By Sherine Atieno.
Kisumu County is poised to launch a comprehensive referral strategy aimed at strengthening its healthcare system and improving patient outcomes. The draft strategy, currently in the final stages of validation, was a key focus of a recent meeting held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Prioritizing Patients, Bolstering Access
Stakeholders in the county’s healthcare sector gathered at the validation meeting, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care. Dr. Ojwang’ Lusi, Kisumu County Chief Officer for Health, lauded the efforts of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which plays a crucial role in coordinating referrals. He highlighted the need for prioritizing patients during the dispensing process, regardless of whether they come from public or private facilities.
“Every patient must be served with utmost care and dedication at all times,” Dr. Lusi emphasized to the audience.
The new referral strategy, according to Mr. Zachary Oketch, the County Referral Coordinator, promises to enhance access to services across all six levels of healthcare within the county. “We’ll be able to strengthen our referral systems and, in the process, reverse any declining health indicators,” he said.
Addressing Maternal and Perinatal Deaths
The strategy places a strong focus on addressing gaps in maternal and perinatal deaths, a critical area for improvement as highlighted by Agnes Dawa, the County Maternal Health Services Coordinator. This focus aims to bring about substantial improvements in overall healthcare outcomes.
Easing Burden on JOOTHR
Dr. Richard Leisyampe, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, welcomed the referral strategy as a solution to the facility’s overwhelming patient load. He further emphasized the importance of the validation exercise in ensuring the strategy’s successful implementation in the near future.
A Well-Coordinated System
Drafted in 2022, the County Referral Strategy seeks to establish a well-coordinated system for ambulatory services. Key highlights include the implementation of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for referrals, fostering research and innovation, and establishing clear referral protocols to ensure continuity of care during patient transfers. These initiatives aim to improve clinical case management standards, foster patient confidence, and create a more positive experience within the healthcare system.
Collaborative Efforts
The validation meeting was supported by USAID Boresha Jamii, in partnership with the Kisumu Medical and Educational Trust (KMET) and a representative of the Regional Prisons Commander. Additional attendees included the County Director of Nursing, Florence Aketch, the EOC Manager, Dr. Kiyaka Sonye, and various stakeholders from public, private, and faith-based health management teams, medical superintendents, and nursing officers.
The upcoming launch of the Kisumu County Referral Strategy signals a significant step towards ensuring a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system for residents across the county.
