Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has strengthened patient mobility and access to care after receiving an additional 60 wheelchairs.
The delivery completes the facility’s latest phase of equipment acquisition aimed at easing movement within the busy hospital, which was recently upgraded to a level 6 National referral facility.
This raises the total number of new wheelchairs at the hospital to 100, all of uniform, high-standard design intended to ensure ease of use by staff and a consistent experience for patients across departments.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Joshua Okise, who commissioned the equipment, said the standardisation will also simplify maintenance and reduce downtime caused by mechanical faults.
The wheelchairs, he said, will be distributed based on departmental demand, with priority given to high-traffic service points such as the Accident and Emergency unit.
They will also be allocated to inpatient wards and outpatient clinics—areas where patient transfers are most frequent and delays can compromise care.
Dr. Okise said the move was expected to significantly reduce waiting times for patient transfers while easing the burden on patients with severe mobility challenges and the healthcare workers who support them.
The investment, he said, was anchored in the hospital’s broader push for patient-centred care, even as he urged staff and patients to take collective responsibility for the assets.
“The acquisition of these units is part of our broader commitment to patient-centred care,” said Dr Okise.
“However, it is the responsibility of every department to ensure this equipment remains in top condition for long-term use.”
He outlined strict measures to safeguard the wheelchairs’ longevity, including proper handling to prevent mechanical damage and adherence to high hygiene standards.
He also emphasised routine maintenance through regular inspections to ensure uninterrupted service delivery as the hospital continues to expand capacity and improve service quality.
By Chris Mahandara
