JOOTRH Patients Given Notice as 6 Theatres Undergo Renovations

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has notified patients and referring health facilities that six operating theatres are undergoing renovations.

In a notice on Friday, October 16, the hospital management said the renovation works were ongoing as part of efforts to improve the theatres.

"The Management of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) wishes to inform patients, referring health facilities, stakeholders and the general public that renovation works on six (6) theatres are ongoing," the notice read.

Despite the temporary reduction in the number of available theatres, JOOTRH assured patients that it would continue providing surgical services as the renovation project progresses. 

The hospital also indicated that the works were expected to take one month, after which the renovated facilities would resume operations in phases.

"Currently, four (4) theatres remain operational, allowing the Hospital to continue providing surgical services.

"The renovation works are progressing well and are expected to be completed within one month, after which the renovated theatres will progressively resume operations following the necessary inspection and commissioning," the notice added.

JOOTRH urged health facilities that refer patients to coordinate with its management before sending patients for elective surgeries during the renovation period.

"Referring facilities are encouraged to coordinate with JOOTRH before referring patients for elective surgical procedures during this period, while emergency referrals should continue as per established referral protocols," the notice further read.

This comes a week after JOOTRH 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.

She 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.

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 added.

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.