St. Catherine School of Nursing, an affiliate of Uzima University, has formalized a partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) that will see nursing students gain practical clinical exposure in the facility’s specialized departments.
The agreement was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) at the hospital, marking a significant step in strengthening nursing practice and professional development in the region.
Through the collaboration, students will undertake hands-on clinical placements in critical areas including surgical care, intensive care nursing, accident and emergency, maternal and child health (MCH), pediatric and newborn care, theatre operations, comprehensive care clinics (CCC) and mental health outpatient services.
JOOTRH Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua Clinton Okise welcomed the move, noting that it aligns with the hospital’s mission of advancing medical training while improving service delivery.
“We are delighted to host nursing students from St. Catherine School of Nursing. This partnership reflects our readiness and commitment to equip them with exceptional hands-on experience across a wide range of specialized medical departments,” said Okise.
He emphasized that practical exposure in a referral hospital environment would not only sharpen the students’ clinical skills but also prepare them to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.
“By immersing students in real hospital settings, we are nurturing a workforce that is well-prepared, compassionate, and capable of providing high-quality patient care,” he added.
The delegation from Uzima University was led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Phillip Nyaswa, Dean of the School of Nursing Prof. Juliana Misore, and the Principal of St. Catherine School of Nursing, Dorcas Ogero.
Okise said JOOTRH which was recently elevated to Level 6, a National Referral Hospital and a State Parastatal under the Ministry of Health, remains committed to fostering partnerships with academic institutions to strengthen the healthcare workforce and enhance the quality of services offered to patients.
“This collaboration further cements JOOTRH’s role as a hub for medical training and capacity building, not just for Kisumu County, but for the entire Lake Region,” he said.
The partnership was expected to benefit both the students and the hospital, creating a platform for academic growth, innovation in healthcare, and improved patient outcomes through shared expertise, he added.
By Chris Mahandara
