood from more than 700 young people through voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

The hospital blood consumption is 180 units per month and the blood collected is often used in Accident & Emergency, pregnant mothers,

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

various wards, cancers, and theatres -the list is endless!

The Director of the National Blood transfusion service, Dr. Nduku Kilonzo urged people to be registered online donors.

She further unveiled the approach to blood accountability by electronically tracking donated blood to ensure the safety of blood being offered from transfusing facilities.

Dr. Nyabanda appreciated all the partners and sponsors who continue to extend a hand of support yearly in the expansion of blood collection countrywide in particular.

PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU Dr, Rose Nyabanda addressing the audience during the global youth day celebration

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Tiba ya mwili: Yote unayohitaji kujua kuihusu Na Melody Ajiambo na Elly Makanga Kila mmoja wetu amehisi maumivu ya kimwili kwa njia moja au nyingine.

Ajali ni moja wapo ya kisababishi kikubwa zaidi cha maumivu haya.

Ikiwa mgonjwa anahisi maumivu mwilini, ni jambo la kawaida kutafuta ushauri wa daktari. Baada ya kupata matibabu na kupewa dawa, daktari anaweza kukutuma kwa mtaalamu wa idara ya tiba ya mwili (physiotherapy). Newsline iliketi na Bw. Anthony Ndiema, mtaalamu wa tiba ya mwili hapa katika Hospitali Kuu ya Kenyatta ili kupata kujibu maswali makuu yanayohusu taaluma hii.

Tueleze kuhusu tiba ya mwili.

Bw. Anthony: Tiba ya mwili ni taaluma ya kusaidia mgonjwa arejelee hali yake ya kawaida bila kutumia dawa ama upasuaji wa kimwili. Isipokua mtu kuzaliwa akiwa mlemavu, kwa kawaida mwili haufai kuwa na maumivu yoyote.

kuenda msalani bila kutegemea mtu.

Ijapokuwa kuna tofauti, taaluma hizi mbili zinaambatana.

Ni nani anahitaji tiba ya mwili?

Bw. Anthony: Mtu yeyote anaweza kupata tiba ya kimwili haswa wafanyikazi wanaoketi kwenye ofisi siku nzima au kufanya kazi inayotumia nguvu nyingi. Lakini wale wanaohitaji tiba ya mwili kwa kawaida ni wale ambao wamepatwa na majeraha kutokana na ajali au wale wanaozaliwa na ulemavu fulani wa kimwili. Kama ilivyotajwa hapo awali, tiba ya mwili inamsaidia mgonjwa kurejelea halia yake ya kawaida, ikiwemo kutembea kwa ukawaida na kupungua kwa uchungu.

Kuna tofauti gani baina ya tiba ya mwili na tiba ya kazi?

Bw. Anthony: Kama nilivyosema hapo awali, tiba ya mwili humsadia mgonjwa kurejelea hali yake ya kawaida baada ya kupata matatizo ya viungo vya mwili, kwa kupitia ajali au njia nyingine, bila kutumia dawa au upasuaji. Ilhali tiba ya kazi humsaidia au kumfunza mgonjwa kutekeleza majukumu yake ya kila siku baada ya ajali au ugonjwa, bila kutegemea usaidizi wowote. Kwa mfano mgonjwa wa kiharusi anahitaji tiba ya kazi ili aweze kutekeleza majukumu kama kujilisha, kuoga,

Je taaluma hii ina mbinu tofauti?

Tafadhali eleza kwa utendeti Bw. Anthony: Ikitegemea kiwango cha maumivu na jeraha, mtaalamu anaweza kutumia mbinu tofauti tofauti. Mojawapo ni mazoezi ya mwili,

PHOTO | MELODY AJIAMBO Mtaalamu wa tiba ya mwili, Anthony Ndiema

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

PICHA | MELODY AJIAMBO Mtaalamu wa tiba ya mwili, Anthony Ndiema akimshughulikia mmoja wa wagonjwa wake katika kituo cha matibabu, KNH.

Kuna aina ngapi za tiba ya mwili?

Bw. Anthony: Kuna aina mbalimbali za tiba ya mwili, kuna tiba ya watoto (paediatric physical therapy) ambayo hutambua, kuzuia, na kutibu matatizo yanayoathiri watoto na vijana.

Matatizo hayo ni kama matatizo ya uti wa mgongo (spina bifida), ugonjwa wa kupooza kwa ubongo (cerebral palsy), kudhoofika kwa misuli, kasoro za kuzaliwa na ukuaji wa pole pole.

Kuna tiba ya mifupa (orthopaedic physiotherapy) ambayo hushughulikia mifupa iliyotokana au kuvunjika. Tiba ya michezo (sports physical therapy) hutumiwa na wanamichezo kuzuia majeraha, kuboresha utendaji wao katika michezo, na kadhalika. Mwisho kuna tiba ya mwili kwa wazee (geriatric physiotherapy). Aina hii ya tiba husaidia kutibu magonjwa kama ‘alzheimer’ kutoweza kujizuia haja,

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ugonjwa wa yabisi, miongoni mwa magonjwa mengine.

Je mpango wa kimatibabu huchukuwa muda gani?

Bw. Anthony: Kuna wagonjwa ambao hutumwa kutoka kliniki mbalimbali kama vile za matibabu, za mifupa na hata za kliniki za watoto.

Cha msingi ni kutambua tatizo la mgonjwa. Kuna wagonjwa ambao hutumwa huku na ukiwafanyia uchunguzi zaidi, unapata kuwa hawako kwenye hali ya kupewa tiba ya mwili wakati huo. Wagonjwa kama hawa huhitaji matibabu zaidi kabla ya kupewa tiba ya mwili. Kwa mfano wagonjwa ambao huletwa kutoka kwa kliniki za mifupa; labda wamepata ajali na kuvunjika miguu, hufanyiwa ukaguzi wa kutosha kama kupigwa picha ya x-ray au kuwekewa chuma. Hivyo, kilichobaki huwa ni tiba ya mwili ili kuipa miguu nguvu na kujifunza kutembea. Hii ni tofauti na ugonjwa wa kiharusi ambao huhitaji tiba ya hatua kwa hatua na huchukuwa muda mwingi Zaidi.

Kwa hivyo mpango wa matibabu hutegemea hali na tatizo la mgonjwa.

Tiba ya mwili inauhusiano wowote na chakula anachofaa kutumia mgonjwa?

Bw. Anthony: Sisi hufanya kazi kwa pamoja na idara ya lishe bora.

Iwapo mgonjwa atahitajika kuzingatia chakula anachofaa kula, basi idara hii hutoa ushauri kikamilifu na kiwango kinachohitajika. Vyakula vinavyopendekezwa husaidia mgonjwa kupata nguvu, kupunguza uzito wa mwili na kuboresha afya.

Kwa siku moja wewe hutarajia kuhudumia wagonjwa wangapi?

Bw. Anthony: Mara nyingi kipindi kimoja kinafaa kuchukuwa dakika 45 au 60. Lakini pia inategemea tatizo la mgonjwa, kuna yule atachukuwa dakika 30, 45 au 60. Mimi huchukuwa dakika 15 za kwanza kumfanyia mgonjwa uchunguzi. Kwa siku hapa Hospitali Kuu Ya Kenyatta kila mmoja wetu anafaa kuwaona takriban wagonjwa 12, wakati mwingine idadi hii huongezeka hadi 18. Kwa hivyo unaweza kuanza na wagonjwa watatu kwa wakati mmoja. Iwapo utatumia saa moja kwa mgonjwa mmoja pekee, huenda usitimize malengo ya idara. Usimamizi wa idara umetenga vyumba vya kutosha kwa shughuli hii. Tuseme kwa siku tunaweza kuhudumia wagonjwa zaidi ya 70.

Taaluma hii ina changamoto zipi?

Bw. Anthony: Wagonjwa tunaopata kwa kawaida hapa hospitalini hawana ufahamu zaidi kuhusu tiba hii ya mwili. Hivyo basi, wengi wao wanapata taabu kubwa kuelewa mambo tunayowaagiza kufanya.

Kuongezea, wengine wana matatizo ya kifedha na jambo hilo hufanya watumie muda mwingi kurudi hospitalini wakitafuta pesa za kupata matibabu. Hatima yake ni kuwa mgonjwa atachukua muda mrefu zaidi kupona. Zaidi ya hayo, kutokua na vifaa vinavyofaa na wataalamu wa kutosha hufanya kazi kuwa ngumu zaidi. Hata hivyo, sisi hufaya kila tuwezalo kuhakikisha kuwa tunawapa wagonjwa huduma ya hali ya juu. Pia kuna changamoto ya wagonjwa kutofwata maagizo. Wakati mwingine huwa tunapeana maagizo kwa wagonjwa wetu kufanya jambo hili au lile wanapokuwa nyumbani.

Utampata mgonjwa hajafwata

maagizo aliyopewa hivyo basi kufanya kipindi kizima cha matibabu kiwe na ugumu. Jamaa na marafiki wa wagonjwa pia huchangia pakubwa hali hii, wao huambatana na mgonjwa na kushuhudia kinachotendeka huku.

Wanaporejea nyumbani wanajifanya wataalam wa tiba ya mwili, kwa vile hawana ujuzi katika nyanza hii matokeo yake ni kuzidisha tatizo la mgonjwa.

Je, umepata uradhi wowote katika taaluma hii?

Bw. Anthony: Nilipokua mchanga, nilitaka sana kuwa daktari baada ya masomo. Lakini nilipokosa alama zinazofaa kusomea udaktari, nilichagua kusomea tiba ya kimwili.

Taaluma hii imenipa uradhi usio na kifani. Ninaweza kusaidia wagonjwa ili waeze kurejelea hali yao ya kawaida bila kutumia dawa.

Nimepata wagonjwa wengi kutoka tabaka, maeneo na hata wenye vikundi tofauti vya umri. Jambo la kawaida kwa wote, licha ya kwamba wanatumia muda tofauti kupona, ni furaha ninayopata ninapoona mpito wa taratibu wa kurejelea hali ya kawaida na tabasamu yao wanapopata nafuu.

Je wewe hutimiza aje muda wako kazini na majukumu ya familia?

Bw. Anthony: Familia yangu huishi mbali sana. Hospitali ilikuja na mpango wa siku za mapumziko, ambapo ukifanya kazi wikendi unapewa siku za mapumziko.

Kwa hivyo mimi hutumia siku hizi kutangamana na jamii yangu, ningependa kuishukuru hospitali kwa mpango huo.

POSITIVE MENTIONS FROM KNH OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

By Luke Kung’u Francis Ndwiga: KNH has the best brains to save lives in Kenya and has done wonders in the recent past, let lower lever hospitals do their part and not refer every patient.

Lucia Lucille Wairimu: We value your service continue in that spirit

Maryanne Njoki Waweru: KNH ilijali mtoto wangu. I almost lost her thanks to this team’s work Gakii Muthee: I wish to give credit where it’s due. Through my assessments in the last 4 months that I have visited KNH, I can attest that there is a lot of professionalism at the facility. Timely and effective clientcentered services. Kudos to the catering

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

department I think you deserved to be ISO certified.

Zainab Hussein: My mom was dying of heart disease. KNH squeezed out all the water that was in her heart in a day and she was admitted to a nursing home elsewhere for a week. Her oxygen levels normalized.

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THE BIG G! AND HOW TO DEAL

By Julius Ita Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important to you.

This makes an individual undergo an array of emotions, for instance, anger, self-loathe, or loneliness.

You might experience it for several different reasons - the death of a loved one, ending a relationship, losing your job, property, or social status. Other life changes, like chronic illness or a move to a new home, can also lead to grief.

“If you don’t deal with grief quickly and in the right way, you will never recover,” says Ms. Nancy Mutahi a Counselling Psychologist at KNH Othaya. She goes on: “It gets worse for us health caregivers because we come across patients who could remind us of people we have lost and at that moment you react.”

Ms. Norah Nyongesa also a Counselling Psychologist adds “Career loss is also a great contributor to grief.

This is where, you are not practicing what you studied for, which could bring about loss of motivation, stress, and in the end, you have a grieving staff.”

Everyone grieves differently, but if you understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support.

At KNH Othaya, through the collaboration of the Human Resources and the Counselling unit, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was launched.

This is a forum that gives employees and their dependents a platform where they can get counseling services & support when need be.

“As much as this is recommended in an organization we felt the need of setting up this platform quickly for our staff because it doesn’t only deal with grief but the general mental wellness of an individual,” said Ms. Sylvia Nandwaa Human Resource Officer.

“We have instructed all heads of departments to make us aware of any person who would need this kind of support,” she added.

On their part, the counseling team pointed out the need for sensitization.

This is because the stigma towards counselling among a majority of Africans is still rampant, where it is

thought this is a white man’s thing or it’s a sign of weakness where one can’t handle his/her issues, this is true especially for men.

“We need to embrace Counselling as Africans because we are prone to anything and everything , irrespective of who you are or status,” said Ms. Nancy Mutahi. “Plus who says you need counseling only when you are grieving? It can also be when you want to be guided on something positive for instance, Marriage” added Ms’ Nancy.

Due to the set-up of health care service delivery, the environment can be a pressure cooker at times and if not taken into consideration, it can lead to a very unhealthy working environment due to grieving staff members.

As a way of creating awareness of the counseling services, the unit kick-started a parallel program to EAP at the hospital dubbed Staff Psychological debriefing which happens twice a week.

Every morning during handover sessions at the clinical units, the counseling team is there to listen to anything staff members have to say that they’d otherwise carry home.

“It doesn’t matter that you are a

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

staff, counseling is counseling and at that moment you are my patient and I will handle you professionally,” said Ms. Norah.

“Through these sessions, we have witnessed change and positive response from staff who share a lot and open up on what they are going through”. Added Ms. Norah.

I was curious then to enquire how the unit handles all that which is downloaded on them, especially from colleagues and some close friends.

“Our training comes very in handy.

We are highly trained and go through rigorous counseling and debriefing before you can be called a Counsellor, said Ms’Nancy Mutahi.

She added, “You can’t take a client further than you have gone, if you get such a case you refer them to your senior, because it’s a make or break situation when dealing with clients.”

PHOTO | STOCK

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Comic Zone Laughter, the best medicine!!

By Edel Q. Mwende Time is relative A turtle is crossing the road when he’s mugged by two snails. When the police show up, they ask him what happened. The shaken turtle replies, “I don’t know. It all happened so fast.”

Witty little knitter A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the highway. Looking at the car, he was astounded to see that the elderly woman behind the wheel was knitting.

The trooper cranked down his window and yelled to the driver, “Pull over!”

“No!” the woman yelled back, “Cardigan!” – Reddit.com Teacher’s pest Math teacher: If I have three bottles in one hand and two in the other hand, what do I have?

Student: A drinking problem. – Laughfactory.com Riddle: Hidden treasure I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I? Answer: A map.

Inspirational Quotes

Food over fitness During my uncle’s physical exam, his doctor mentioned that he was slightly overweight. “Do you get any exercise?” the physician asked. “Well, I used to have an exercise bike in the TV room,” my uncle began. “Used to!” the doctor said. “Where is it now?” “I had to store it in the basement,” my uncle confessed, “because it got in the way of my snack trays.”

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

1.

“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

— Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa

2.

“I will not let anyone scare me out of my full potential.” — Nicki Minaj

3.

“We have to be better. We have to love more, hate less. We’ve gotta listen more and talk less. We’ve gotta know that this is everybody’s responsibility.”

— Meghan Rapinoe

4.

“Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes.

You try to learn from them, and when you don’t, it hurts even more.”

— Aretha Franklin

5.

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”

– Helen Keller

6.

“Let love rule.” — Lenny Kravitz

7.

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”

— John Muir

8.

“The only journey is the one within.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke

9.

ISO 15189 ACCREDITED

✓

ISSUE 6 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline

“If my mind can conceive it if my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” — Muhammad AliElizabeth Gilbert

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