KNH NEWSLINE EDITION 6

The Helping Hand

Editor’s note p.2

KNH, well-wishers touch a patient’s life postdischarge p.3 - 4

KNH recognized for best use of social media in healthcare p. 5 - 6

After a kidney transplant p.7 - 9

KNH School of Nursing: Capping the national shortage of specialized trained nurses in Kenya p.10- 11

Intern’s Experience p.11

Beyond the ‘Perfect baby’: Navigating the world of birth defects p.12 - 13

Mjue mwanasoka wa KNHFC p.14

Our story in Pictures p.17

Birthday Wishes p. 18 - 20

Positive mentions from KNH socials p. 20

The 2nd Gynecologic Oncology Surgical camp p. 21 - 22

Enhancing quality service delivery at the printing unit: Bigger and better with new machine p. 23

World Autism Day 2023-“Transforming the narrative.” p. 24

Patient Engagement Week 2023: Improving patient care through patients’ eyes p. 25 Comic zone p. 26

Marketing & Communication Department

Design Concept Team:

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

Editorial Team:

Dave Opiyo , Edel Q. Mwende, Yvonne Gichuru, Luke Kung’u, Winfred Gumbo, Verah Mugambi, Steve Arwa, Linnette Leyi & Priscah Angwenyi

Stories:

Winfred Gumbo, Edel Q. Mwende, Verah Mugambi, Phillip Etyang, Petterson Njogu, Yvonne Gichuru, Luke Kung’u, Linnette Leyi, Steve Arwa, Elizabeth Wambui, Alice Njeri, Christine Mukami & Samira Yusuf

Design By: Collins Cheruiyot

Photos:

Winfred Gumbo, Linnette Leyi, Steve Arwa, & Luke Kung’u

Tel: +254 20 2726300-9

Ext. 43121 or 43969

Fax: +254 20 272572

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

Dear Colleagues,

It is another time of the year when Christians all over the world gather to celebrate the Easter holidays. Commonly known as one of the principal Christian holidays or feast of Christianity, this holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. For many believers, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence.

This year, the joyous holiday will be commemorated between the 7th to 10th of April,2023. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) wishes all Christian brothers and sisters a happy Easter. May your Easter basket be full of peace and love, new hope, happiness, prosperity, and abundance, all received through God’s divine grace.

All the Newslines and Newsletters can be accessed online at: https://bit.ly/3uQGCcI

Ms. Marian Moraa

Marketing and Communications Officer Kenyatta National Hospital

KNH, well-wishers touch a patient’s life post-discharge

By Winfred Gumbo

When one gets discharged upon recovery, it is usually a joyous moment. They cannot wait to get home and catch up on lost time with their loved ones.

However, this is never the case for some patients such as Ms. Mary Muthoni Kimunya, a 30-year-old lady who was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) from Murang’a Level 5 Hospital through Thika Level 5 Hospital.

According to the medical records, Ms. Muthoni was expecting a child and suffered one-sided paralysis and total blindness secondary to a brain tumor. She miraculously carried the pregnancy up to the 31st week and had to undergo an emergency cesarean section (C-section) to save the child since her condition deteriorated.

Upon discharge, Ms. Muthoni knew she had a home to go to though she could not move. After staying in the ward for some time, Ms. Catherine Njoroge, a Clinical Psychologist at the Medical Social Work Unit assessed Muthoni’s situation and started contacting her relatives, but her efforts proved futile, as she could barely reach them via phone.

“I eventually reached one relative who told me that she did not have a phone and normally uses a neighbor’s phone whenever she wants to reach friends and family. I informed her about their kin and when they came to pick her up, they did not have a wheelchair. There was no way they could move Ms. Muthoni together with the child comfortably back home,” said Ms. Njoroge. “I told the relative to go back home as I planned on how Ms. Muthoni and her child would go home. I then wrote a letter to the management requesting transport,” added Ms. Njoroge.

On 17th February 2023, Ms.

Njoroge and Ms. Salinah Eseline Cherutoi, a Senior Nursing Officer at the Newborn Unit repatriated Ms. Muthoni and the child to her home in Gatunyu Village, Gatanga Sub location in Murang’a County. Ms. Cherutoi’s role was to teach the new mother how to hold the child while breastfeeding as a mother’s milk is important during the first stage of a child’s growth.

Upon reaching Ms. Muthoni’s home, they were welcomed by Ms. Muthoni’s family members in the company of the area Chief, Mr. Peter Ndururi, and the Sub Chief; Mr. Patrick Kinya Kamau, both of Mugumoini location whom they had been in contact with for some time.

The two were deeply concerned about the dilapidated home they were leaving the mother and her infant as the rainy season was nigh.

“We found a very needy family; the patient and her father were living in a mud house that was falling apart and this prompted us to take further action,” said Ms. Njoroge.

“When I went to my place of worship; the Africa Inland Church

“We sourced more funds from other well-wishers including my KNH colleagues, family, and community members to construct an iron sheet house for her and her aged father who is also not medically fit. We raised Kshs. 52,845, which was the approximate budget for the construction of the two rooms, - Ms. Njoroge

(AIC) in Utawala , I talked to women whom I fellowship with, we formed a WhatsApp group, and out of it, one of them offered to pay for National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover for the whole year while some brought me clothes and necessities for the child which I later handed over to Ms. Muthoni when she came to the clinic,” recalled Ms. Cherutoi during the interview with Newsline.

“We sourced more funds from other well-wishers including my KNH colleagues, family, and community members to construct an iron sheet house for her and her aged father who is also not medically fit. We raised Kshs. 52,845, which was the approximate budget for the construction of the two rooms,” continued Ms. Njoroge.

“I also got a well-wisher, whose identity is withheld, that assisted with other needs of the child.

On Saturday 1st April 2023, KNH staff together with the wellwishers handed over the family the two-roomed house. Upon reaching

PHOTO | WINFRED GUMBO

Mr. Kandie Kelwon - Ag. HoU, Medical Social Work (Front, Right) hands over part of the donations to Gatunyu Sub -Chief - Mr. Patrick Kinya Kamau (Front, Left) and Mr. Amos Kimunya - Ms. Muthoni’s father (Seated, Middle)

the homestead, the team was warmly received by Mr. Ndururi and Mr. Kamau who ensured the construction went on as planned and the family was fed with the assistance of the villagers. Mr. Amos Kimunya, Ms. Muthoni’s father could not hide his joy as tears freely flowed down his face.

The chief recalled visiting the family to assess the situation after getting a call from Ms. Njoroge. “I did not know it was that bad when Catherine from KNH called me,” said Mr. Ndururi during the handover ceremony. “When I came to assess the situation, I immediately knew that we needed to come together to assist the family. I would like to thank everyone who took part in this wonderful gesture,” he added.

Ms. Leah Wanjiku, a well-wisher

FOLLOW UP

“I eventually reached one relative who told me that she did not have a phone and normally uses a neighbor’s phone whenever she wants to reach friends and family. I informed her about their kin and when they came to pick her up, they did not have a wheelchair. There was no way they could move Ms. Muthoni together with the child comfortably back home,”

recalled when her daughter, Ms. Njoroge took her to the village for the first time. “It made me lack sleep. I mobilized my friends and family and wondered how the family would survive during the rainy season. The area Chief sent me a quotation then we contributed towards building the house,” she said while adding that they will ensure construction is complete and fit a toilet because of the patient’s condition.

Mr. Alex Wainaina Wanyoike, Mugumoini Member of the County Assembly (MCA) also thanked the guests for the visit and donated to assist the family.

Mr. Kelwon Kandie, the Ag. the Head of Unit, Medical Social Work thanked the local administration for teaming up with the KNH fraternity and the well-wishers to build the family a better house.

“I would like to thank the KNH management for heeding our request and helping us get Mary home,” he said.

The team handed over a donation of duvet blankets, utensils, food and fruits, flour, cooking oil, toiletries, and diapers to the family.

Ms. Muthoni is scheduled to attend her life-saving operation soon.

PHOTO | WINFRED GUMBO

Before and after photos respectively of Ms. Mary Muthoni’s home in Gatunyu village, Muranga County.

PHOTO | WINFRED GUMBO

KNH staff and well-wishers who visited Ms. Mary Muthoni’s home in Gatunyu village, Murang’a County to hand over their donations

KNH recognized for best use of social media in healthcare

By Edel Q. Mwende

Kenyatta National Hospital was nominated and recognized as 2nd runner-up for “Best use of social media in health care” in the fourth annual Quality Healthcare Kenyan Awards (QHKA). The certificate of excellence was presented during a black-tie gala event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Other nominees for this category included NCDs 365 Project (1st position) and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital (2nd position).

With the theme “Quality

people-centered care for all,” the annual Quality Healthcare Awards seeks to honor excellence and innovation in healthcare.

“Social is the new currency, and as the largest referral Hospital in Kenya, KNH has embraced various social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to educate and engage the public on matters of healthcare. These social media channels are managed by the Marketing & Communication team and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team towards

developing and sustaining impactful people-centered social media campaigns. Recognition is the greatest motivator. I also thank the KNH Management and staff for their support and for being receptive to the digital space that helps us work towards our vision of being a world-class patient-centered specialized care hospital,” said the Chief Manager, of Marketing & Communication, Mr. Dave Opiyo. To qualify for the nomination, KNH submitted a case study that detailed a social media campaign that was peoplecentered (#KNHInakujali). It

PHOTO

detailed the campaign objectives, beneficiaries of the campaign, strategies used to achieve the set objectives, outcomes of the campaign, and the impact on health care.

On behalf of KNH, the certificate was received by the Manager, of Marketing and Communication, Ms. Edel Q. Mwende, who represented a team of professional Marketing & Communication specialists that have unlocked the power of social media and work to enhance the KNH brand image.

QHKA is organized by Zawadi Brand Solutions (ZBS), a healthcare Social Enterprise that seeks to improve the functions of the health system for better and sustainable health outcomes through highly innovative and responsive health solutions. The interventions are geared towards high standards of service delivery, stewardship, and health financing as well as human and physical resources for more effective and inclusive health systems.

The QHKA 2023 partners included the Ministry of Health, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), AAR Insurance, International Health Insurance Forum, Pathologists Lancet Kenya Limited, Thinkwell, PSI Kenya, Patient voice online and ZBS among other sponsors and supporters.

Positive public visibility and people-centered Marketing and Communication activities have remolded the public view of KNH as a patient-centered specialized care national hospital in Kenya. We encourage you to get social with us on:

Facebook:

KenyattaNationalHospital, Twitter: @KNH_hospital, TikTok: @ kenyattanationalhospital

YouTube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

PHOTO | COURTESY

Director Health Care Quality Dr. Lydia Okutoyi (R) with Manager, Marketing & Communication, Ms. Edel Q. Mwende (L) at the Quality Healthcare Kenya Awards at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi

After a kidney transplant

By Verah Mugambi

World Kidney Day is a global event observed annually on the second Thursday of March. This year, it was celebrated on 9th March. Every time, the message is consistently the same; “Kidney Health for all” with an additional statement; “Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable.”

Kidney failure varies in extent; endstage renal disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their average ability. There are two modes of kidney replacement therapy; dialysis and kidney transplant.

A kidney transplant is a surgery to transplant a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor to a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. Transplantation is the preferred mode of treatment because it is associated with less morbidity and mortality, better overall survival rates, a better quality of life, and lower economic costs. In addition, life expectancy is projected to increase in those who undergo transplants compared to those who receive chronic hemodialysis.

It is not always smooth sailing; the transplant sometimes does not work.

What happens when a transplant fails, and what are the risk factors? To understand these questions, Newsline talked to two doctors who have just finished a study on Kidney Transplants with the help of the KNH Medical Research Department.

The doctors studied “predictors of one-year allograft function among kidney transplant recipients at Kenyatta National Hospital” and “patterns of Tacrolimus metabolism in kidney allograft outcomes at Kenyatta National Hospital.”

Dr. Evans Arnold Onyango, Registrar Internal Medicine, UoN/KNH, did; predictors of one-year allograft function among kidney transplant recipients at Kenyatta National Hospital… (the risk factors affecting kidney transplants).

Dr. Davies Otieno, Registrar Internal Medicine, UoN/KNH, studied; patterns of Tacrolimus metabolism in kidney allograft outcomes at Kenyatta National

Hospitals… (use of a clinical index to predict our genetic makeup amongst the transplant recipient taking Tacrolimus drug).

During the interview, Dr. Evans said, “the two modes of Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) are dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and Kidney Transplantation (KTx). Allograft function, determined by the estimated

measures to improve allograft survival.”

What to do to prevent rejection

The body recognizes the new kidney as a foreign object, so it will try to get rid of it or “reject” it. However, there is medicine given to prevent rejection.

Dr. Evans: when in the renal unit, you notice patients returning

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Dr. Davies Otieno, Registrar Internal Medicine, UoN/KNH

PHOTO | STOCK Surgeons perform a Kidney Transplant Surgery

body, the patient is given medicines for the rest of their life to fight rejection. Each person may react differently to medications.

Dr. Davies: Tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf) is used with other medications to prevent rejection (attack of a transplanted organ by a person’s immune system receiving the organ) in people who have received a kidney transplant.

Tacrolimus belongs to a group of drugs known as immunosuppressive agents. Tacrolimus is used with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (e.g., kidney, liver, heart, or lung). This medicine may use steroids, azathioprine, basiliximab, or mycophenolate mofetil.

“Usually, several antirejection medicines are given at first. The doses of these medicines may often change, depending on your response. My study will help shed light on the genetic makeup of breaking down the drug.” Dr. Davies explained and added that a balance between preventing rejection and making you susceptible to disease must be maintained.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body’s white blood cells will try to eliminate (reject) the organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

What happens after a kidney transplant?

• Most people spend about days in the hospital after a kidney

“ the two modes of Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) are dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and Kidney Transplantation (KTx). Allograft function, determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), predicts allograft survival..

transplant. This way, the medical team can watch you closely and ensure you recover.

• Your new transplanted kidney may not start working immediately. This might take several days or weeks. Or, you may need dialysis temporarily until it starts working.

• You’ll also need to start taking medication to keep your immune system from rejecting your new transplanted kidney. Transplants at KNH are performed via open nephrectomy as opposed to laparoscopic nephrectomy. The multidisciplinary team includes renal and theatre nurses, urologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nephrologists, anesthesiologists and anesthetists, postgraduate residents in the respective departments, and nutritionists.

About the KNH Medical Research Department

Through research, Kenyatta National Hospital has always maintained its vision of being a “World-class patient-

accommodating… from the beginning to the end. The team is always available and ready to assist whenever needed. I think the Medical Research department deserves more credit than it gets. I have benefitted from the whole spectrum that research entails, from writing a proposal to publishing a manuscript and everything in between,” Dr. Davies concluded.

Research is like a stepping stone to discovering more in medicine in this new era. “I would encourage more doctors and students to do more of it, and thanks to Medical Research Department, you will have funds to carry it out, seeming lessly. The best part is, it’s just not limited to KNH staff but anyone affiliated with KNH,” Dr. Evans concluded.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Research and Programs Department (located around the Outpatient clinics, first floor next to the Staff clinic) on 0202115953 or Ext.44705 or Email: knhresearchp@knh.or.ke, knhresearch@gmail.com

PHOTO | STEVE ARW

Dr. Evans Arnald Onyango, Register Internal Medicine, UoN & KNH

KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

P.O. Box 20723-00202 Nairobi

Tel.: 2726300/2726450/2726565, Research & Programs: Ext. 44705, Fax: 2725272

Ref: KNH/R&P/23M/Vol.3/303

Email:knhresearch@gmail.com, knhresearch@knh.or.ke

2023/2024 Request for Applications (RFA) KNH Research Funding

Date: 1st March, 2023

Goal

Kenyatta National Hospital recognizes the importance of research as a strategy towards realization of its vision to be “A world-class patient-centered specialized care Hospital”. In this regard, the hospital has set aside funds to be disbursed through the Medical Research Department to promote research within the hospital.

Eligibility

• KNH Personnel or affiliated with KNH

• The proposal should be original and likely to influence policy or practice

• The setting of the study must be KNH or relevant to KNH

• At least one investigator must be from KNH

Types of projects

• Quality of healthcare

• Quality Improvement:

> Example- Review of patient management and outcomes of treatment

> Adherence to protocols that influence patient care

• Review of management systems

Applications are not limited to the above and include non-clinical areas. Funding available Awards are Limited to a maximum of ksh.400,000.00

Application Guidelines

• Application letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Research concept paper (Maximum 5 Pages double-spaced)

- Background

- Objectives

- Methods

- Significance

- Policy implications

• Fulfil Award requirement

NB. Approval of the study proposal by KNH UoN Ethics Research Committee is not required during application.

Award requirement

• Letters of support from the KNH department where the study will be conducted.

• Postgraduate students will provide a letter from the chair of their department confirming that they have not received funding from other sources to conduct the study.

Funds Disbursement requirement

• Approval of study proposal by KNH UoN Ethics Research Committee.

• Disbursement shall be in tranches based on the progress of the study.

Post-Award Requirements

• Commitment to disseminating results of the study to the hospital.

• Acknowledge KNH in all publications derived from this funding.

• Written approval from the hospital before every publication.

• An end-of-grant report upon completion of the project.

Submission Instructions

Submit your application electronically through https://knh.or.ke/index.php/funding-rfa/ the deadline for receiving the applications is 30th June 2023. Please do not hesitate to contact the department if you have any questions on 0202115953 or Ext.44705 or Email knhresearchp@ knh.or.ke, knhresearch@gmail.com

Dr. John Kinuthia Ag. Director, Training, Research & Innovation Centre

KNH School of Nursing: Capping the national shortage of specialized trained nurses in Kenya

By Philip Etyang

Over the years, the country has had to grapple with the challenges of a nursing workforce shortage. This was occasioned by low numbers of trained personnel in nursing. Regressive policies in the health ministry also saw the ballooning of unemployed trained nurses in the country.

Since 2006, the government through the Emergency Hire Program and the Economic Stimulus Package has, however, been working to create the fiscal space necessary to hire and deploy more qualified licensed nurses to meet the demands for service delivery.

The country’s recent past has also seen successive governments introduce policies that have in effect, seen an increase in postsecondary institutions offering courses on nursing care.

The establishment of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) School of Nursing in 1996, has played a major role in mitigating the effects of a nurses’ workforce shortage in the country by increasing the number of graduates in nursing.

With the Kenya Medical Training

College (KMTC) already in operation and handling the medical education function, it was no easy task birthing the budding KNH School of Nursing, said Mrs. Philomena Maina, a former Chief Nurse and Deputy Director Nursing Services at KNH.

“It was not easy establishing the School of Nursing at KNH because it was thought that the education function was being taken away from KMTC,” she said.

Mrs. Maina, a decorated career nurse, who was part of the team that started the school, said, “It

started as a continuing education unit and not as a school in 1972. It started because there were new machines that were brought to ICU and people did not know how to operate them. So, they wanted to train the nurses on how to operate those machines and then give them knowledge of how to work in an ICU. The in-house short courses on offer were later extended to nurses from other institutions within the country. The school later got certification and was officially launched in 1996.”

PHOTO | LINNETTE LEYI

Closing ceremony to the Nursing Process training held at Diagnostics Centre, KNH on 14 October, 2022

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Part of the Nursing team undergoing a two week intense training on mainstreaming the Nursing Process among KNH Nursing staff at CT - Scan Seminar room on 14th October, 2022.

The school catered to the growing demand for in-house training to build capacity for specialized nursing care within the Hospital such as Critical Care Unit, Theatre, Renal, Accident and Emergency, and Newborn Unit.

“Initially when we began the school, we were offering our diploma courses without certification because the school had not yet been registered. Later we got registration and certification and began issuing certificates after the training,” Mrs. Maina said.

Today, all specialized nursing courses offered at the school are approved by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and they include; Critical Care Nursing, PeriOperative Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Accident and Emergency Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, and Oncology Nursing.

The NCK regulates the practice of nursing in Kenya, including the training of nurses, approval of nurse training institutions, maintenance of the national nursing registry, and private practice nurses. Today, the school graduates approximately

120 nurses every year. According to Mrs. Jane Chore, the current Principal at KNH School of Nursing, the institution has graduated 1,740 nurses between 1996 and 2022.

“In terms of numbers of men and women passing through the school of nursing at KNH, the ratio of male: female is 1:5,” Mrs. Chore said. This is a great improvement, as initially, men had given the courses a wide berth.

“We started with short courses. The first short course was nursing management and it used to take four weeks. We would train nurses on leadership skills and management; we trained all the in-charges. The first class was comprised of all the deputy chief nurses. We had been trained as trainers by staff from Kenyatta University and the University of Nairobi School of Nursing,” Mrs. Maina added.

According to her, every in charge at KNH was trained in nursing leadership and management and the impact was felt across the Hospital. “The impact of the training

was that we had better services, and the nursing staff was also equipped with management and leadership skills,” she said. She also revealed that the certification for diploma courses on offer at the school came later after the school had been registered. “We also had diploma courses. When we started, they were not certified. We later got certification after we got registration as a school,” she said.

Short courses on offer today include;

1. Theatre sterile Assistant (6 months)

2. Stoma & wound care (3 months)

3. Basic Life Support (BLS)

4. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

5. Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS)

6. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS

According to the Kenya Nursing Workforce Report (2012), nurses are trained at three levels, certificate (i.e. an enrolled nurse), diploma (i.e. a registered nurse), and degree (i.e. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

The intern’s experience

By Elizabeth Wambui & Alice Njeri

Name: Ebenezer Kyalo

School: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Education: Bio-Statistics

Department: Medical Research

Tasks:

• Analyzing various data at KNH

• Organizing training

• Symposiums and workshops in the KNH Training & Research Centre

The learning experience at KNH

The learning experience has been good so far. I have learned to use a lot of software tools like redcap, EpiData, and also RStudio to analyze data.

I have learned also how to socialize and interact with people.

What I love about KNH Supervisors are friendly, they treat us well and they encourage us to learn something new every day. I also love the fact that there is no idling since we engage ourselves with a lot of work.

Future Plans?

I want to do data science in detail so I will have to learn more about machine language and software. After I am through with schooling, I plan to do a program in data science.

Parting shot?

I would like to tell other interns that an internship is good and they should take it seriously since it helps them learn a lot about becoming an adult, independence,

and dealing with various problems in life including finding ways of solving the problems.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

By Petterson Njogu & Christine Mukami

Becoming a parent and giving birth is a wonderful experience filled with joy and excitement. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Couples may encounter difficulties such as infertility or even the loss of their newborn child. In addition, a significant number of parents also face the often-overlooked issue of birth defects, where their child is born with various medical conditions.

To help shed light on this topic, Newsline had a conversation with Dr. Christine Manyasi, a neonatologist at KNH Prime Care Centre (KPCC). During the interview, Dr. Manyasi discussed the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of birth defects, to help parents better understand and navigate this difficult situation.

What is a birth defect and what are some of the causes of this condition?

A birth defect refers to a visible structural abnormality in the body of a newborn, resulting from a problem that occurred before, during, or shortly

Beyond the ‘Perfect baby’: Navigating the world of birth defects

after birth. Birth defects can have a variety of causes, including genetic abnormalities and environmental exposures. Genetic causes can stem from mutations during the formation of the baby’s genetic material or from inherited defects that recur within a family. Additionally, a lack of certain elements, such as folic acid, can contribute to defects such as neural tube disorders affecting the spine and brain. Exposure to harmful substances like poisons, pesticides, and herbicides can also lead to birth defects. Also, certain defects can result from pregnancy complications, such as tumors, uterine swelling, and reduced fluids around the baby.

The most common birth defects? Birth defects can have various manifestations, with the most prevalent being musculoskeletal defects that affect the limbs, such as one or both arms or both legs. In addition to these, some defects affect other body systems, including the heart, brain, skull formation, and gastrointestinal system.

Which is the most serious birth defect?

The severity of a birth defect depends on the degree to which it affects the baby’s body functioning and can range from mild to serious. Certain defects that impact vital systems can be particularly serious, such as brain defects that hinder proper development, heart defects that can result in a nonviable birth, and other internal organ defects. Musculoskeletal defects, on the other hand, are usually compatible with life, as they tend to affect the baby as they grow, rather than immediately after birth, and many of these defects can be corrected.

How can birth defects be diagnosed and managed during pregnancy?

Receiving an early diagnosis of birth defects can greatly improve outcomes. Antenatal ultrasounds, which are typically conducted in the early second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy, can detect many defects. With early detection, interventions can be put in place to address some of the defects and

PHOTO | COURTESY Dr. Christine Manyasi; Neonatologist-KNH Prime Care Centre

potentially improve the survival of the baby after birth.

Can birth defects be prevented?

Preventative measures can be taken for some birth defects, while others are beyond prevention. Exposure-related defects can be avoided by advising expectant mothers to steer clear of harmful substances. The use of folic acid significantly lowers the likelihood of neural tube defects.

It is recommended that all women of childbearing age plan for pregnancy and take folic acid supplements for at least six months before conception or during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Attending antenatal care clinics can also be beneficial in identifying potential risks, such as reduced amniotic fluid levels, which can be managed by obstetricians.

The challenges in treating newborns with birth defects

Parents and society often have high expectations of a “perfect” baby at birth, leading to difficulties when a baby is born with a visible structural defect. In some cases, parents may be hesitant to support the baby’s care or may even reject the baby altogether. Secondly, delayed recognition of these defects can also result in delayed intervention, making it more difficult to correct the problem and potentially affecting the baby’s survival.

What is the role of genetics in the development of birth defects?

The role of genetics in managing newborn conditions is increasingly significant. Genes are the building blocks of the body, and certain conditions tend to recur, making it crucial to identify parents carrying genetic material that could potentially impact their baby’s well-being. Early recognition can enable doctors to manage conditions promptly.

Genetic counseling can also help prevent defects. Evaluations can be done during pregnancy to identify parents at risk of having babies with genetic defects. Pregnant mothers of advanced age are encouraged to receive regular assessments from their obstetrician/gynecologist to identify any potential risks and manage them accordingly.

How do you collaborate with other

medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for babies with defects?

Birth defects can impact any system of the body, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to manage them effectively. A team of skilled professionals from diverse fields, including neonatologists, surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, and counselors (to address the stigma surrounding child defects), is crucial to provide comprehensive care to these babies.

This approach aims to restore optimal functions and manage any potential complications. The nursing team, in particular, plays a vital role in providing round-the-clock care until the baby is ready for discharge.

How do you support parents whose baby has been diagnosed with a birth defect, and what resources are available to them?

As experts in our field, we are the primary resource for educating parents on the implications of having a baby with a birth defect. Our team of counselors assists parents in navigating the emotional journey of acceptance, as it can be a challenging experience.

We also offer linkages to support groups, which provide a supportive community where parents can connect with others who have faced similar situations and gain inspiration from their success stories. The

power of knowing someone who has successfully walked the same journey is immeasurable.

How is KPCC adequately prepared to detect, manage and treat birth defects?

KPCC is well-equipped with resources to effectively diagnose, manage, and provide follow-up care for all birth defects conditions.

Our highly qualified team of professionals provides comprehensive support to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy and delivery, as well as managing the baby’s health and development to ensure they reach their full potential. We are committed to helping every child achieve optimal function and quality of life.

What advice would you give expectant mothers/couples planning to start a family?

It is recommended that both parents adopt a healthy lifestyle, including consuming nutritious food, minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals, and eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Parents should have regular check-ups to detect potential genetic conditions early. Mothers are especially encouraged to attend antenatal clinics where such conditions can be identified early, and appropriate management options can be implemented promptly.

PHOTO | COURTESY Ms. Lilian Gitau Pension Manager KNH

PHOTO | STOCK

A patient being assisted by a Doctor during child birth

Uwanjani:

Mjue mwanasoka wa KNHFC

Na Luke Kung’u

Nahodha wa KNHFC Collins Ochieng ni mchezaji tajika kwenye ulingo wa mpira wa miguu. Amewahi kuchezea timu kadhaa nchini ndio baadaye ajiunge na KNHFC. Bw. Collins ni mchezaji wa aina gani? Ndio tuweze kumchambua, tulikuwa na kikao na yeye na akatufafanulia haya

Karibu Bw. Collins.

Mchezaji mahiri kama wewe unaweza tuelezea ulianzia wapi ukipenda kifamilia na ujanani?

Kwa majina naitwa Collins Ochieng, nahodha wa timu ya KNHFC. Nilianza kucheza soka nikiwa bado na umri mdogo na pindi tu nilipomaliza kidato cha nne niliweza kujiunga na timu ya ligi kuu ya Kenya ama ukipenda Kenya Premier League, nikichezea timu ya Sony Sugar. Niliweka bidii ya mchwa na nikajiunga na timu nyingine kama Shabana FC na Kibera Black Stars wakiwa kitengo cha National Super League. Baadaye ndio nilijiunga na KNHFC.

Kwa kifupi tufahamishe kwa nini soka na sio michezo mingine ilikupendeza.

Ningali kijana nilishuhudia mechi nyingi za soka na watu wengi kijijini walipatia soka kipaumbele kwa mazungumzo na uchambuzi wa mechi. Hii ndio ilizua hamu kwangu kupenda soka, niwe mchezaji tajika na niwajibike uwanjani. Niliwaenzi Christiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho na Fernando Torres kwa uchezaji wao katika ulingo wa spoti. Hata hivyo natamani sana kuichezea timu ya AFC Leopards na pia timu ya Simba ya Jumhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.

Ni mechi ama timu gani ulishiriki michezo nayo na mkashinda, na ni lini unaweza sema mlishindwa?

Nakumbuka tulicheza na Sofapaka nikiwa bado mchezaji wa Sony Sugar kwenye kinyang’anyiro cha kombe la GoTV na tukawa washindi. Hata hivyo tumewahi poteza mechi nyingi.

Ni lini ulijiunga na KNHFC na ni nini ama tukio gani lilikufanya ujiunge nao?

Nilijiunga na KNHFC mwaka wa elfu ishirini na kumi na nane baada ya

kushuhudia wakicheza mechi kadhaa, walikuwa wachezaji wa tajriba ya hali ya juu.

Umecheza mechi kama ngapi kijumla na ni ngapi umechezea KNHFC?

Nimecheza mechi nyingi sana kabla nijiunge na KNHFC, kiujumla nimepisha mechi mia moja. Mimi ni mshambuliaji nambari tisa na nimefunga mabao hamsini na nne tangu nijiunge na KNHFC.

Unaweza semaje kuhusu KNHFC?

KNHFC ni timu tajika kutoka kwa wadosi, wakufunzi, mashabiki na hata wachezaji; ni timu imejaa upendo na haibagui mtu yeyote.

Kama mwanasoka unaweza twambiaje kwa mwenye angependa kujiunga kwa mchezo huu?

Soka kwangu ni kila kitu- yaondoa mawazo, yaleta furaha, yaleta mapato na kwa kiwango cha juu inasaidia kiafya.

Unaweza sema huu mchezo ni kitega uchumi ama unacheza juu ni talanta. Kama ni kitega uchumi ni kiwango gani cha juu na cha chini cha mapato umewahi jinyakulia?

Kwangu soka ni talanta na pia kitega uchumi. Nikiwa Sony Sugar, licha ya umri wangu mdogo, nilikuwa najipatia mapato ya juu na kujikimu kimaisha.

Kuna zawadi zozote umewahi jinyakulia/kunyakulia timu yoyote?

Nimewahi jinyakulia zawadi kama mchezaji bora na mfungaji mabao mengi nikichezea timu ya Shale Rang’ala Boys na pia timu za nyumbani kama Sinyolo FC, wakati huo ikijulikana kama Happy Kenya United, na hata timu ya Galaxy FC.

La Ziada?

Sina mengi ila labda niombe wasimamizi wa hospitali kuu ya rufaa ya Kenyatta wajitokeze kusaidia KNHFC. Hii timu ni moto wa kuotea mbali lakini inakumbwa na changamoto kadhaa zikiwemo ukosefu wa uwanja wa kufanyia mazoezi, vifaa vya mazoezi na la mno ni kuwa wachezaji wengi hawana kazi ya kuwasaidia kujikimu

kimaisha haswa wakati huu bei ya kila kitu imepanda. Ningeomba

kama kuna nafasi za kazi, wachezaji hawa wapewe, na nawaahidi hii timu itapanda mpaka kiwango cha ligi kuu ya kitaifa, yaani Kenya Premier League. Shukran.

PICHA: HISANI Bw. Collins Ochieng, mshambuliaji nambari tisa na pia nahodha wa timu ya KNHFC uwanjani.

Mshikemshike uwanjani

Wahenga na wahenguzi walinena ya kwamba mcheza kwao hutuzwa, twazidi kuwapa kongole wachezaji wa KNHFC wanapojizatiti vilivyo uwanjani.

Ilikuwa mshikemshike pale kiwanjani Bata Limuru tarehe mbili mwezi wa nne mwaka huu, wakati

KNHFC ilialikwa na Limuru Olympics

FC, na kufunga bao moja kila upande kwa mechi. Hata hivyo KNHFC

walijizolea alama moja na kufikia pointi kumi na tatu kwa mujibu wa chama cha mpira wa miguu nchini

Football Kenya Federation (FKF), ikiwa ni raundi ya kumi. Shukran

mshambuliaji Bw. Charles Mbaga kwa kufunga bao na kuwezesha KNHFC kujipatia pointi moja.

Hapo awali, KNHFC iliwaalika

Ligi Ndogo FC mnamo tarehe

ishirini na tano machi lakini

mambo yakawaendea segemnege

wakati walifungwa mabao mawili na wakafutia machozi kwa bao moja lililotiwa kimyani na kiungo

wa

Mechi

uwanjani

PHOTO | COURTESY Wachezaji wa KNHFC

Na Luke Kung’u

kati Bw. Harrison Kaingu. Hawakujinyakulia pointi yoyote.

ifuatayo itachezewa

Strathmore Complex ambapo KNHFC itaalikwa na timu ya

PCEA Kikuyu FC tarehe saba mwezi huu wa nne, ikiwa ni raundi ya kumi na moja.

Tupatane uwanjani.

PHOTO | COURTESY Wachezaji wa KNHFC wakimenyana na upinzani

MICROSURGERY WORKSHOP 2023

KNH-UON

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DEPARTMENT

Rates

• Residents on site - Ksh 10,000

• International residents live stream - usd 50

• Consultants on site - Ksh 20,000

• Consultant live streaming - usd 100

MICROSURGICAL

SIMULATION

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

Our story in pictures

It was pomp, color and joy when Mr. Stephen Mwangi exchanged marriage vows with his wife Ms. Mary Wanjai, in a ceremony presided over by HoU Chaplaincy Father John Kariba at the KNH Catholic Chapel on 4th April 2024. Mr. Mwangi is a patient at the Renal Unit undergoing specialized renal dialysis care sessions

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Dr. Lydia Okutoyi, Director, Quality Health Care KNH giving her opening remarks during Patient and Family Care Symposium at KNH Research and Training Centre on the 31st March, 2023.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Bronchoscopy Skills workshop participants being taken through a practical session at Endoscopy Unit, KNH.

PHOTO | JOE MWITA Delegation from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as well as Senior Health Officials from Kano State, Nigeria on a familiarisation visit to KNH.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Happy birthday to the 430+ April babies! From Marketing & Communication team

MRS. SALOME WAMBUI WARUGONGO

MR. PAUL MAINA MWANGI

3. MRS. IRENE MOGITI MAKORI

4. DR. WILLIAM KIPRONO SIGILAI

5. MISS. ALICE ALOO ODUNGA

6. MR. JAMES NYAGA NGUMI

7. MRS. ROSEMARY WAITHERA WAITITU

8. MR. SAMUEL MOTARI ONGAKI

9. MR. MANASSEH AMUGUNE MUGWANGA

10. MISS. ELIZABETH MUMBUA NGUMBI

11. DR. JOSEPH KABEU KAMAU

12. MISS. AGLEAN KANGOGO CHELIMO

13. MISS. MARGARET MUTHONI WAIREGI

14. MR. PAUL KAMAU MBUGUA

15. DR. SALOME KATHOMI IRERI

16. MISS.FLORENCE AWUOR NDOLO

17. MR. KHALIF ABDI GEDI

18. MR. NYAUNDI OMOOGA

19. MISS. AGNES MUTHONI MUONGI

20. MISS. ANNE NJERI NGARI

21. MISS. JACQUELINE AYUKE ORIANG

22. MRS. ROSE AKINYI ODEMBA

23. MISS. JANE WANJIRA KARANJA

24. MISS. MWIKALI WAMBUA NDUNGE

25. MR. ELIAS OCHIENG OCHIENG

26. MRS. NORAH OBARE OWAKO

27. MRS. EMILY SARU MULINGE

28. MISS. SALOME KAGWIRIA RINGERA

29. MISS. NAOMI MUTHONI KAMAU

30. MR. ROY MWITI NYAMU

31. MR. JOSEPH WAWERU STEPHEN

32. MISS. REGINA WANJIRU NJOGU

33. MR. ABENDINECOH MUTETI NZOVE

34. MR. DANIEL OTIENO ODUOR

35. MR. ELIJAH KARIUKI MWANGI

36. MISS. ROSE KAHUGIZA MWIGALE

37. DR. LOISE NJERI KAHORO

38. DR. BEATRICE NJAMBI MUGI

39. MISS. MARGARET WANJIKU MUGO

40. MR. JACKSON OULO OGOLLA

41. MRS. JANE BONARERI MAINA

42. MISS. MARGARET WANGUI GEORGE

43. MISS. EMILY MWERU KINITI

44. MRS. DINAH WAMBUGU MBUGUIRO

45. MRS. ANNE WANJIRU NDIRI

46. MISS. EUNICE WAHITO WAIROTO

47. MISS. JUDITH MAKUNGU AYIEDZA

48. MISS. ROSEMARY WAIRIMU KINUTHIA

49. MR. JASPER NCHOGA MAGARI

50. MISS. JOSEPHINE BOKE MATAIGA

51. MISS. JULIAH KINANU

52. MISS. JANET ADISA KIDUSU

53. MR. JONES MWANZIA MULI

54. MISS. ROSE ADHIAMBO OTIENDE

55. DR. FRANCIS MWANGI MBURU

56. MR. FREDRICK M. MUTHUSI

57. MRS. SARAH E. NJOKI KAMAU

58. MISS. NANCY KARAMBU MUGWIKA

59. MR. JOSEPH MBUKI KINYANJUI

60. MISS. MARGARET ADAMBO OWANGA

61. MR. GODFREY MURITHI NYANGE

62. MRS. ROSALYNE KARENDI KALAINE

63. MISS. ANNE KHAOYIA NENDELA

64. MRS. ELIZABETH A.WANGARI WAMBUGU

65. MISS. FLORENCE LUNGAHI

66. MRS. RHODA ACHIENG ONONO

67. DR.(MRS) DORCAS KAWIRA MUSERA

68. MR. JOSHUA MUNGATHIA BARACHA

69. MR. KENNETH WAWERU MWAURA

70. MISS. ESTHER KARIMI MUTHIORA

71. DR. JOHNSON MASIKE WAFULA

72. MISS. CELESTINE CHEMUSUNDE CHUMA

73. MISS. JOSPHINE NDUNGE MACKENZIE

74. MISS. MARY NJERU GICHUKU

75. MR. PETER GICHARI WANJOHI

76. MR. PETER MUIGAI MUTOTHORI

77. MISS. JANE W. WANJIKU

78. DR. GATHUKIA KINYUA

79. DR. JUDITH ATIENO OKOTH

80. MISS. PERPETUA ASUKO AMUKUYI

81. MR. DAVID KIOGORA

82. MISS. ELIZABETH JUMA OWANO

83. MR. ISAAC KENNEL MIRUKA

84. MR. WILFRED NYAMBANE MOSE

85. MISS. STELLA KAWIRA

119. MISS. KISTER KAWAGA KISIA

120. MR. JOSEPH ODUOGI OGUTU

121. MRS. ANNE NJERI WAINAINA

122. DR. ALFRED MOGAKA MOKOMBA

123. MISS. MILLY TOSIN SALLIM

124. MR. KILIVWA JOEL STEPHEN MUKAYA

125. MISS. PRISCILLA NJOKI WACHIRA

126. DR.MARGARET MUKUHI MACHARIA

127. MISS. CAROLINE WANJIRU MACUA

128. MISS. GRACE WANJA MUNENE

129. MISS. SCOVIA ATUGONZA AZENGA

130. MRS. JULIE CAROL MUTHONI MATIBA

131. MISS. MARY NJAMBI MWANGI

132. MISS. CAROLINE CHEMUTAI TALAI

133. MISS. CAROLINE IGOKI BOORE

134. MR. EMMANUEL NJAGI NJERU

135. MISS. KELLEN KAARI MURIITHI

136. MISS. ROSALINE LOLKOLOI

137. MISS. JANETH IJAI SETH

138. MISS. CECILIA WANJIKU NJAMBI

139. MR. BILLOW DUBANE GUHAD

140. MISS. PRAXIDIS ADIPO NYAMWOMA

141. DR. GEORGE MWAMNENO NYALE

142. MISS. WESLEY JEMUTAI

143. MISS. STELLAMARIS KARIMI GATOBU

144. MISS. WINFRED WANGARI KIONGO

145. MISS. ESTHER BENIADA ADALLA

146. MISS. DINAH WAMBURA NDEGWA

147. DR. GEORGE MWANGI NJOGU

148. MISS. BEATRICE MONYANGI ONGARO

149. MISS. JENIFER ONJWAYA

150. MISS. JANE PAULINE WAITHERA

151. MISS. HELLEN MUKIRI RUKARIA

152. MR. GEORGE MWONGERA MWENDAMERU

153. MR. SEXWESTON MBOTELA KILONZO

154. MISS. CHRISTINE OLESIA MULANDA

155. MR. EVANS OBARA OBAIGWA

156. MR. JAMES KIPROP YATICH

157. MISS. WINFRED WANJIKU GITAHI

158. DR. GODFREY BWIRE BARASA

159. MISS. MARY WANGUI GITUBA

160. MR. LAWRENCE NYAGA NTHIGA

161. MR. TOM NDOMBI WESONGA

162. MISS. AGATHA NUNU

163. MISS. BEATRICE MOSIARA MOGIRE

164. MISS. CAROLINE KIRIMI NTINYARI

165. MISS. ESTHER WAMBUI MUCHOKI

166. MRS. CATHERINE MUMBUA NZIOKA

167. MRS. ELIZABETH UMIRA SAKWA

168. MR. PATRICK MUREITHI MUHURI

169. MISS. GRACE WAMWIRUA MUTUGI

170. MISS. CAROLYNE MUNEE MUASA

171. MISS. NELLY JELAGAT KIPLAMAI

172. MRS. PERIS NYAMBURA KIMANI

173. MR. FRANCKLINE ONCHONGA

174. MR. NICODEMUS OWINO ODIMA

175. MR. DAVID MWANGI WAITHAKA

176. MR. DICKSON IRERI MWANIKI

177. MISS. MELVYNE PAULINE OSINO OSIRO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRIL BABIES

178. MR. SILA OMONDI ONYUNA

179. MISS. DAISY NDUTA KAMAU

180. MRS. CAROLINE CHWEYA KEMUNTO

181. MR. JOHN MUNALA SEKA

182. MRS. SALOME NYAMBURA MATHENGE

183. MISS. LINET NKATHA KINYUA

184. MISS. ROSALIA WANJIKU MUTHEE

185. DR. THOMAS MWENDWA MAINGI

186. MISS. FLORENCE KAMENE MBITHI

187. MRS. LUCY KIPKEMEI TUISANG

188. MRS. VILESTA MDIVIA AJODE

189. MISS. SALOME WANGECHI THUMARI

190. MR. CARILUS ZEPHANIA O. MCAFFULO

191. MISS. SHEILA MUYUMIA SAKWA

192. MR. DOMINIC GACHOKI KINYUA

193. MISS. SCHOLASTICA ATIENO RAUTTA

194. MR. SILAS SILVESTER WAKULWA

195. MR. FREDRICK KIKUTO MUTINDA

196. MISS. PHYLLIS JEPKOSKEI KIMAIYO

197. MR. JOHN FRANCIS MUTUMA

198. MR. JOSEPH KOLLI

199. MRS. AUMA A. OBIERO

200. MISS. EUNICE WANJIRU MWICIGI

201. MISS. EUNICE SASAKAH

202. MR. ELSAM ONYANGO OKENO

203. MR. PATRICK OBONYO OPIYO

204. MISS. DOREEN MAKENA NJAGI

205. MISS. JENNIFER NJAMBI MIHANGO

206. MRS. LYDIAH WANGECHI NGUNJIRI

207. MR. SIMON MBANDI KITHIKII

208. MISS. MARGARET WAIRIMU KIMANI

209. MR. PATRICK MUTUMA KIAMBI

210. MISS. CAROLINE MURUNGI M’NYIRI

211. MISS. SHALLET NAFULA AMUTALLA

212. MRS.CAROLINE KHABETSA LIBEHE

213. DR. IRENE WAITHIRA WERU

214. MISS. FLORENCE NDUTA CHEGE

215. MISS. JACKLINE NDINDA MUTISO

216. MRS.JESINAH KEMUNTO OMETE

217. MISS. KATHOMI KAGENI GITARI

218. MISS. MARY NYAWIRA MURIUKI

219. MR. ERIC ASWANI SUNERA

220. MISS. BEATRICE CHEROITICH TUM

221. MR. JAMES MUTUA KAUSYA

222. MRS.LYDIAH WAIRIMU MWANGI

223. MISS. WINFRED NDINDA KAVINYA

224. MR. CURTIZ MURIKI MAKAU

225. DR.PRISCA ADHIAMBO AMOLO

226. MISS. LUCY W. MUNYIRI

227. MR. SHADRACK CHESARO KOMEN

228. MISS. ENID KAGWIRIA NGANG’A

229. MRS. CATHERINE MWELU MUSILA

230. MRS. LILIAN M. WAMUCII KIARIE

231. MISS. FELLISTERS NZIKU NDETO

232. MISS. JOAN BOSIBORI OKENYO

233. MISS. DALPHINE BISATAMEI ROCHINE

234. MR. NICHOLAS MUEMA MUTUA

235. MISS. JULIA ASEWE OMONDI

236. MISS. TERRY NANJALA SISA

237. MR. GEDION THURANIRA LAICHENA

238. MR. GODFREY MUGALA MWASHI

239. MR ALFRED OUMA ODANGA

240. MISS. CALISTER MOGITA NYANDIKA

241. MISS. ELIZABETH NDILE WATUMA

242. MR. AUGUSTUS KANYOLO MULI

243. MISS. EVERLYNE EUNICE OWOTSI

244. MISS. HARRIET MUKIRI MBIJIWE

245. MISS. KESIAH WAIRIMU KARANJA

246. MR. RICHARD MUASA NZUKI

247. MISS. IRENE KERUBO MOSE

248. MR. EVANCE KIVINGO MUGUSI

249. DR. EUNICE AKINYI OMAMO

250. MR.NICODEMUS KIPROP KIBET

251. DR. DOROTHY ATIENO AYWAK

252. MR JUSTIN MOSE MAGARA

253. MR. SYLVESTER SAMMY NGILA

254. MR. SAMUEL LEMISO SHABANJI

255. MR. DAVID IMBWAGA MAIGULU

256. MISS.JUDITH OBULECHELWA SHISOKA

257. MISS. BRENDA AUMA AMENYA

258. MISS.JUDY NJOKI NJOROGE

259. DR. SYBIL KHISA NAKITARE

260. MR. PATRICK KIPLANGAT MITEI

261. MISS.NORA NYONGESA OGUTU

262. MR. BENJAMIN NDAMBUKI MONYI

263. MISS. EMILY WANGA

264. MR. TONNY ODHIAMBO OGOMA

265. MISS. SHARON MINA OKEYO

266. MRS.NAOM NYANCHAMA ONDIMU

267. MR. PETER EVANS MUCHOKI WAKURU

268. MR. GERALD MURIUNGI MURITHI

269. MRS.AGNES WAIRIMU NJIRAINI

270. MR. JEVAS OMWERI KENYANYA

271. DR. SUSAN WANGARI KAHUMBURU

272. MISS. NELLY LIYALA

273. MISS. LYDIAH WAIRIMU MUTHUI

274. MRS.HELLEN WANJIKU NDUNGU

275. MR. ALEXANDER MUTHII MBOGO

276. MISS CHRISTINE MWIKALI ASUMA

277. DR. SUSAN WAIRIMU KIMANI

278. MR. ZAKAYO KIPKOSHOM ALBERT

279. MISS. LENAH KHALILI

280. MISS.PASKALIA ROSE NYAKUNDI

281. MISS. DIANNAH KAIMURI ERASTUS 282. MISS. PHYLICE AELA WAMOYI 283. MR. JACKSON KILELE WACHENJE 284. MISS. KAGENDO CATHERINE ITABATHI

285. MISS. NEHEMA KATHURE MWERERIA

286. MISS. MARYLEEN CHEPKEMOI

287. DR. SYLVIA NJERI NJUGUNA

288. MISS. MILLICENT WAMBUI KAMAU

289. MISS. PENINA KANANU ALICE

290. MISS.PRAMILLAH MUHAMBE ILABO

291. DR. ROSELINE NJERI MWANGI

292. MR.GIDEON MACHARIA KIREGE

293. MISS. STELLA KANGAI KIRUJA

294. MRS. DOREEN WAENI NZAU

295. MRS.LUCY WAMBUI MUNDIA

296. MR. ANDREW KALELI KIMEU

297. MRS.ANNE NKIROTE MWITI

298. DR. EUNICE NGUGI MBAABU

299. DR.ESTHER WANGUI KIMANI

300. MR. GYVIRA ODHIAMBO ONUKO

301. MR. ERICK MOFFAT MUNENE

302. MR.MOSES OLUOCH MUNYENDO

303. MR. DANIEL OMOLLOH BARAZA

304. MISS. FLORENCE AUMA AGENYA

305. MISS. EDITH ELEANOR ROTUK

306. MR. SYLVESTER MACHUKI OYUGI

307. MR. STEPHEN MATHENGE MUNYERIA

308. MR. KENNEDY KINYUA MBOGO

309. DR.PHILEMON MWONGERA KIMATHI

310. MISS. EVELYNE ANYANGO OLUOCH

311. MISS. MAUREEN WANJIKU WAKABA

312. MISS. ESTHER NGUSYE MUSYOKA

313. MR MBUVI MUEMA

314. DR. JANE MUGURE GITHAE

315. MISS. SALLY KERUBO MOKAYA

316. MR. ANTONIO KIKUYU NDUMBU

317. MRS.MORRY WARUGURU MURIITHI

318. MR. JOSEPH MAINA KOGI

319. MISS. DAVINE KWAMBOKA OSIEMO

320. MR. JAMES WAKUBE NAYERE

321. MRS.LINNET WAMBUI KAMAU

322. MISS. LINET BINSARI MEREBA

323. MISS.LEAH MUTHONI KIBUI

324. MISS. MARYCONCEPTOR MUTINDI MUSANGI

325. MR. JAMES MUGUMO MAINA

326. MISS. BILHA JEPKOSGEI MUTAI

327. DR.VITALIS OLUOCH OKOLA

328. MR.CLIVE KIPYEGON MITEI

329. MISS. CAROLINE KAMENE MUSEE

330. MR. MAURICE OCHIENG OKAL

331. MR. PETER WATAKO SAKWA

332. MRS.VERAH ONYARI OMAMBIA

333. MISS. ANNE NJERI KIMANI

334. MR.JULIUS KIMOTHO MUTHUA

335. MR.THOMAS KIPKOECH TANUI

336. MRS.DIANA CHEBET OLINYO

337. MISS. JACKLINE ACHIENG OBONG’O

338. MR.JAIRUS IVELIA AMUSIBWA

339. MR.EDWIN CHEPKONGA CHESEREK

340. MISS. IAN KIMATHI NDIGA

341. MISS. GRACE NDUNGWA MUTUA

342. MR.NICHOLAS GITONGA NKOROI

343. MISS.REGINAH WACHERA NGOTHO

344. DR. PAULINE NYAMBURA KIBARU

345. MR. LOYFORD MUTUMA RIUNGU

346. MISS. FRIDAH GAKII KIRAUNI

347. MR. WYCLIFFE TOPISIA DIKIRR

348. MR.NAFTALI KIPROTICH RUTO

349. MISS.REGINA JEPTOO RUTTO

350. MRS.IMMACULATE PURITY MAKENA

351. MRS.ANN WANJIRU MAINA

352. MRS.LILIAN JEMATIA KIBII

353. DR. IRENE MUSOTSI SAKWA

354. MISS.SILVIA NJERI KABUE

355. MISS.SERAH WANJIKU MARARO

356. MISS.WINNIE NJERI NGANGA

357. MRS.PERIS NYAMBURA AMARIATI

358. MR.GIDEON MUSAU MUTISO

359. MISS. CATHERINE NJERI NJOROGE

360. MR.MICHAEL ODHIAMBO OTIENO

361. MRS.DORAH ACHIENG NYIKAL

362. MRS.ELIZABETH NZEMBI MUTUA

363. MR. SOLOMON KARANI MUTIIRIA

364. DR. NANCY MWONGELI NGUMBAU

365. MR.JACKSON MAINGI MAKAU

366. MISS. DAMARIS JERONO

367. MR.BENJAMIN OGOTI VENUS

368. MR.ERICK MUTUGI MWANIKI

369. MISS. ROSE GATI WAMBURA

370. MISS.CHERRY KERUBO OMAYIO

371. MR.HESBON NYANGOTO OBAIGWA

372. MRS.EDNA MUKIRI

373. MISS. SHEILA VIHENDA

374. MISS. TERESIA JUDY NYERERE

375. MR. BONIFACE KAIMENYI MUTIRIA

376. DR.LESLEY OWUOR OPERE

377. MRS. CYNTHIA AWUOR OTIENO

378. DR.GLORY WANJA MUTIA

379. MR.VICTOR OCHIENG OMOLLO

380. MRS. ROSALINE NCABIRA

381. MISS.WINNIE WAMBUI KARUGA

382. MR.PETER OMONDI ADERO BARACK

383. MR.SAMUEL WAIYAKI ANTONY THOTHO

384. MRS.MERCY WANJA WANJIRU

385. MISS. FARDOSA ABDINOOR MUHAMUD

386. MISS. JOSYLINE KAJUJU KIREMA

387. MISS. DAINAH WANJIKU MACHARIA

388. MISS. JACKLINE CHEPNGENOH

389. MISS.MARION MUMBI MAINA

390. MRS.SUSAN WANJIKU KIBUI

391. MR.EDWIN KIMELI KOECH

392. MISS. MERCY WARINGA NGARURA

393. MRS.SYLVIA KWAMBOKA OMOKE

394. MR.JEPHTERS ODHIAMBO OLWERO

395. MISS.ANITA LUTSILILI ANAMI

396. MISS.LILIAN GAKII DOROTHY

397. MR. DADIOUS MARAMBARA OGETO

398. MR.WILLIS OTIENO ADONGO

399. MR.KEVIN BIWOTT

400. MISS.ROSE WAIRIMU NJOGU

401. MISS.AGNETTA KATUMBI KAUMBULU

402. MR.BILL CLINTON OYWER ODIWUOR

403. MISS.IVY JEMUTAI TOO

404. MR.ISAAC RAMBEKA OSORO

405. MISS.CAROLINE GAKII

406. MR.FRANCIS NJOROGE WANGARI

407. MR.HILLARY MUHIA ICHAGUA

408. MISS.CHRISTINE BANYONA JUMA

409. MRS.SHARON AKINYI OUMA

410. MRS. RISPER NYABOKE MORURI

411. MS. GERTRUDE SYOKAU MUALUKO

412. MISS. GLORIA MUKUNI BUSHURU

413. MR. WYCLIFFE OMOGA NYAUNDI

414. MR.JEROME LUKALE OSORO

415. MR. ERIC WAFULA MASINDE

416. MISS.CATHERINE MWIKALI MBUVA

417. MR.PAUL NJIRAINI NJAMBI

418. MRS.VIOLA JEPCHIRCHIR KIPTOO

419. MISS.CHRISTINE MGHOI MUNGA

420. MR. JACK PAUL ONYANGO ODIPO

421. MRS.HILDA PERE OSIYA

422. MR. WILFRED KIBET

423. MISS.PIERA WANJIRU NYAGA

424. MR.MOHAMED ABDIKHER MOHAMED

425. MR.ABNNER OYARO ONDIEKI

426. MISS. NANCY OBUTU MOSOTI

427. MISS.FAITH NZULA MASEE

428. MR.BONIFACE MBUTU MUNYI

429. MISS.JECINTA AKOTH NYAPOLA

430. MR. MARTIN BUNDI RUGENDO

Positive mentions from KNH socials

Caroline Vihenda:

Educative subject that the African Society need to know- fertility challenge cases, depression and stigmatization to many victims. In our African society children are valued as generational continuity but when this does not occur a lot of pressure will always come from the society at large. KNH, information is power, thank you for this information and we hope for the best from your team of experts. Women carry both the burden of infertility when they don’t conceive and the burden of family planning if they get more children. Please share this on men forums.

Owino Ochieng:

Very useful information, very educative. Information is power.

Eric Yegon: Prestigious and excellent service provider ever visited; God bless.

Delphine Teresia: Excellent work, the only hospital I can trust my life with.

Shukri Singh:

Ramadhan Kareem to all KNH Muslim brothers and sisters.

Gideon Mutuku: KNH saves lives daily, keep up the good work.

Winnie Nelson: KNH is the best hospital, with God you saved my baby.

Celina Wanja: Awesome, God bless KNH for the good work you are doing.

The 2nd Gynecologic Oncology Surgical camp

By Yvonne Gichuru & Verah Mugambi

The Gynecologic Oncology surgical camp took place from Monday, 27th - Friday, 31st March 2023 at 2(two) of the KNH Daycare operating theaters. The camp’s main goal was to reduce the waiting time for surgeries of patients with Gynecological cancers.

This was the 2nd camp with the first one taking place last year. The Unit intends to hold the camp twice a year, therefore, another camp is expected towards the end of this year.

Dr. Musalia Wycliff - A senior medical specialist and Obstetrician & Gynecologic oncologist, Obstetrics & Gyna-Oncology Unit chaired the committee that organized the camp that saw the success of 24 out of the 25 scheduled surgeries.

“One of the patients had recurrent Sarcoma - a type of cancer that can occur in various locations in one’s body. Upon further assessment, we decided not to operate on the patient

because we found the disease to be inoperable,” said Dr. Musalia.

“The camp performed surgeries on patients with Gynecological malignancies or cancers involving the ovaries, uterus, endometrium, cervix, and vulva. The patients were selected from the Gyna-Oncology clinic (18) where they were assessed and found to be fit for surgery and put on the waiting list,” Dr. Musalia told Newsline.

Previously, the patients who would be considered fit for surgery would have to be added to the long waiting list because of the high number of patients and limited theater time therefore the medical team was only able to perform a maximum of 4 surgeries in a week. Some patients would end up waiting up to 2 months.

“Cancer is a progressive condition such that by the time a patient is going to the theater, the disease has already advanced from the previous stage, hence why we decided to have

the camp,” he added.

Patients have benefited from this surgical treatment since this has greatly reduced the waiting time and cleared the backlog for about 5 weeks. Some of the patients are currently recuperating in Wards; 1B & 1A while some have already been discharged.

Jane (not her real name) was one of the patients that benefitted from the surgeries. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the operation happening sooner than expected as she was scheduled to get the surgery in a month.

“I am in a bit of pain but I believe I am recovering well and will hopefully be discharged soon. I feel well taken care of by the nurses here and I am thankful to KNH,” she said.

“Although some patients may be in discomfort both physically and psychologically, the camp has made it possible for them to receive the best care through the extensive

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

A section of the multidisciplinary team that took part in the surgical camp.

multidisciplinary team that included Gynecologic oncology surgeons, general surgeons, anesthetists, clinical officers and nursing teams both in the theaters and wards where the patients were admitted after the operation.

Other team members included the physiotherapy team, blood transfusion, pathologists and the counseling team to provide supportive therapy before and after the surgery. We hope to be able to bring in plastic surgeons in the future for post-surgical reconstruction,” Dr. Musalia added.

He also added that KNH managed to provide the human resource required and supplies to cater for the surgeries throughout the week. Patients were however required to pay for the treatment through their NHIF card or in cash.

According to Dr. Musalia, the Gyno-oncology Unit previously had only 2 Gyno-oncologists, although the number has increased to 5 with 2

“ Although some patients may be in discomfort both physically and psychologically, the camp has made it possible for them to receive the best care through the extensive multidisciplinary team that included Gynecologic oncology surgeons, general surgeons, anesthetists, clinical officers and nursing teams both in the theaters and wards where the patients were admitted after the operation.

based at the university and 3 in KNH.

“We are happy that we managed to operate on all the patients targeted during the camp. All the surgeries were successful. I would like to thank all the team members that participated in the camp. They gave it their best even though sometimes we worked till very late. Nevertheless, we received a lot of support from the hospital management and we are grateful,” he concluded.

Who are Gynecologic oncologists?

Gynecologic oncologists offer a specialized cohesive approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of cancerous and non-cancerous (benign) conditions of the female reproductive system. These include cervical cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cancer, pelvic masses, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.

A gynecologic oncologist cares for people with these conditions, diagnosing

their cancers and recommending the best treatment.

What does a Gynecologic Oncologist do?

Gynecologic oncologists look for tumors in a person’s reproductive organs and determine if the disease has spread to other body parts, too. They speak with patients about the cancer treatment options available and which may be best for their situation. That helps them ensure a person gets timely and appropriate

treatment for their condition.

Gynecologic Oncology procedures/ surgeries may include; Endometrial ablation, Gynecologic oncology procedures, hysterectomy, myomectomy, ovarian procedures, urinary incontinence procedures, and robotic-assisted procedures.

Surgical oncologists are general surgeons with specialty training in procedures for diagnosing, staging (determining the stage of cancer), or removing cancerous growths.

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Dr. Musalia Wycliff - Senior Medical Specialist and Obstetrician & Gynecologic Oncologist, KNH

Enhancing quality service delivery at the printing unit: Bigger and better with new machine

By Luke Kung’u

The printing unit has acquired a new I.D printing machine as well as two Risograph printing machines. The I.D printing machine has enabled same-day taking of passport photographs, processing the details, printing and issuing staff I.D cards; thus, enhancing faster service delivery.

Previously, it would take up to two or even three months to have a staff identity card since the services were outsourced and had to be subjected to a long and rigorous procurement process.

The two Risograph Printing Machines have enabled 60,000 prints per week per machine which has met the hospital consumption of about 100,000 prints for the same period.

This has enhanced faster and more efficient service delivery and reduced turnaround time. The unit used to have one machine which would break down due to overloading owing to

the demand for print work, the works would be outsourced at higher costs, and time would be wasted and this inconvenienced many users.

PHOTO: LUKE G. KUNG’U

In charge Printing Unit Ms. Rose N. Mulili processing a passport photograph in readiness for printing using the I.D printing machine.

PHOTO: LUKE G. KUNG’U

In charge Printing Unit Ms. Rose N. Mulili printing continuation sheets using one of the Risograph machines.

World Autism Day 2023-“Transforming the narrative.”

Patient Engagement Week 2023: Improving patient care through patients’ eyes

By Linnette Leyi and Elizabeth Wambui

This year, the Patient Affairs Department, in collaboration with Health Care Quality, celebrated Patient Engagement Week uniquely and was centered on improving patient care.

The two main activities were a “walk-about” and a symposium, which was held at the KNH Training, Research, and Innovation Center.

A “walk-about” is an activity that can be used to obtain patient and family perspectives about the experience of care, especially about first impressions, and how the organization’s policies, practices, and environment support patients and families in engaging as critical partners on their health care team. Through this, the hospital, unit, or clinic can plan for improvement through the eyes of patients and their families.

The “walk-about” happened on the 13th and 15th of March, with staff from various departments partnering to visit selected clinics and wards. The teams specifically explored how patients and families were welcomed, supported, educated, comforted, and encouraged to participate in care and decisionmaking actively. During the visits, they could talk with patients and their families and collect feedback on their experiences at KNH.

“As you go through the process,

try to put yourself in the patient’s and family member’s position. Look around as they might. What are they thinking? How do they feel at this moment?” said Ms. Anne Kirema–HOU Patient Affairs, as she explained to the various teams how to engage the patients during the exercise.

“At every step, ask the staff to tell you what changes, other than hiring new staff, would make the experience better for the patient and the staff,” she continued.

All team members had a patient experience observation checklist where they recorded various feedbacks. The feedback was then compiled and presented during the symposium to highlight common challenges patients and their families face and provide viable and lasting solutions.

Senior directors and board members attended the symposium on 31st March 2023. Chairing the event, Dr. Lydia Okutoyi-Director Health Care Quality explained the multiple values that help better the patient’s experience. “Compassion, innovation, and trustworthiness are some values that we can embrace to help us treat patients with more dignity.

The minor things in health care make the most significant difference,” she said. She emphasized the need for staff to upgrade how they give and receive feedback from the patients and their families,

especially those receiving palliative care.

Professor George Orango, while representing the Board chairman, emphasized the importance of listening to patients’ needs. “When policies are made, the patient’s voice should be listened to. Their voice informs their treatment, and it should be considered,” he said. “It is an acknowledgment of what the patient feels. It acknowledges the patient as an important participant in their health.”

In future, the department hopes to carry out more such activities that focus on improving patient experience.

PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA

Mr. Michael Kihuga, Director Finance giving his opening remarks on behalf of the KNH CEO Dr. Evanson N. Kamuri, EBS during the Patient and Family Centered Care Symposium at Research and Training Centre on 31st April, 2023.

PHOTO | LINNETTE LEYI

Dr. Rhoda Kalondu engaging a patient from Ward 1C during the “walkabout”

Comic Zone

Laughter, the best medicine!!

By Edel Q. Mwende

Real change, real switch

Wife to husband on their son’s 10th birthday: Honey, Kevin still doesn’t look like either of us. Why is that?

Husband: Of course he doesn’t! Don’t you remember when we were leaving the hospital and he had soiled his diaper? You told me to go change him. And I did!

Pancakes & flounder diet

A doctor says grimly to a patient, “You are a very sick man. You’ve been diagnosed with covid, monkey pox, swine flu, Ebola, and bubonic plague all at the same time.”

“Is there anything that can be done to help me?” asks the patient.

“Amazingly, there is,” says the doctor. “First, we’ll put you in a private room where you’ll have everything you need to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Next, we’ll put you on a diet of pancakes and flounder.”

“Okay...” says the patient, “But why pancakes and flounder?”

“Because,” the doctor says, “That’s the only food we can slide under your door!”

A Bridge too far

An Irishman was collecting empty bottles on the beach one day when he found one with a tiny man inside it. He let the man out and for this the tiny man told him that he could have one wish. “I’m dead scared of flying” the Irishman told him “And I get terribly seasick from just looking at a boat and I’ve always wanted to go to England, so I want you to build a bridge across the Irish Sea”

“Are you out of your mind” the tiny man exclaimed “Do you know how much work that is. Give me chance, man...make another wish”

Then the Irishman told the tiny man that he wanted to understand everything women thought and said. The tiny man thought about this for a long time, then he said, “Do you want two or four lanes on that bridge?”

OUR VISION

A world class patient-centered specialized care hospital

OUR MISSION

OUR MOTTO We Listen, We Care

Inspirational Quotes

1. “The great gift of Easter is hope.”- Basil Hume

2. “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” –Unknown

3. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” - Thich Nhat Hanh

4. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”- Socrates

5. “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”- Oprah Winfrey

6. “When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or the life of another.” -Helen Keller

7. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” -Dr. Seuss

8. “If you can do what you do best and be happy, you’re further along in life than most people.” -Leonardo DiCaprio

9. “There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” -Tina Fey

10. “As you know, life is an echo; we get what we give.”David DeNotaris

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