Kilifi County Health Officials Benchmark Healthcare Practices at Thumbay University Hospital, UAE
A delegation of health officials from Kilifi County, including Dr. Priscilla Kashero, a paediatrician and the Medical Superintendent at Mariakani Hospital, recently completed an insightful benchmarking visit to Thumbay University Hospital in the UAE. The visit, which took place from August 18th to September 8th, 2024, aimed to explore innovative healthcare practices and systems that could be adapted to enhance healthcare delivery in Kilifi County.
Learning from Best Practices in Healthcare
The main objective of the visit was to acquire knowledge on advanced healthcare practices and infrastructure that could be replicated in Kilifi to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Thumbay University Hospital, known for its patient-centric approach and state-of-the-art facilities, provided an ideal setting for the delegation to learn from a leading healthcare provider.
Key takeaways from the visit included Thumbay Hospital’s focus on customer satisfaction, exemplified by services such as online appointment scheduling, a drive-through pharmacy, and a specialized Patient Happiness Department. These innovations, designed to enhance patient convenience and experience, were highly regarded by the Kilifi delegation.
Advanced Healthcare Systems and Infrastructure
The delegation was also impressed by Thumbay University Hospital’s advanced Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, which is seamlessly integrated with the Ministry of Health. This integration ensures efficient communication and coordination in patient care, which is a crucial aspect for the delivery of high-quality services. The hospital’s cutting-edge infrastructure, paired with its well-coordinated medical team of 240 doctors and 150 nurses, stood out as a model of efficient healthcare management.
Other notable features of the hospital included its rigorous infection prevention protocols, staff training programs in emergency response, and the regulated use of antibiotics, all of which contribute to the hospital’s high standards of care. The delegation also admired the hospital’s proactive approach to early cancer detection, its well-established ethics committee, and the robust system for gathering patient feedback to continuously improve services.
A Commitment to Improving Kilifi County’s Healthcare System
Dr. Kashero, reflecting on the insights gained from the benchmarking visit, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Thumbay University Hospital’s best practices. She emphasized that the knowledge acquired would play a crucial role in advancing healthcare services back home in Kilifi County.
The delegation has returned with a clear plan to implement several of the practices observed at Thumbay Hospital, particularly in areas such as patient care, hospital operations, and staff training. By integrating these best practices, Kilifi County aims to improve the quality of healthcare services for its residents, optimize hospital operations, and enhance patient satisfaction.
A Step Toward Transforming Healthcare in Kilifi
This benchmarking visit is part of Kilifi County’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve its healthcare system. By adopting international best practices, the county aims to provide more accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare services to its population. With a focus on continuous improvement, the Kilifi County health team is committed to transforming the local healthcare landscape and ensuring that residents receive the best possible care.
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