By Hope Barbra
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has attained the minimum requirements for Level 6A and now seeks to sustain and improve on those gains.
The Board’s Chairman, Dr Olango Onudi, said the hospital was shifting to outlining measures aimed at strengthening staff systems, specialised services, and long-term planning.
“After attaining Level 6A status, we are now proving what the new status can deliver for patients,” he said.
Speaking during the Board’s introduction session to staff, Dr Olango said the hospital’s elevation was a milestone to better health services in the region.
The Chairman challenged the staff and management to maintain the gains so far achieved while enhancing service delivery and performance.
Dr Olango said the Board has already made key resolutions, among them the absorption of staff into the hospital’s new structure. Others include the approval for the introduction and maintenance of a staff pension scheme.
“Management has been tasked with implementing the pension resolution, with the Board expected to follow up on its progress,” he said.
Dr Olango said they have developed a five-year strategic plan. The Board expects the management to translate the strategic plan into annual work plans, targets, and actions across departments.
“The strategic plan was intended to give every unit a clear understanding of its priorities and contribution to the hospital’s broader direction,” he said.
He said the Board and hospital were committed towards the welfare of patients.
“A stronger workforce system and clearer institutional priorities are intended to support more reliable and specialised care,” he said.
Dr Olango called for JOOTRH to build capacity to provide services expected of a Level 6 facility, including reducing unnecessary referrals for services that can be delivered within the hospital.
Representative of the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Norbert Abuya, Deputy Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, said the new status must translate into expanded services and patient-centred care.
He highlighted key areas of focus to include patient safety, clean and safe environments, referral and counter-referral systems, waiting times, and length of stay.
Dr Abuya said the Board and hospital leadership cannot achieve the strategic direction without the contribution of staff across departments.
He said the priorities must be translated into individual workstations.
JOOTRH CEO, Dr Joshua Clinton Okise, is expected to lead the implementation of the Board’s resolutions, while staff across departments will be central to turning the strategic direction into measurable improvements.
Dr Olango said the Board’s role was to provide policy and strategic direction, while management implements the resolutions and government policies.
Other Board members present included Dr Zablon Mokua, Ms Grace Essendi, Mr Elias Mokono, and Riyaq Ahmed, who joined the engagement with staff as the Board outlined its priorities for the hospital’s next phase.
The Board’s engagement with staff comes as JOOTRH begins consolidating its Level 6A status.
