NGPU November 25, 2023

Celebrating Life: A Quarter of Success at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital’s Mother and Baby Wing

Written by Ruth Magak

Today marks a pivotal moment of triumph and joy at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital as we proudly announce an extraordinary achievement—over 3000 successful deliveries with no maternal deaths in the last quarter.

This milestone resonates deeply within our Mother and Baby Wing, showcasing the commitment of our healthcare heroes to ensuring safe and joyful childbirth experiences for every mother.

Midwives in our labor ward erupted in jubilation as they celebrated this remarkable feat. The resounding cheers are a testament to the sustained efforts poured into providing quality Maternal and Perinatal care.

Despite challenges, the collective dedication of the healthcare team has transformed the landscape of maternal care within the hospital.

Early in the year, Governor Susan Kihika identified one of the challenges faced by the hospital which was delayed referrals from peripheral facilities and neighboring counties impacting timely interventions.

However, the H.E. Governor activated all the relevant teams in a relentless pursuit of improvement which has now led to an enhanced workforce and quality training, driving a positive transformation in maternal care. The result—a quarter marked by zero maternal deaths.

The spirit of teamwork is evident in the workload the healthcare workers gracefully manage—an average of 1000 deliveries per month.

Out of these, approximately 700 are normal deliveries, and 300 are carried out through Caesarean section. Mellen Gechemba, a dedicated midwife since 2014, expresses her joy in contributing to the satisfaction of helping mothers bring new lives into the world. “Despite the achievement, we acknowledge challenges, particularly with referral delays,” she said.

Betty Kiprotich, a staunch advocate for maternal health, urges women to initiate antenatal clinics early, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions. The commitment to proactive care remains a cornerstone of her mission and her fellow midwives.

Veronicah Ongwae, in charge of the unit, orchestrated a heartfelt celebration, sharing a symbolic cake with the team. This gesture serves as a tangible token of appreciation for the tireless efforts invested in ensuring safe deliveries. It’s a moment of unity and acknowledgment of the collective impact achieved.

Behind the scenes, strategic approaches have played a crucial role in our success. County Coordinator for Reproductive Health Clara Kerich highlights the significance of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) approach in achieving and maintaining this milestone. The systematic monitoring and swift responses have undoubtedly been instrumental.

This quarter of success is not just a numerical achievement but a profound testament to the dedication, collaboration, and resilience of all the healthcare teams involved from the midwives, doctors, physicians, clinicians, and a skill mix to have this great milestone.

“As we celebrate over 3000 safe deliveries, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of every mother and baby that comes through our doors,” said Kerich, who is also a senior midwife besides her current role in reproductive health programming.

The joyous echoes in the labor ward today resonate with the promise of H.E Governor Susan Kihika to give Nakuru residents “A Healthy County”.