KNH Announces 2 Strategies to Prevent Future Surgery Mix Ups

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has been on the spot in recent weeks following a blunder that led to head surgery on the wrong patient.

The facility's management on Tuesday announced two changes as it seeks to avert future errors in theatres.

First, an audit firm has been contracted to investigate the events that led up to the brain surgery mix up.

The hospital reiterated its commitment to delivering quality healthcare to patients and assured the public that the firm would issue a comprehensive statement.

[caption caption="Suspended KNH CEO Lily Koros"][/caption]

“We take any allegations of negligence very seriously and mandated the firm to give an independent and authoritative position on the matter and together with a comprehensive report.

“The KNH community comprising of doctors, medical students, nurses and support staff remain steadfast in our collective commitment to providing high-quality care to the citizens of Kenya,” stated the board.

Corporate Affairs Manager Simon Ithai further divulged that the hospital had also commenced its work to review the institutional processes that led to the mistake.

“In view of these investigations, the Board wishes to urge all stakeholders to refrain from speculation and drawing any premature conclusions until the reports have been finalized,” he reiterated.

Ithai, however, appealed to stakeholders to handle the situation with utmost care to ensure the welfare of patients is protected.

On Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Sicily Kariuki suspended KNH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lilian Koros and Director of clinical services Benard Githae.

The two were sent on compulsory leave to allow investigations into the blunder that caused public uproar.

"I have directed the CEO of KNH and the colleague responsible for this to be sent on compulsory leave," stated CS Kariuki.

[caption caption="Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki"][/caption]