Ruben Health Centre- Maternity Unit
Ruben maternity unit was officially opened in 2018 May, following a feasibility study that was conducted.The community expressed a strong desire to have a safe place to give birth.
The birthing unit aims at reducing neonatal mortality rate which stands at 22 deaths per 1000 live births, maternal mortality rate which is at 342 deaths per 100,000 live births nationally. Antenatal follow up clinics are encouraged in order to screen all risky or sick mothers whereby treatment and preventive measures are offered on time. Our mission is to offer quality and dignified maternity health care services to all women in Mukuru and beyond. Our vision is to offer respective maternity care services, appreciated by all in need for its affordability, acceptability and professionalism.
For us to achieve this, the unit is guided by some core values which include: equity, dignity, integrity, acceptability, confidentiality, affordability, team work, faith in God. The unit ensures all mothers are informed about their rights and health care provider’s rights, as we serve them. The facility advocates for all mothers and protect them from disrespect and abuse which include: discrimination, physical abuse, unlawful detention, non-consensual care, abandonment/neglect, non-confidential care.
Statistics since May 2018 to 27/June/2023 are as follows: Mothers admitted – 5601, mothers delivered -5234, mothers referred due to complications- 419, total babies - 5297, boys-2619, girls 2619, babies referred-99 and mothers referred- 379. We have unfortunately had 1 maternal and 9 neonatal deaths since inception in 2018
The unit operates for 24 hours with 10 contracted staff. Some of the mothers develop complications which includes cord prolapse, post par tum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, maternal distress, delayed second stage, per-eclampsia, fetal distress, severe birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome and others. A standby ambulance has been of great help to us once decision for referral is made, prompt action is taken. Among the challenges encountered in this journey includes mothers coming to deliver the last minute hence no monitoring done, others come without ANC booklets, ANC profile not done, several without baby clothes, referral from clinics and chemists where others were mismanaged. Space has been an issue but we have managed to serve all the mothers with a capacity of 14 beds retaining them for at least 12 hours against and a maximum of 24 hours depending on the mother’s condition. As highlighted above the unit has many positive aspects staff being the greatest asset to the unit and the genuine care they have for their clients is unrivaled.
Commissioning of Ruben Health Centre to a level three facility by Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi.
Outpatient department
The outpatient department (OPD) is the largest and busiest department in the health center, providing a wide range of services to patients. It encompasses various sub-departments, each offering specialized care. However, there are some areas where the article can be improved to provide clearer information. Here's an improved version:
The outpatient department (OPD) is the largest and busiest department in the health center, offering a wide range of services to patients. It comprises several clinics and services, including:
1. Antenatal Clinic (ANC):
Expectant mothers visit this clinic to receive care from a physician. During their visit, the physician performs ultrasounds to monitor the health and development of both the mother and the baby. Additionally, cervical cancer screening is provided in this clinic.
2. Child Welfare Clinic (CWC):
This clinic focuses on providing nutritional services to children under the age of 5, ensuring their well-being and healthy development.
3. Consultation:
The consultation room, also known as the doctor's room, serves as the initial point of assessment for clients. Clinical officers or physicians evaluate patients based on their signs and symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action, which may involve referral to specific clinics for further assessment.
4. Occupational/Physiotherapy:
The therapy department is one of the earliest to open in the health center due to the high number of clients it serves. Each therapy session lasts approximately 30 minutes. To accommodate the demand, therapists start their work early to ensure they can serve as many clients as possible throughout the day.
5. HTS (HIV Testing and Counseling):
This clinic provides free HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services to individuals seeking to know their status or in need of support and guidance.
6. Comprehensive Care Clinic:
The comprehensive care clinic caters to patients with specialized care needs. It primarily focuses on conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and cholera. Due to the high contagion rate of these diseases, specialized care is essential. In order to prevent stigmatization, HIV/AIDS patients are seen separately from other patients, recognizing the social challenges they may face, particularly in a slum setting.
7. Reproductive Health:
Operating twice a week, the reproductive health clinic is an important service provided by the health center. Nurses from the health center take turns spending a month at the clinic, ensuring that comprehensive reproductive health services are available to patients. The services offered include .
8. Dentistry:
The dentistry clinic operates twice a week. However, Ruben Health Centre does not have an in-house dentist. Consequently, the facility outsources a dental expert on a weekly basis to provide dental care services.
9. Laboratory:
The laboratory is an integral part of the outpatient department, facilitating various diagnostic procedures and tests to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
By providing comprehensive care through these clinics and services, the outpatient department plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of the community we serve.
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