KNH Tells Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere Amid Congestion Inside Facility

KNH Tells Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere Amid Congestion Inside Facility

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has urged patients seeking non-emergency medical services to consider visiting other health facilities closer to them as the country’s largest referral hospital struggles with rising patient numbers.

KNH issued the advisory on Thursday, August 20, warning that increased patient volumes have led to congestion, longer queues and delays in accessing some services.

The hospital said the situation has been worsened by ongoing industrial action affecting healthcare services in several counties.

KNH Reports Rising Patient Numbers

According to KNH, the strike has pushed more patients towards the national referral facility after they were unable to access routine services in their respective counties.

“Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is experiencing increased patient volumes and congestion following industrial action affecting health services in various counties.”

The hospital explained that its position as a national referral facility has made it a major destination for patients whose usual county and local health facilities have been affected by the industrial action.

“As a national referral hospital, KNH is receiving more patients who would ordinarily access services at county and other health facilities.”

KNH said the sudden increase in patient numbers has placed additional pressure on its services, particularly those that are not classified as emergencies.

The hospital warned that patients seeking routine treatment could face longer waiting periods as staff manage the increased workload.

“This has resulted in longer waiting times and delays, particularly for non-emergency services.”

Hospital Gives Advice to Patients

To reduce pressure on its services, KNH has asked patients with non-emergency medical needs to consider seeking treatment at other hospitals near their homes.

The hospital said the move would help reduce congestion while allowing patients to access appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

“Clients seeking non-emergency care are encouraged to consider other hospitals closer to them, where appropriate, to ease pressure on KNH and facilitate timely access to care.”

The advisory does not apply to patients requiring urgent or emergency medical attention, who should continue seeking immediate care.

KNH remains one of Kenya’s key referral hospitals and handles complex cases from across the country. The facility receives patients referred from county hospitals and other healthcare providers.

Healthcare Strike Affects Counties

The congestion at KNH comes as healthcare workers in several counties continue with industrial action over unresolved labour and employment issues.

The strike has disrupted healthcare services in more than 20 counties, forcing some patients to seek treatment outside their home counties.

Counties affected include Kisumu, Nakuru, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi, among others.

The disruption has placed additional pressure on facilities that continue operating normally as patients travel in search of medical services.

For KNH, the increased patient flow has created an additional burden at a time when the hospital is already serving patients referred from different parts of Kenya.

Patients Face Longer Waiting Times

The hospital’s latest notice highlights the wider impact of the county healthcare disruptions on patients.

Those seeking routine consultations, follow-up appointments and other non-urgent services may experience delays as KNH manages the increased number of people seeking care.

The hospital has therefore encouraged patients to first consider suitable healthcare facilities within their local areas where services are available.

The advisory is aimed at easing congestion and improving access for patients who require specialised and emergency services at KNH.

As the healthcare strike continues, the pressure on referral hospitals is expected to remain a concern for patients and healthcare providers.

KNH has not indicated when the congestion is expected to ease, with the situation likely to depend partly on the resolution of the ongoing industrial action in affected counties.

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KNH Tells Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere Amid Congestion Inside Facility