Kericho hospital is a 270 bed, general state hospital catering for between 200-400 inpatients, and 250 outpatients daily. Dr Betty Langat, the hospital director, oversees this busy regional hospital with minimum resources and very challenging obstacles. Through our on site doctor and friend George Owiti, Eagles Wings has been supplying basic necessities to the hospital, since the tribal conflicts that began in January 2008.

Food for patients
As a general rule, food is not given to patients. It is the responsibility of friends and relatives to bring in food and drink. In many desperate cases, malnutrition is a primary reason for hospital care and the ability to provide basic food, nutrients and vitamins would be a great help to hundreds of patients.

Bedding
There are at least 10 bed frames currently without mattresses. A supply of mattresses would increase ward capacity and allow other unhygienic mattresses to be disposed of. It is the responsibility of the family to provide bedding unless a patient is fortunate enough to inherit some from a previous occupant!

Clean sheets and blankets have a low priority in the list of ‘hospital essentials’ and we would love to keep them supplied and give many patients some dignity and warmth. I witnessed many soiled sheets being re-used out of necessity.

Bed Sharing
It seems inconceivable that anybody should have to share a bed with a stranger who is sick or recovering from surgery! The risk of infection is very high and the invasion of personal privacy and space is, in my opinion, totally unacceptable in such a vulnerable environment. How can we help?

Disposables
It is absolutely essential for all of the nursing staff to be issued with disposable latex gloves. Many patients are HIV positive and infection is easily transferable between staff and patients. Other basics such as toilet paper, surgical dressings, bandages, sanitary pads and toweling cannot be assumed.

Testing Equipment
The lack of basic equipment such as stethoscopes, x-ray films, blood pressure monitors and chemical reagents makes normal healthcare a challenge.

Medicines
Apart from anti-malarial drugs, all medication is charged to the patient. In many cases, due to poverty, suitable drugs are not administered and lives are threatened and shortened because of this.

The hospital operate a tolerant and supportive scheme to help the desperate, but normally this affects other areas of their limited budget. Eagles Wings have been supplying basic pain killers and antibiotics over the last 6 months as funds come in.

Stretchers and Wheelchairs
In my hospital tour I saw 2 wheeled stretchers, and 1 clapped-out wheelchair with no tyres! This covers the whole hospital.