KNH NEWSLINE ED 9 2021

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

NEWSLINE We Listen, We Care

Issue 9.

7/04/2021

KNH - Othaya, the regional force in Healthcare

CS Health says the hospital has cemented its place as a centre of excellence in provision of specialized healthcare in Central Kenya and beyond.

By Dave Opiyo Kenyatta National Hospital- Othaya has this week witnessed two major events that are set to further cement its place as a regional center of excellence.

First was the launch of its newly refurbished New Born Unit, a venture

Kenyatta National Hospital

sponsored by Safaricom Foundation.

Second, was the launch of a treeplanting initiative dubbed “Trees for Health” expected to boost the regeneration and beautification of the environment around the hospital, an effort spearheaded by the KNH Board of Management.

Both events were presided over by

1.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, who lauded them as game changers in their efforts to provide healthcare to Kenyans.

“KNH-Othaya has indeed cemented it’s status as a regional center of excellence in the provision of specialized healthcare with the launch of the renovated modern Maternal High Dependency Unit and a 10 baby

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke cot state of the art New Born Unit,” he said.

“This is yet another result of the ongoing collaboration between Safaricom and the Ministry of Health.

The CS, who was accompanied by a host of leaders both from KNH and Nyeri County said the launch of the facility could not come at a better time as the world prepares to mark Mother’s Day. “It is a testament that the government remains committed to celebrate and honor mothers through the improvement of maternal health infrastructure and interpersonal quality of care across the country,” said Sen Kagwe.

The facility, he added, has been fitted with electricity ICU/HDU beds, patient monitors, infusion and syringe pumps, defibrillator and an electrocardiogram machine.

He said a well-equipped referral hospital will go a long way towards managing complications arising in the neonatal period.

“As a National Referral Hospital, counties in the region will be able to refer newborns for care and treatment to KNH Othaya thus decongesting county Referral hospitals as well as the main KNH. It will also serve as a training center for advanced neonatal care for healthcare workers in the region.”

On environment conservation, the CS said while trees are a crucial ingredient in community wellness, urban tree cover is fast shrinking depriving those living in such areas of a vital resource.

‘Today’s initiative by KNH Othaya to plant assorted seedlings within the facility through progressive partnerships, will, therefore, in addition to providing beauty to the hospital grounds, will further promote health and the general wellbeing of those within the hospital premise,” he went on.

He went on; “It is unique and gratifying that the hospital plans to give each patient seedlings to plant at their homes upon discharge. This will not only reduce the negative effects of climate change, which determine good health, but will also foster a tree planting culture amongst hospital staff and patients.”

“I’m glad the hospital has made it their mission to combat threats posed by climate change through the planting of trees. The government is encouraging institutions and partners to initiate such programs as part of ongoing efforts to enhance climate change resilience and improve overall community for health.”

Other speakers who gave their

Kenyatta National Hospital

KNH Othaya staff cut a cake to celebrate the launch of new New Born Unit remarks at the event lauded KNH’s efforts to provide healthcare to citizens.

They include Board of Management Chair George Ooko, Safaricom Foundation Chair Joseph Ogutu, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga amongst others. Others present during the event were a host of KNH Board of Management members, Chief Executive Dr. Evanson Kamuri and the senior management officers amongst others.

Some of the sponsors that came

CS Health Mutahi participates in the ‘Trees for Health’ initiative at KNH Othaya Hospital. on board to make donations at KNH Othaya include Rotto Foundation, WWF, Astrazeneca, Ahadi Kenya amongst others.

KNH Board Chair George Ooko waters a tree as CS Kagwe and KNH CEO Dr. Kamuri and guests look on.

2.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

KNH - OTHAYA PICTORIAL

KNH Othaya had a busy day with the launch of its newly refurbished New Born Unit, a venture sponsored by Safaricom Foundation and the launch of a tree-planting initiative dubbed “Trees for Health” expected to boost the regeneration and beautification of the environment around the hospital, an effort spearheaded by the KNH Board of Management and KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri, attended by Nyeri County leadership led by H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga and officiated by CS Health Sen. Mutahi Kagwe.

Kenyatta National Hospital

3.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

CEO Lauds Staff And Spells Out KNH Growth Status

By Dave Opiyo

K

enyatta National Hospital is moving in the right direction with its staff being identified and commended by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri (EBS) as being a key cog in driving this venture.

Dr. Kamuri paid a glowing tribute to the staff for their role in the continuity of service at the hospital despite the various challenges that have bedeviled the facility in the last year.

He especially lauded their commitment and dedication in ensuring that the operations at the facility went on uninterrupted, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic.

This, he said, has not gone unnoticed, while also paying his respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty, while battling the virus from the frontline. A one moment of silence was observed in their honor.

“On behalf of the KNH Board of Management and the Ministry of Health, I’d wish to thank my staff for their resilience during these difficult times,” said Dr. Kamuri while giving an update on the State of the Hospital in his monthly briefing to staff.

His address touched on a myriad of issues including clinical services, human resources, planning and strategy, finance, KPCC, KNH Othaya, and institutional development (ongoing and upcoming projects).

“They have remained a key cog in ensuring that the operations of this facility continue uninterrupted. I’d therefore wish to commend all staff for their dedication and commitment especially during this pandemic, the IDU staff for their exemplary work, and the UHC team for their outreaches and

Kenyatta National Hospital

capacity building,” added Dr. Kamuri.

“We have done well. I appreciate what has been done to contain the (Covid 19) situation,” he said while pointing out that it was due to these efforts that the country was witnessing a reduction in the positivity rate.

Dr. Kamuri, however, encouraged staff to ensure they get vaccinated against the virus.

“The hospital has and will continue to ensure that all healthcare workers are protected appropriately,” he said.

As part of these efforts, the CEO pointed out that workplace guidelines on Covid-19 management were already in place, the testing and vaccination process ongoing, and that Personal Protective Equipment have been procured and distributed to all staff.

“The hospital has also increased its oxygen points to enhance Oxygen therapy,” he says.

At Mbagathi, a 74-bed capacity center was operationalized in March last year. The facility’s IDU, he added now has high-flow non-invasive ventilators. Mechanical extractors and a water treatment plant have equally been installed.

“Plans are underway to install equipment to manage renal patients.

The hospital is also facilitating the procurement of an oxygen tank which will make possible the operationalization of an eight-bed CCU,” he said.

Dr. Kamuri revealed that the hospital had increased its critical care capacity to 76.

“The hospital is also in the process of procuring equipment to replace obsolete ones. There are also plans to install an oxygen plant to increase the

4.

facility’s oxygen capacity.”

At KNH Prime Care Centre, the CEO said the expansion of CCU services from five to 10 beds had been a gamechanger. A dental clinic, he added, has been in operation in COC since August last year.

“COC has operationalized 24 hours’ outpatient services, increasing revenue for KPCC. There is a Covid 19 ICU for staff and Staff dependants in Ward 9A,” he said.

Dr. Kamuri said they had already rolled out plans to expand outpatient services – to include a Family Medical Clinic, Mental Healthcare Services, Geriatric Medicine as well as establish a Renal Unit.

He said the expansion of KNH Othaya is on course, with contractors hard at work to complete the ongoing projects.

The construction of the Kitchen, Mortuary, Laundry, Borehole, Oxygen Plant, and internal roads, which began in October last year, are expected to be completed by May 31 this year.

He revealed that the hospital has already enhanced its services by improving its oncology and chemotherapy services, refurbished the NBU in collaboration with Safaricom, established its CCU and Renal Unit Services as well as HDU. “KNH Othaya is envisioned to be a center of excellence for the management of Non-Communicable Diseases,” said Dr. Kamuri.

Part of the plans for the future, he revealed, was the construction of a modern diagnostic center for the facility, the establishment of a waste management plant as well as the construction of a training and conference hub.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

Other highlights of the CEO’s communication at a glance Finance - Budget for 2021-2022 awaiting final approval from Treasury – Departments are therefore required to prepare and submit Annual Procurement plans.

- KRA tax arrears queries (2014 – 2016) have been sorted out.

- Staff reminded to submit tax returns by June 30.

Planning and Strategy - KNH Culture Change Strategy 2020

– 2023 approved by the Board.

- ISO 9001:2015 QMS Recertification celebration to take place on May 27, 2021.

- Hospital has compiled the third quarter Performance Contract 2020/2021 – composite score is 3.2285 and improvement from the second quarter composite score of 3.2307.

- Hospital has procured and installed supporting hardware for ERP – Awaiting data migration, pilot

testing, training, then roll out.

commissioning

Human Resource - New HR instruments have been developed and forwarded to SCAC - CBAs for KUDHEIHA and KNUN have been submitted to SCR for approval - HR and ICT have set up an online clock in and clock out system.

All HODs have been reminded to inform their staff on the use of the system.

Institutional Development Key projects currently being implemented in the Hospital 1. Paediatrics Emergency and Burns Management Centre - Project Scope – Burns and Paediatric Ward including ICU and HDU - Cost – Sh2.9 billion 2. Cancer Treatment Centre - Project Scope – Four bunkers, 10 storey building - Phase One and Two 3. Cancer Treatment Centre 4. East Africa Kidney Institute 5. Installation of Steam Boilers 6. Steam Reticulation System

Upcoming Projects - Hope Hostel – To cater for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as their caregivers - Mother and Child Hospital – Concept note submitted to MoH and National Treasury - Oxygen Plant at KNH – To improve the adequate supply of Oxygen, a proposal has been submitted to MOH - Labour Ward Expansion – To cater for the high demand for maternity services, awaiting BQs

The plan

Progress

The planned status Paediatrics Emergency and Burns Management Centre

The status of Paediatrics Emergency and Burns Management Centre

The planned new KNH Cancer Treatment Centre

The current status of KNH Cancer Treatment Centre

The planned East Africa Kidney Institute

The current status of East Africa Kidney Institute

Kenyatta National Hospital

5.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

Ear Protection and Health in the Covid 19 era

By Luke G. Kung’u To say the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the world would be an understatement. Since the virus emerged more than a year ago, it upended the day-to-day lives of people across the globe.

The virus has no doubt changed how we work, learn and interact as social distancing guidelines have led to a more virtual existence, both personally and professionally.

There has of late been an increase in the use of digital space such as online meetings that frequently call for use of headphones/earphones.

Newsline team sat down with Dr. Ngugi Njuguna, an ENT surgeon at KNH’s ENT Department to discuss whether the continued use of headphones has any effects on our ears. Read on…

What is the effect of continuous use of ear/headphones on-ear health?

Headphones and earphones are generally safe to use but caution must be taken to keep good ear health and hygiene. This includes but not limited to: a) Keeping volume low enough to comfortably hear and maintain attention to a meeting or class. b) Regularly clean earphones by either wiping them with damp soapy cloth or alcohol swabs. c) Earphones/headphones should be well-fitting, not tight nor causing pain and neither having loose pieces that may get stuck in the ear or hair. d) Taking regular breaks from meeting or classes for example after every one hour you get a ten minutes’ break e) If there is an ear infection, use speakers or an external microphone to communicate f) Avoid sharing earphones/ headphones if possible but when you have no alternative clean them well before and after use.

Prolonged use of earphones and in high volumes has its effects.

Please explain?

High volumes for prolonged periods are more dangerous than exposure to one-time loud noise such as a blast.

Long-term use is associated with progressive damage of the ear leading

Kenyatta National Hospital

Dr. Ngugi Njuguna, an ENT surgeon at KNH’s ENT Department examines a patients’ ear. to hearing loss, once your hearing is damaged, it’s gone for good. The damage far outweighs the benefits, in high costs of treatment and social well-being.

There are many types of earphones ranging from plugged/wired to wireless. Which poses a great danger to ear/ occupational health?

In-office/home set-up one may miss his/her earphones and there is an online class/meeting to attend, the obvious action is to reach out to the next available ear/headphones throwing all caution to the wind. In such a case could there be a transmission of germs such as the Covid-19 virus?

Most times there is very little difference between wired and wireless; wired tend to be more stable in sound and microphone quality. Wired ones are also cheap and need no charging.

The wireless ones have more features such as allowing flexibility of movement, noise cancellation and most are water/sweat resistant.

However, they need to be charged regularly. In occupational health, the wireless ones fit more.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a need to take every caution possible to avoid contracting not only the Covid-19 virus but also other germs.

Avoid sharing and regularly clean earphones by either wiping with damp soapy cloth or alcohol swabs. This goes a long way in fighting cross-infection.

Also, ensure that the earphones are kept safely.

6.

Can radiofrequency radiation from wireless gadgets cause cancer?

No. There’s already no research that has been peer-reviewed and accepted on the long-term effect of wireless headsets.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

The Hospital’s Money Team A profile of KNH’s Finance Department – ‘Where everybody counts’

By Yvonne Gichuru Have you ever wondered how hospitals pay for all their equipment?

Or how hospital bills are processed?

Well, healthcare organizations, like any business, rely on strong financial management systems to effectively operate.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, this mandate falls under the Finance Directorate, within Corporate Services Division.

The Finance Directorate is headed

by Director Mr. Michael Kihuga. Its primary role is financial management and risk in a way that helps the

hospital to achieve its financial goals.

According to Mr. Twitty Wasonga, KNH’s Principal Accountant, their main role is mainly budgeting, collection, and expending of revenues.

“When an institution such as KNH has strong and organized financial management plans, they’re able to provide efficient services to all their patients,” says Mr. Wasonga.

To make work easier, the directorate has been divided into divisions, and senior officers are assigned to them to coordinate their activities. The divisions in the Finance Directorate have been set up along the three

directorates in the hospital’s clinical operations.

They include the Surgery division led by CPA Sammy Nabea, Medicine division led by CPA Susan Wangome, and Diagnostic division led by CPA Laban Murithi.

“These divisions are the core functions of the hospital but for them to operate, the various directors within the hospital’s specialized units need to work hand in hand with these finance division heads to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of all financial matters.” He adds.

CPA Murithi Laban – in charge of Diagnostic Services, Health Information, and Pharmaceutical Services division.

Mr. Murithi was appointed to this position in January 2019.

His division comprises the following departments - Radiology, Laboratory, Farewell Home, Health Information, Pharmacy, and NHIF Outpatient Services.

His main role involves being a link person between departments regarding financial matters, preparing monthly financial reports as well as budgets, and providing financial advice to both KNH employees as well as other clients.

“We evaluate the financial effectiveness and overall operations of the organization. This allows us to plan for the future. The financial team also raises funds for expenditures. We look at the cost and benefit of the investment and/or the kind of debt that we will incur but the Director makes the ultimate call,” he tells Newsline.

“The proper goal

for any health care delivery system is to improve the value delivered to patients. It is not the number of different services provided or the

volume of services delivered that matters but the value. More care and more expensive care is not necessarily better care,’ he adds.

His daily tasks include sorting clients’ complaints, monitoring NHIF outpatient billing, especially in the Farewell Home as well as staff supervision.

Timely financial reporting and coordination of financial activities are also factors that play a role in providing service delivery to his clientele.

He however faces some challenges including a lack of working tools and software errors but despite this Mr. Murithi remains positive that there are better days ahead.

‘The role of division accountant is important in escalating the hospital financial awareness to all departmental sections.’ he concludes.

CPA Susan Wangome – Medicine Division Ms. Wangome has worked as the Medicine division head in the Finance Directorate for one and a half years now.

Services offered under the division include sharing of information details regarding various schemes lodged with the hospital and keying in new/

Kenyatta National Hospital

existing services offered within the wards for revenue capture by the various service providers in the division; compile an annual budget for the division to be submitted to Finance.

Her specific role in the division is to attend to financial functions that

7.

trace to the patients’ needs which she achieves through the preparation of reports such as revenue and vote book balance reports.

“These reports give a reflection of how the division is performing in terms of revenue and expenditure. I also provide the division with a Daily

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke Bed Return (DBR) that shows the actual revenue for the division at a specific time and is a reconciliation of the actual patient numbers in the ward,” she tells Newsline.

Additionally, she participates in budget preparation for the division and guides the departments involved on their expectations.

Ms. Wangome has so far contributed to the division by ensuring that new or existing procedures are captured as revenue in the Integrated Health Information System (I-HMIS) where such information is missing; frequent communication when there is a change in the discharge process for patients.

“I ascertain that the service providers are informed on the financial implications of every service that is offered to the patient. The end goal in the division is to help patients in their illhealth to the recovery process,” she adds.

Ms. Wangom also

checks patients’ documentation to claim under various schemes registered with the hospital and responding to queries about the same. She also verifies if the wards in the division have patients correctly allocated to their wards on the I-HMIS. “At the time of charging, service providers can bill services and our clients are served flawlessly.

However, notwithstanding the challenges of staffing and working tools, we perform our tasks with the available resources.” She remarks.

She believes that when some changes are implemented, service delivery will be improved.

“A shift in getting scheme members notified of their card maturity/ validity dates via a short message from the relevant schemes would go a long way in fulfilling our objectives as drawn in our service delivery charter.” She concludes.

CPA Sammy Nabea – Surgery Division Mr. Nabea was appointed to the Surgery division on 8th Dec, 2020 by the Director, Finance to head the Surgery division.

He has been able to achieve this by optimizing the customer experience, minimized complaints, and improved compliments.

“I have improved partnering between the various stakeholders, enhanced responsiveness by surgical staff to customer queries and complaints, and also improved revenue generation despite the covid-19 pandemic effects,” he affirms.

His work has benefited the hospital’s clientele through improved performance especially during the last internal and external audits in March 2021.

‘There is better understanding by service providers on their contribution and individual impact on the financial success of the hospital, reduction in waiting time and delays by patients when undertaking the discharge process, improved client satisfaction, optimized experience as well as enhanced communication between the various stakeholders.” he adds.

Mr. Nabea has however faced some challenges such as the

Kenyatta National Hospital

effect and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which triggered and therefore reduced theatre operations.

“There is also a delay in ICT transition from Funsoft to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and the burden of unknown or unidentified patients stuck in the wards with no relatives hence disrupting the flow of bed turnover and discharge process.”

He says.

Nevertheless, he says he counters these challenges by arriving early and extending his departure time so that he can achieve all the set targets for the day.

“Just like our KNH Motto - We Listen, We Care; if

8.

we’re able to pay attention to all our clients we’ll be in a better position to sort out the challenges we are facing.

Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.’ He concludes.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

Keeping graft at bay – a day at a time Focus on KNH’s Corruption Prevention Committee

By Luke Kungú The Newsline team spoke to Corruption Prevention Committee Secretary Dr. Musa Kipingor on their mandate. Read on…

Tell us more about CPC…why it exists and its mandate.

It is widely acknowledged that corruption remains the single greatest obstacle to economic and social development. It is in recognition of this challenge that the Kenya Government put in place performance contracting geared towards addressing institutional governance and eliminating corruption in public institutions.

The Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the Public officer’s Ethics act of 2003, and the Public sector Integrity Program provide the foundation and environment framework for Kenyatta National Hospital to put in place policies, systems, and plans as necessary conditions for the fight against corruption.

The Kenyatta National Hospital Corruption Prevention Committee was established in August 2003 in line with the Public Service Integrity Program (PSIP). We are located opposite cashpoint 14 near National bank next to the visitor parking lot.

What necessitated establishment of the unit?

Who are the stakeholders in the fight against corruption in KNH and how do they relate nationally with other bodies dealing with the same?

We have many stakeholders that we relate with such as the Corruption Prevention Committee, CPC secretariat, Departmental CPCs, Integrity Assurance officers, Internal and external customers, suppliers, and institutions of learning.

We report quarterly to the EACC and Commission for Administration of Justice (CAJ). In collaboration with the EACC, we organize training to reinforce integrity.

the

It was established to: steer the fight against corruption in the Hospital, enhance capacity building, develop corruption risk assessments and corruption prevention plan, strengthen corruption prevention strategies and sensitize hospital employees on the phenomenon of corruption.

The CPC is headed by the CEO as the Chairperson, with membership drawn from the Executive Management, other senior members of staff, and the secretariat, comprised of appointed trained Integrity Assurance Officer.

It comprises a six-member secretariat, one officer deployed in the unit to run the day-to-day affairs, one secretary, and support staff. The unit is funded through the Hospital Corporate Governance Vote What is the mandate of the unit in KNH? The unit coordinates corruption prevention activities in the hospital and where necessary liaising with

Kenyatta National Hospital

reports to Ethics and Anticorruption Commission.

There are many forms of corruption. Tell us which ones are prevalent at KNH?

Dr. Musa Kipingor - CPC Secretary relevant external bodies to enhance the fight against corruption.

It sets priorities in the prevention of corruption within KNH, plans and coordinates corruption prevention strategies, receives and reviews reports on corruption prevention initiatives, and recommends appropriate action.

We also receive and take action on corruption reports made by staff and other stakeholders as well as spearheading anti-corruption campaigns, monitoring and evaluating the impact of corruption initiatives.

We also review and create awareness on corruption prevention among staff and the public, give feedback to the whistleblowers and eventually prepare and submit quarterly progress

9.

Receiving or soliciting, agreeing to receive or to solicit any benefits/ property on account, or divulging confidential information. a) Engaging in bid-rigging and other procurement malpractices b) Fraudulently making payment or excess payment for sub-standard or defective goods, untendered, inadequate services, and/or for unsupplied goods. c) Canvassing for self or other people to be recruited. d) Soliciting, receiving, and/or demanding an inducement to facilitate any products or services. e) Receiving or soliciting for sexual favors in return for any services including but not limited to as

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke a condition for employment, training, salary increments, and/or promotion.

What are the modalities (modes) of reporting corruption incidences? a) Walking into the offices opposite cash point 14 near the national bank next to the visitor’s parking lot. b) Through the corruption reporting boxes c) Through online reporting on the KNH website d) Through a telephone/phone call (extension 43037/0702 498 808)

e) Email cpc@knh.or.ke What are the major corruption incidences reported and what action has been taken to deter the vice? a) Disciplinary actions b) Summary dismissal c) Through sensitization on Code of Conduct and Ethics How has the unit been effective in curbing corruption in KNH? a) Through Corruption risk assessment tool and sensitizing the staff on the

same, getting support from the management. b) Through writing to the relevant departments and following up for a course of action. c) Additiona of IAOs in departments that require more and those without representations.

What is the future of this unit? a) To ensure KNH is zero tolerant to corruption b) To ensure information is available for easy accessibility. c) Establishment of Ethics and Integrity office.

Demystifying Asthma What you need to know about the disease and how to take care of yourself when you discover you have it…

By Linnette Leyi What comes to mind when we hear the word “Asthma”?

Most of us picture an inhaler and a person with difficulty in breathing.

However, there is more to know about the disease.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs that affects the airways making them constricted, leading to difficulty in breathing.

Other symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be mild, moderate, or severe.

This disease is mostly hereditary and genetically predisposed.

Asthma presents itself when one is exposed to “triggers” which can be allergies, food, and food additives, exercise, heartburn, smoking, sinusitis, medications, weather, and smoke among others.

Once exposed to the trigger, a person gets an exaggerated reaction in the airway, which becomes inflamed, narrow, and filled with mucus. Asthma can present at any age-childhood or adulthood.

Since it is hereditary, the disease is not infectious and cannot be cured.

The major treatment for asthma is avoiding the triggers. When triggers are unavoidable and one suffers an attack, the best solution is inhaled medication.

“Inhaled medication is the best since it goes straight to the lungs and creates an immediate action, as opposed to oral medicine,” says Dr. George Nyale-Consultant Physician and Chest Specialist at KNH. World Asthma Day is celebrated

Kenyatta National Hospital

annually on May 4. This year’s theme is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions” and it provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that prevent persons with asthma from enjoying optimal benefit from the major advances in the management of this condition.

Dr. Nyale mentions some of the misconceptions in Kenya.

“Some communities believe the disease is caused by witchcraft. Other people also think it is infectious, which is utterly false. Herbalists also purport to be able to cure the disease, but the disease is incurable.”

Proper health education on the disease is the best way we can fight these misconceptions as they

10.

keep patients from seeking proper treatment and leading normal lives like assuming positions of leadership, reproducing, participating in social activities, and so on.

Kenyatta National Hospital provides proper treatment and community education on the disease. It offers various tests for asthma-spirometry, FeNO (nitric oxide) test, and peak flow test. It also has a specialized asthma clinic (Clinic 17) and conducts extensive research on the condition.

With the onset of COVID-19, many have confused the two conditions. Dr. Nyale advises people with breathing problems to get tested for asthma if they test negative for COVID-19 and seek proper treatment.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

OUR STORY IN PICTURES

Health CAS Dr. Rashid Amani cuts a ribbon to launch the Pediatrics and Adult Asthma Care Centre at KNH during the World Asthma Day 2021.

KNH Board Chair George Ooko and KNH management receive a donation of K95 masks from CEO Ungwana Institute Mr. Ken Njiru.

KNH CEO - Dr Evanson Kamuri casts his votes to elect the Matibabu Sacco Board of Management.

Mr. Morris Karaine, Chairman Matibabu Board of Directors launches Strategy Plan 2021- 2024.

IPC Unit celebrates World Hand Hygiene Day

Kenyatta National Hospital

11.

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

http://www.knh.or.ke

KNH Laboratory staff empowered with specialized skills

By Linnette Leyi Kenyatta National Hospital Department of Laboratory Medicine held a graduation ceremony for graduands having completed a Medical Laboratory Auxiliary course.

The course that was taken from March 1, 2021 to May 6, 2021 equipped sixteen laboratory staff with

skills to handle general laboratory work including glassware cleaning, decontamination of work benches and proper disposal of medical and lab waste.

Speaking before issuing the certificates, Deputy Director Laboratory Services Dr. Mary Mungania urged the staff to make use of their newly acquired skills and to seek job

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

Find us on Social Media Kenyatta National Hospital

@CeoKnh @KNH_hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page

www.knh.or.ke

opportunities with their certificates. "We are proud of you for completing the course and going through the theory work and practical sessions. Through this program we have improved our workforce and we will be able to provide better services in the laboratories within the hospital," she said.

Inspirational Quotes “Anyone who has ever made anything of importance was disciplined.”

— Andrew Hendrixson “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”

— Coco Chanel “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

— Albert Einstein “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”

— Brian Tracy “Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching.

Because whatever you see can inspire you.”

— Grace Coddington “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

— Henry David Thoreau “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, but never the goal.”

— Author Unknown “I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

— Abraham Lincoln

To contribute or report on newsworthy items, please contact the Editorial team; Marketing & Communication Department Editorial Team: .Dave Opiyo, Hezekiel Gikambi & Luke Kung’u Stories: Dave Opiyo, Verah Mugambi, Linnette Leyi, Yvonne Gichuru & Luke Kung’u Design By: Collins Cheruiyot Photos: Yvonne Gichuru, Nicholas Wamalwa & Chris Mwiti

Kenyatta National Hospital

12.

Tel: +254 20 2726300-9 Ext. 43121 or 43969 Fax: +254 20 272572 Email: caffairs@knh.or.ke knh.caffairs@gmail.com

Youtube: Kenyatta National Hospital Official Page