Nakuru: Surgical teams from five public health facilities in Nakuru are undergoing a specialized training program focused on safe obstetric surgery aimed at improving maternal and newborn outcomes. The initiative is supported by Jhpiego Johns Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics and facilitated by experts from the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) and AIC Kijabe Hospital, targeting over 60 obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and theatre nurses from Nakuru County Training and Referral Hospital (NCTRH), Naivasha, Gilgil, Bahati, and Molo Sub-County Hospitals.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Director for Health Services Dr. Daniel Wainaina emphasized the importance of the training in maintaining high standards of surgical practice and keeping up with advancements in medical technology. He noted that the initiative is enhancing both technical and non-technical skills of the surgical teams, promoting patient safety, and fostering effective teamwork.
Dr. Wainaina, speaking at the inauguration of the program at NCTRH, explained that the training includes simulation-based learning and practical sessions aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO) global guidelines for preventing surgical site infections. This approach ensures the consistent application of best practices across all county health facilities. He highlighted the broader effort to strengthen Nakuru’s surgical workforce by enhancing surgical capacity and skills to significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve outcomes of cesarean deliveries.
The training also focuses on utilizing the WHO’s Surgical Safety Checklist and adhering to infection prevention measures. It aims to address concerns about maternal and newborn safety during childbirth and ensure that surgical procedures are performed by qualified personnel. Dr. Wainaina mentioned that the program involves a team-based approach, improving communication and teamwork among surgical staff while covering a range of obstetric surgical procedures, including Cesarean sections and assisted vaginal deliveries.
Dr. Wainaina affirmed that a significant emphasis is placed on safety in the operating theater, including the proper use of surgical equipment and adherence to safety protocols, contributing to a more skilled surgical workforce and improved maternal and newborn health. He stressed the importance of upholding professional standards and enhancing surgical training programs to equip practitioners with necessary skills for various surgical procedures.
Jhpiego, the John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics, is a non-profit international health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. Founded in 1973, it focuses on developing effective, low-cost solutions to strengthen healthcare delivery for women and families globally, improving maternal and newborn health, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and more.
Dr. Wainaina disclosed that the training program incorporates technology, such as virtual reality and video-based learning, providing surgical teams with immersive experiences. He noted the necessity of sufficient hands-on experience in operating rooms, which can be affected by limited theater access and service delivery pressures.
The initiative aims to improve patient safety by ensuring surgical teams are well-prepared and competent in handling various surgical scenarios. Obstetric and gynecological surgery requires specialized training, continuous competency assessments, and strict adherence to globally accepted medical and surgical safety standards. Dr. Wainaina urged stakeholders in the medical sector to uphold professional standards, strengthen surgical training programs, enhance oversight and regulation, and engage in meaningful consultations to ensure patient safety.
He regretted that complications during childbirth remain a leading cause of maternal deaths, emphasizing the training’s crucial role in improving outcomes. The training also includes post-discharge surveillance protocols to monitor patients’ recovery and identify potential issues. The WHO has developed guidelines for surgical procedures to improve safety and reduce complications.
