- JOOTRH is renovating six operating theatres, with four remaining operational as the hospital works to improve its surgical capacity
- The hospital has ordered staff to undergo culture change and communication skills training
- Management has also revealed shortages of 510 nurses and 107 specialists as it pursues reforms to improve services and restore public confidence
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has announced plans to improve patient care through theatre renovations and staff training following public complaints about service delivery.
Source: Facebook
In an update dated Wednesday, October 14, acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Joshua Clinton Okise said renovation works were ongoing in six theatres, with four remaining operational.
The hospital expects the renovations to be completed within one month, after which the refurbished theatres will progressively resume operations following inspection and commissioning.
“Currently, four theatres remain operational, allowing the hospital to continue providing surgical services,” Okise stated.
JOOTRH urged referring health facilities to coordinate with its management before sending patients for elective surgical procedures during the renovation period. Emergency referrals should continue under established protocols.
JOOTRH orders staff training after widespread complaints
The announcement comes after the hospital's board and management initiated measures to address complaints shared on social media and other channels concerning staff attitudes and the quality of services.
Management said investigations had been launched to identify service gaps and introduce corrective measures.
Among the interventions is mandatory culture change and communication skills training for all staff to improve interactions with patients and caregivers. Employees have also been reminded to observe professional ethics, wear official name tags while on duty, communicate respectfully and prioritise patients' needs.
The hospital warned that staff found engaging in malpractice or unethical conduct would face disciplinary action.
The board and management have held meetings to review the complaints and identify solutions, with engagements involving the Principal Secretary for Health, hospital staff, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Hospital reveals shortage of nurses, specialists
JOOTRH has also identified staffing shortages as a major challenge affecting service delivery.
According to figures released by management, the hospital requires approximately 1,050 nurses but has only 540, leaving a deficit of 510. It has 60 specialists against an established requirement of 167, a shortfall of 107.
Management said the shortages increase workloads and slow service delivery. It is engaging relevant government agencies to address the gaps, noting that recruitment in public institutions depends on approvals and budgetary provisions.
The hospital has also called on Kisumu and neighbouring county governments to strengthen lower-level health facilities through improved staffing, diagnostic services and medicine supplies. This would reduce unnecessary referrals and allow JOOTRH to focus on complex cases requiring specialised care.
Other planned improvements include better digital equipment to support the Afya Ke system, shorter waiting times, improved appointment management and efforts to address concerns about medicine availability and diagnostic delays.
Patients can report complaints by emailing info@jootrh.go.ke, calling 0733888579 or visiting the hospital's customer care desks.
Source: TUKO.co.ke