Some doctors and nurses during a gathering at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). Photo/Lawrence Ongaro
By Lawrence Ongaro
Health experts have raised concerns over the shortage of nurses specialized in managing chronic wounds in hospitals across the country, saying the gap is undermining efforts to provide quality patient care.
The call was made on Thursday, May 28, during the Second National and Regional Conference for Wounds and Continence Care (NNAK Chapter 2nd Annual Scientific Conference and AGM) held at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
According to health professionals, there is an urgent need for more nurses to be recruited and given comprehensive training in chronic wound management.
Dr. Anthony Kamau, Director of Nursing Services, said the government must intervene to address the shortage of nurses in many hospitals across the country.
He also recommended that the government establish a factory to manufacture specialized wound-care equipment and other essential medical supplies for patients.
“In the Oncology Department, we handle many patients suffering from chronic wounds while facing a shortage of nurses,” explained Dr. Kamau.
He noted that the department requires more highly qualified nurses to adequately meet the needs of patients requiring treatment.
“We would also like the government to invest more in nursing training so that patients with chronic wounds and cancer can receive proper care without challenges,” he added.
Call for greater investment and collaboration
The Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Dr. Zeinab Gura, said the hospital currently has about 800 nurses who have been able to handle a wide range of patient-care responsibilities.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and health institutions to achieve these goals.
Read more: KUTRRH nurses urged to advance studies during Nurses Week
“Close collaboration will provide the right direction because it will help us develop more specialists with the skills needed to care for critically ill patients,” said Dr. Gura.
Nurses overburdened by rising patient numbers
Dr. Margaret Mungai, Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, called on the government to take responsibility for training more nurses to cope with the growing number of patients suffering from chronic wounds.
“Our nurses are overworked because one nurse often attends to between 15 and 20 patients. However, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, one nurse should ideally care for only six patients,” explained Dr. Mungai.
Chief Nurse Justin Kinoti advised patients with chronic wounds to seek medical attention as early as possible so they can receive urgent treatment.
“There is no need for patients to wait until a wound becomes chronic or begins showing signs of cancer before seeking medical care,” said Kinoti.
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