KNH Rejects Allegations of Denied Care in Newborn’s Death

KNH Rejects Allegations of Denied Care in Newborn’s Death

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has denied allegations that a mother and her newborn were turned away from treatment at the facility before the baby allegedly died.

The hospital issued the clarification on Saturday after claims circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern over the treatment of patients at Kenya’s largest national referral hospital.

KNH said it reviewed its available patient and maternity records after the allegations emerged but did not find a case that matched the account shared online.

According to the hospital, available records indicate that the mother did not give birth at KNH, contradicting a key part of the allegations.

“Following the posts, the Hospital reviewed available patient and maternity records but found no corresponding record to verify the account. Available information indicates that the mother did not give birth at KNH, contrary to the allegation,” KNH stated.

The hospital said it remained open to receiving additional information that could help establish what happened.

KNH acknowledged that documentation or communication gaps can occur within a busy health facility but stressed that such challenges are not intentional and should not compromise patient safety.

The hospital also expressed condolences to the family affected by the reported death and called on anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“We invite the affected family, the individual who raised the concerns, or anyone with relevant information to contact KNH through the channels below so that the facts can be established and the matter reviewed,” the hospital added.

KNH Explains Patient Triage System

KNH explained that patients arriving at the facility are assessed according to the urgency of their medical conditions.

The hospital said patients requiring immediate attention are prioritised, while others may be stabilised, escalated or referred depending on their medical needs and available services.

The explanation comes as KNH continues to experience increased pressure on its maternity services.

The hospital attributed part of the congestion to industrial action affecting health services in several counties. Patients from affected areas have reportedly sought treatment at the national referral facility, increasing demand for beds and medical services.

KNH also said ongoing renovations in maternity and other hospital wards have temporarily reduced its available bed capacity.

The combination of increased patient numbers and reduced space has created additional pressure on healthcare workers and hospital resources.

Hospital Adds Staff Amid Increased Demand

To manage the situation, KNH said it has increased its medical staffing levels and strengthened its triage and referral systems.

The hospital is also monitoring bed availability and critical-care capacity as it manages the growing number of patients seeking treatment.

The latest clarification comes days after KNH advised patients seeking non-emergency medical services to consider healthcare facilities closer to their homes.

The hospital said the advice was aimed at easing congestion and ensuring patients with urgent and specialised medical needs receive timely attention.

The newborn death allegations have nevertheless renewed public attention on access to healthcare and patient management at major public hospitals.

KNH maintained that it had found no records supporting the specific claims circulating online but said it was willing to review any credible information provided by the affected family or witnesses.

The hospital’s call for additional information leaves the door open for further investigation should evidence emerge showing that the reported incident occurred at the facility.

For now, KNH has urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations and clarification of individual cases continue.

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KNH Rejects Allegations of Denied Care in Newborn’s Death