NGPU
July 1, 2024
Nakuru County Launches Pioneering WISN Initiative to Transform Healthcare Staffing
Written by Ruth Magak
Nakuru County has officially commenced the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) implementation, starting with a sensitization for the Leadership of Health and the County Public Service Board.
The sensitization’s objective was to mobilize support and gain buy-in for the WISN implementation, ensuring a smooth rollout and effectively utilizing our valuable human resources.
WISN is a facility-based scientific method from the World Health Organization that uses health workers’ workload and activity (time) standards to determine staff requirements. This approach takes into account differences in services provided and the complexity of care in different facilities. The WISN calculation of staff requirements is based on the same medical standards in all similar facilities, ensuring consistency and fairness in staffing decisions.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Roselyn Mungai, commissioned the full rollout of the WISN implementation stating, “This strategic initiative will revolutionize staffing decisions, optimize healthcare workforce management, and enhance productivity to meet the needs of Nakuru residents.” Ms. Mungai emphasized the critical role of this initiative in addressing staffing challenges and improving the quality of healthcare services across the county.
The sensitization session marked the beginning of a comprehensive plan to implement WISN across Nakuru’s healthcare facilities. By involving key stakeholders early in the process, the county aims to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance of the WISN methodology. The active participation of the County Public Service Board, healthcare leaders, and partners underscores the collaborative effort needed to bring about meaningful change.
The next phase will see the County Health Management Team members trained to cascade the WISN methodology downwards, ensuring that every level of our healthcare system benefits from this innovative approach. This phased training will equip healthcare managers with the skills and knowledge to apply WISN principles effectively, leading to more accurate staffing and better resource allocation.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to collaborate with like-minded partners and mobilize resources for better health services for all residents, and I want to particularly thank USAID Tujenge Jamii, USAID Misingi Imara, and ThinkWell for complementing our efforts in this,” said Ms. Mungai. The partnerships with these organizations have been instrumental in providing technical support and resources necessary for the successful implementation of WISN.
The WISN method offers several benefits for Nakuru County’s healthcare system. It provides a data-driven approach to staffing, helping to identify gaps and surpluses in the workforce. This allows for more strategic deployment of staff, ensuring that healthcare workers are where they are needed most. Additionally, WISN can help to document staffing trends over time, providing valuable insights for long-term planning and policy development.
As Nakuru County moves forward with WISN implementation, the anticipated outcomes include improved healthcare delivery, increased efficiency, and better patient outcomes. The county’s commitment to adopting best practices and leveraging international standards reflects its dedication to advancing public health and meeting the needs of its residents.
The successful rollout of WISN is expected to serve as a model for other counties in Kenya. Nakuru County can inspire similar initiatives in other regions by demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach contributing to a broader improvement in healthcare management and service delivery.
