KNH overwhelmed as health workers' strikes in Kiambu, Nairobi flood hospital with critically ill patients
Acting CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the surge in critically ill patients has placed immense pressure on the hospital’s maternity and newborn units, which are operating at more than double their normal capacity.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has reported a sharp increase in critically ill patients as ongoing industrial action in Kiambu and Nairobi counties cripples public health facilities, forcing the national referral hospital to bear the brunt of urgent medical cases.
In a statement on Wednesday, Acting CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the surge in critically ill patients has placed immense pressure on the hospital’s maternity and newborn units, which are operating at more than double their normal capacity.
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The increased patient load has strained essential hospital services, including operating theatres, the blood bank, and diagnostic departments. KNH staff are working around the clock to provide care, but resources are stretched to the limit as the number of critically ill patients continues to rise.
Dr Lesiyampe said the Maternity Department, particularly the Labour Ward and Newborn Unit, has been hardest hit. Many mothers and newborns are arriving in critical condition, resulting in some adverse health outcomes despite the hospital’s best efforts.
"With most public health facilities in the two counties unable to operate fully, KNH has become the main point of care for patients in need of urgent treatment.
This has led to a sharp rise in the number of very sick patients arriving at the hospital, many in critical condition. The Maternity Department has been hardest hit, with the Labour Ward and Newborn Unit now handling more than twice their normal capacity," said Lesiyampe.
"Sadly, some of the mothers and babies are arriving too late, and a few have had poor health outcomes despite the best efforts of our dedicated medical teams," he added.
The hospital has appealed to all parties involved in the industrial action to resolve their differences swiftly. Restoring normal operations in county health facilities would help ease the surge in critically ill patients at KNH and ensure that patients receive timely care closer to their homes.
KNH has assured the public of its continued commitment to caring for all patients who seek treatment at the facility.
"KNH remains committed to caring for all who come through our doors, and we continue to do everything possible to save lives under these difficult circumstances. We, however, appeal to all parties involved in the ongoing industrial action to resolve their differences quickly. Restoring normal operations in Kiambu and Nairobi County hospitals will ease the pressure on KNH and ensure that patients receive care closer to their homes and on time," Lesiyampe stated.
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