Mental Health & Rehabilitative Department
Mental Health & Rehabilitative Services
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is dedicated to addressing mental health disorders and providing essential rehabilitation services. Under the leadership of Dr. Richard Lesiyampe and with the support of Mrs. Teresa Okiri, our department seamlessly integrates clinical care, community outreach, and professional training to combat mental illness, substance abuse, and the associated social stigma.
As a vital part of JOOTRH’s comprehensive healthcare services, our Mental Health and Rehabilitative Center focuses on providing curative, preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative care for a wide range of mental health conditions and related disorders. As a key referral hub, JOOTRH’s mental health services cater to conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical disabilities requiring psychological support.
Our department is committed to JOOTRH’s broader mission of delivering accessible, high-quality care in line with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Principles. We emphasize early detection, stigma reduction, and community-based interventions. We collaborate closely with the Directorate of Nursing, many of whom are specially trained in mental health care, and work with other departments like Internal Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health to ensure holistic patient care.
Services and Clinical Operations
1. Clinical Services
We provide thorough assessment and management of mental health disorders, including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance-induced conditions. For patients requiring hospitalization, particularly those with acute conditions like severe depression, schizophrenia, or suicidal ideation, we offer a dedicated psychiatric ward.
2. Rehabilitative Services
Our focus is on comprehensive mental health rehabilitation programs designed to support recovery and successful reintegration for patients with chronic mental illness. This includes occupational therapy and social skills training. We also provide crucial interventions to support sobriety, such as counseling and referrals to community-based support groups. In 2022, plans for a dedicated rehabilitation center, in partnership with NACADA, were announced.
Furthermore, we collaborate with the rehabilitative section to provide assistive devices and therapy for patients with physical disabilities resulting from neurological or psychiatric conditions.
3. Community Outreach and Sensitization
We actively conduct mental health awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and communities to reduce stigma and promote early detection. A notable initiative in 2024 was JOOTRH’s comprehensive program for World Mental Health Day, which included a symbolic march from Kombewa market to Kit Mikayi and a community screening event.
Our nurses and mental health staff are instrumental in training community health workers to identify and refer cases of mental illness, significantly enhancing early intervention in rural areas. Through media engagement, radio outreaches, and public health campaigns, we strive to reach all populations.
4. Screening and Early Detection
In 2024, JOOTRH introduced a cutting-edge digital screening tool, developed by our ICT department, to facilitate early detection of mental health issues among staff and the community. This user-friendly tool prioritizes privacy, supporting our hospital’s goal of proactive mental health care. We also conduct targeted screening in schools, universities, and hospitals, focusing on high-risk groups like healthcare workers who often face elevated stress due to demanding workloads and understaffing.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2022, Frank Njenga, Presidential Advisor on Mental Health, proposed that our mental health and rehabilitative department become a Center of Excellence, a significant achievement and recognition of our efforts. Additionally, in 2024, the department contributed to JOOTRH’s impressive 85% compliance with Level 6A standards, as assessed by the KHPOA and NCK, through continuous improvements in patient care and documentation practices.
