Lodwar – 19th March 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Department of Health and Sanitation has finalised the referral standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance quality of care in emergency referrals.
Previously, the Department relied on the national government’s referrals SOPs, which did not cater to the uniqueness of Turkana County.
A team comprising representatives from Medical Services Directorate, Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) and Turkana Central Sub-county Health Management Team were able to customise the SOPs to address the county’s vastness, poor road network and health seeking behaviour.
The SOPs 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. The team have included a conference call between the referring clinician, nurse covering and specialist, to discuss the optimal patient management procedures. The call will determine whether treatment at the facility is possible or how to stabilise the patient for transport to the next facility.
Speaking at the meeting, Acting CEO/Director for LCRH Dr Ekiru Kidalio mentioned that through 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 for patients 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.
Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Samuel Lokemer, said that the improved SOPs ensures that emergency medical officers follow the same protocols and procedures. This will ensure consistency and safety in patient care and operations across health facilities.
While Kephas Achiro, Referral and Emergency Services Coordinator, added that standardization 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.