KNH to train more nurses in oncology

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At least for once in a very long time, the Kenyatta National Hospital is on the news for positive news after the hospital has in the past made headlines for some of the worst reasons. The KNH Acting CEO Thomas Mutie, has today announced that the hospital will soon introduce oncology nursing training.

 

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Speaking during the 11th Graduation ceremony of the KNH School of Nursing, Dr. Mutie said the training will help address the rising number of cancer patients seeking treatment at the facility adding that overstretched facilities is a major challenge for the hospital.

“The hospital treats patients from all over Kenya and the neighbouring countries as well. Kenya has 47,887 new cancer cases every year or 39 per cent of the 122,564 infections, followed by Tanzania with 42,060, while Uganda has 3,261. Having more staff in such an area will help greatly in fighting the disease,” Mutie said.

 

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A total of 98 nursing students graduated with higher diplomas during the function with 27 in critical care nursing, 15 in neonatal nursing, 13 in peri-operative nursing, 9 in accident and emergency and 31 in nephrology nursing.

Dr. Mutie said that more than 1,080 students have graduated since the inception of the school in 1996. The KNH School of Nursing Principal Jane Chore also reiterated the hospital’s commitment to expanding programmes and to continue training speciality nurses of high calibre to accelerate the UHC agenda.

 

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Dr. Mutie further said that the Kenyatta Hospital is overwhelmed by the number of patients who visit the facility since it is the only public institution that has most cancer experts and technology in Kenya.

“The war on cancer is happening in a time warp. We are working together with the National Cancer Institute to introduce specialised training in such areas that real skills are needed,” Mutie said.

He called for dedicated cancer treatment centres across the country, saying the move will minimise delayed diagnosis, treatment, and reduce the financial burden of patients.

“The graduands will go a long way in helping decongest KNH especially in areas that need specialised skills and care because they will be offering their services in county and sub-county hospitals. This will help attain Vision 2030 and the Universal Health Coverage,” he added.

 

Cancer has become very common in Kenya today, do you think the new graduands will make a difference in the health sector or are they just an addition to the number of medics in the country?

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