The County Department of Health and Sanitation has finalised standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve the quality of care in emergency referrals.
The Department previously relied on the national government’s referral Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which did not adequately address the uniqueness of Turkana County.
A team comprising representatives from the Medical Services Directorate, Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) and Turkana Central Sub-County Health Management Team was able to customise the SOPs to address the county’s vastness, poor road network and health-seeking behaviour.
Additionally, the SOP document is to establish a standardised process for the referral and transportation of patients from other facilities to the receiving health facility by ensuring timeliness, efficiency and patients’ safety.
This standardisation will streamline the emergency healthcare system by bridging the gaps that have led to delays in delivering timely emergency care services. Hence, the team has included a conference call between the referring clinician, nurse covering and specialist to discuss the optimal patient management procedures.
Thus, the call will determine whether treatment at the facility is possible or how to stabilise the patient for transport to the next facility.
Speaking during the meeting, the acting CEO/Director for LCRH, Dr Ekiru Kidalio, mentioned that customising the SOPs would ensure timely access to life-saving emergency care across the county.
“The SOP will assist healthcare workers in identifying and mitigating potential risks and hazards, leading to a safer environment and timely treatment for the patients,” he said.
He added that the SOPs mark a great milestone towards the department’s emergency medical services goal of ensuring an effective and efficient referral system.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Samuel Lokemer, said that the improved SOPs ensure that emergency medical officers follow the same protocols and procedures. This will ensure consistency and safety in patient care and operations across health facilities.
Kephas Achiro, Referral and Emergency Services Coordinator, added that standardisation will enhance regulation and coordination of the referral system, thus improving its efficiency.
As part of enhancing emergency services, over 30 emergency response officers were provided with reflector jackets that will ease their identification during an emergency response.
By Peter Gitonga
