Murang’a Hospital recalls staff after being overwhelmed as patient numbers surge

Murang’a County’s flagship Level 5 hospital announced it is experiencing an unprecedented surge in patient numbers following recent expansions in the county’s healthcare infrastructure.

The hospital said they are getting up to 2,000 outpatients and 500 inpatients being attended to daily — the latter matching the facility’s full bed capacity.

The sharp increase in patient flow has been attributed not only to improved local access but also to an influx of patients from neighboring counties, drawn by upgraded services and the county’s commitment to providing quality care.

In response, the county government has moved swiftly to implement emergency interventions aimed at maintaining clinical standards and easing pressure on the overburdened facility.

“We are committed to offering quality services to each and every client,” a statement from the County Department of Health reads.

“This surge, while a testament to improved confidence in our system, demands immediate and strategic action.”

Key measures taken include reorganization of emergency staff within the casualty department to improve response times and recall of staff on leave to boost workforce numbers.

There is also deployment of marshalls to help manage patient flow and direct clients efficiently and opening of new wards to increase bed capacity.

The hospital said there is linkages with Level 4 hospitals across the county to redistribute non-critical patients and a 24-hour lab and radiology services to support clinical diagnostics around the clock.

Despite these measures, staffing remained a critical challenge.

The county expressed intent to recruit new healthcare workers, although this effort is constrained by the county’s limited wage bill.

To mitigate such challenges in the future, the county requested the Murang’a County Assembly to fast-track the Locum Policy, which would allow temporary hiring of health professionals during peak periods or health emergencies.

In the interim, patients are being urged to consider alternative facilities to ease the load on the Level 5 hospital including Muriranjas Hospital, Mugoiri Hospital, now staffed with additional doctors and New Mukuyu and Kiangage dispensaries in Kiharu Constituency.

The county is also appealing for public cooperation with health staff and facility managers to ensure the system continues to function smoothly despite the current pressures.

“We are calling on clients to work closely with health staff to ensure good outcomes for all,” the statement concluded.