By; Omondi Sherick and Liliana Ambrose                                                                                                                                   Kisumu County’s Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is undergoing a remarkable transformation, bringing significant advancements and a renewed focus on patient care.

Expanded Services and Reduced Wait Times:

The Governor of Kisumu officially opened the newly renovated Prime Care Center (PCC) on July 1st, 2024. This 40-bed facility, previously unused after COVID-19, now offers affordable, specialized services to Kisumu residents.

JOOTRH Board Chair, Ms. Doris Ombara, highlighted other key improvements. The number of surgical theatres has increased from five to nine, with plans for further expansion to twelve. This reduces wait times for critical surgeries and allows for handling more complex procedures.

The overcrowded casualty unit has been significantly improved. Previously plagued by overcrowding, it has been expanded into Ward 7 with 26 additional beds. This ensures every patient receives proper care and comfort.

Streamlined Services and Preventative Measures:

Centralized pharmacies have been established across the maternity wing, inpatient section, and PCC, improving efficiency and timely access to medication.

In the orthopedic ward, a focus on preventative measures is underway. Collaborations with boda boda operators aim to reduce accident-related admissions through road safety education programs.

Enhanced Patient Experience:

For improved comfort and disease prevention, 1,000 mosquito nets have been installed in wards, particularly benefiting mothers and newborns. Additionally, the hospital menu has been revamped to provide nutritious meals catering to various dietary needs.

Aesthetic improvements are also a priority. Two major wards have been repainted with plans to complete the entire hospital within two months.

Cost-Saving Measures and Infrastructure Upgrades:

To address rising utility costs, the hospital is exploring solutions to reduce water bills and considering solar panels as a sustainable alternative to lower electricity costs, which currently reach 5 million shillings monthly.

Significant strides have been made in educational facilities. The nursing school has expanded with 25 additional rooms, providing ample space for training future healthcare professionals.

Years of challenges ended with securing the hospital’s land title deed, paving the way for further development. A modern kitchen is now operational, enhancing food service efficiency.

Staff Welfare and Technological Advancements:

Staff welfare is being addressed by creating designated changing rooms for uniforms. Plans are underway to digitize radiology, the labor ward, and both in- and outpatient departments within the next two months, improving efficiency and patient care.

A new Neuro ward is ready, with 150 beds ordered to increase the hospital’s capacity to 850 beds.

These improvements in infrastructure, patient care, and staff welfare all aim to deliver excellent clinical outcomes for the Kisumu community. JOOTRH is on a promising path toward a