County officials are optimistic that this expansion will not only alleviate the current strain on the hospital's capacity but also enhance the quality of care provided to thousands of patients who rely on the facility.
The expansion comes in response to a growing patient load, which has been linked to recent improvements in the hospital’s service delivery. The hospital, originally designed to cater to a smaller population, has seen an overwhelming influx of patients, particularly in the maternity unit, which has struggled to keep up with the demand.
Suzanne Silantoi, Nairobi County's Health and Nutrition CEC, recently toured the facility and reiterated the county’s commitment to ensuring no patient is turned away.
"We cannot afford to send patients home due to a lack of space or resources. The construction of this new wing is critical in helping us meet the increasing demand," Silantoi remarked.
During her visit, Silantoi provided an update on the hospital’s maternity unit, which is currently experiencing high numbers of admissions.
"As of October 19, we have 100 mothers admitted, with 10 new admissions today alone," she said. "Six deliveries were recorded, four of which required caesarean sections. This illustrates the level of demand for maternal care, which the new wing will help address."
Silantoi also credited recent changes in the hospital's administrative structure for the improved service delivery. Under the new system, Level 5 hospitals like Mama Lucy Kibaki are now headed by Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), a move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing accountability.
"These changes have enabled us to offer better services to our patients. The new wing, once completed and fully equipped, will significantly improve our ability to serve the community," she added.
The Nairobi County government, under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja, is keen on expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas like Eastlands. Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has become a lifeline for many residents in this region, and the county is committed to making it a model of healthcare excellence.
In addition to expanding Mama Lucy, the county is upgrading smaller health facilities across Nairobi. This will help reduce the pressure on larger hospitals and ensure that more residents can access timely healthcare services without having to travel long distances.
"The county government is focused on improving access to quality healthcare across Nairobi. We are not only expanding major facilities like Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital but also enhancing smaller community health centers to ensure a more balanced and efficient healthcare system," Silantoi explained.
The new wing is part of a broader strategy aimed at upgrading Nairobi’s healthcare system to accommodate the city's growing population. As the expansion continues, residents of Eastlands can expect better access to critical healthcare services in the coming months.
The Nairobi County government’s efforts to improve healthcare extend beyond infrastructure. According to Silantoi, the county is also working on improving healthcare worker training, ensuring adequate staffing, and investing in modern medical equipment. These measures are expected to enhance service delivery and make the hospital a beacon of hope for many families in the area.
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, once criticized for being overstretched and under-resourced, is on the path to becoming a leading healthcare provider in the region. With the new wing set to open soon, patients will no longer have to endure long waits or seek care elsewhere due to lack of space.
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