Security beefed up at Kenyatta National Hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has installed armed police officers on every floor of the facility and all entry points to ensure safety of staff members and patients.

“On safety and security, the management has engaged General Service Unit, Administration Police and increased guards to secure high risk areas especially Accidents and Emergency, entrances and all floors.

“It is also worth noting that the management has initiated a rapid response system ‘mulika uhalifu’ (report crime) to enhance real-time response and reporting of incidents,” Acting Chief Executive Thomas Mutie mentioned.

Mutie further stated the facility has developed a standard operating procedure on communication to the bereaved families and dissatisfied clients.

“There shall be debriefing sessions for the nursing team and to provide regular sensitization on effective communication.”

KNH has also set aside ksh 891million for a perimeter wall and CCTV cameras to help improve security.

In the recent past, the facility has been under public scrutiny over the rampant security breaches.

Several female nurses at the hospital have complained about harassment by male patients in the orthopedic wing.

A nurse, who spoke to the Nation in confidence for fear of being victimized, said “They tell me to my face that they want to sleep with me.”

 

The nurses have resorted to wearing trousers to work, not as a preference but for protection. Their colleagues in other wards wear tunics.

Citing the previous attack on a nurse by the deceased relatives, one of the striking nurses said,”one of us was hurt but the management has not taken any action or given any information regarding the patient who assaulted the nurse.”

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