KNH CEO suspended after horror patient mix-up

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has suspended the CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital Lily Koros after a horror patient mix up that saw the wrong patient undergo a head surgery.

Speaking at KNH, Ms. Kariuki said the decision to suspend Koros and the head of clinical services Bernard Githae was to allow for investigations which she hinted also touched on the theft case where an infant was stolen from its mother inside the hospital two weeks ago.

“I have directed the board that the CEO of this organisation, with the colleague responsible for clinical matters of this hospital, are sent on compulsory leave forthwith and in their place two experts will be taking over to run this institution for the period the investigations will be done and a decision reached.

The CS appointed, in acting capacity, Dr. Mutie and Dr. Ongech saying; “Both competent professionals who understand the systems in this hospital to take over and support the board to complete the investigations I have directed be conducted immediately.”

She revealed that the two patients are in stable condition.

“I have seen the patient who ought not to have gone through surgery. He is stable and doctors tell me he could be discharged on Monday,” she said. “The second patient, who was scheduled to go for surgery is, fortunately, also stable, he has been put on treatment and is under watch.”

She also revealed that the two did not have health insurance saying she got them enrolled to the National Hospital Insurance Fund who will handle their medical bills.

“I want to apologise to the patients, families and friends of these two patients particularly the one who went through operation. We will put in systems so that we do not see a repeat of this going forward,” she said.

While addressing journalists, CS Kariuki said the unforgivable mix up was as a result of name changes.

“The mix up started at the point of dressing the patient, because the patient who was to be taken to theatre had the names but they belonged to the one who ought not to have been taken to theatre,” she said revealing both were in the Emergency Casualty wing.

The CS said the hospital board will meet on Saturday.