Blame game over death of KNH patient who could not get ICU bed

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has defended itself concerning accusations that the facility was negligent in the case where a 68-year-old patient died as there was no ICU bed available.

In a Press release, KNH admits that they received the patient, Hanna Njoki, at the Accident and Emergency Unit on August 25. She had a severe head injury which required that she be taken to ICU.

“Unfortunately, there was no available ICU bed at Kenyatta National Hospital but treatment was initiated and the patient was admitted in Ward 58 awaiting availability,” acting CEO Peter Masinde said in a statement.

According to him, the family was informed of the situation at the hospital and they were requested to move the patient to another hospital where she could receive ICU treatment.

However, they apparently declined the request citing lack of money to fund ICU treatment at a private hospital.

KNH says that Njoki lost her life on August 28, still waiting to get an available bed at the ICU.

“It is regrettable that the patient passed on 28th August 2018 while we were still waiting to get an ICU bed at Kenyatta National Hospital.” the statement adds.

KNH has a capacity of 31 beds in the ICU and blames the government for failing to equip surrounding public hospitals with ICU facilities.