JOOTRH Launches Investigations After Public Outcry Over Patient Experience

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has launched investigations into complaints raised publicly by Grace Akinyi over her experience at the facility.

In a series of social media posts, Akinyi raised concerns about the time taken to discharge patients at the Kisumu-based referral hospital, alleging that the process could take an entire day under the best circumstances and even longer during normal operations.

"Discharging a patient at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital takes a whole day on the days that they're very competent and two days when they're operating on a normal scale," she wrote.

Akinyi further claimed that patients seeking to transfer to other hospitals could face additional delays after initiating the discharge process, raising concerns about the potential impact on critically ill patients.

In a statement on Thursday, October 8, JOOTRH said it had taken note of the concerns raised by Akinyi and assured the public that complaints from patients, clients and members of the public are taken seriously.

"Management wishes to assure the public that we take all complaints and concerns raised by our patients, clients and members of the public seriously. 

"Accordingly, the Hospital has commenced investigations into the allegations raised, with a view to establishing the facts and ensuring that any issues identified are appropriately addressed," the statement read.

The hospital also said its management had contacted Akinyi following her complaints and engaged her on the concerns she raised.

"Management has also reached out to Grace Akinyi and engaged her regarding the concerns she has raised. She has been assured that her complaints are receiving the attention they deserve and that the Hospital has put in place appropriate mechanisms to address the matters raised," the statement added.

JOOTRH reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of services offered to patients and clients at the referral facility.

"JOOTRH remains committed to providing safe, compassionate, respectful and quality healthcare services to all our patients and clients.

"We appreciate members of the public who bring concerns to our attention, as such feedback provides an opportunity for the Hospital to improve its services and strengthen accountability," the statement further read.

The hospital encouraged members of the public with complaints or concerns to use its established complaints and customer-care channels to formally report their experiences.

"We therefore wish to encourage anyone who may have a complaint, concern or experience that requires the attention of the Hospital to formally report the matter through the established complaints and customer-care channels. All such concerns will be handled with due respect, confidentiality and fairness," the statement noted.

JOOTRH also appealed to the public to allow the investigations into the allegations to proceed, promising that action would be taken based on the findings.

"The Hospital further appeals to the public to allow the ongoing investigations to take their course. Management will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigations," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, JOOTRH is mourning the death of Francis Odhiambo Owino, a mortuary attendant who was killed after being attacked by a mob.

In a statement on Monday, October 5, the hospital said Owino was a member of its Farewell Home team and died suddenly following the attack.

"The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is mourning Mr. Francis Odhiambo Owino, a member of its Farewell Home team who died suddenly after he was attacked by a mob," the statement read.

According to the hospital, Owino had worked at the hospital's Farewell Home for nearly five years, where he was known for his dedication and professionalism.

"Colleagues described Mr. Owino as a hardworking and committed professional with an exceptional work ethic. A graduate of Mortuary Science from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, he had served at the Farewell Home for nearly five years and earned the respect of his supervisors and colleagues," the statement added.

The hospital said Owino had also developed strong relationships with colleagues and other people around him, who remembered him for his personal qualities.

"He was also remembered for his warmth, generosity and the strong relationships he built with those around him. Colleagues who expected him to report for his Sunday night shift were devastated to learn of his death," the statement concluded.