Alfred Yayi, the Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, has highlighted the urgent need for more staff in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).
Yayi explained that the ICU has 10 beds, each requiring three nurses to provide adequate care. Currently, there are only six nurses available for the unit. On average, the ICU treats about 2 to 3 patients weekly, many of whom are referred from smaller health facilities in the Busoga region. When patient numbers exceed capacity, the hospital transfers them to Mulago National Hospital.
After a recent cardiology surgery camp, several hospital staff received training in critical healthcare. These skills are now being used to support the ICU’s limited team. Yayi also mentioned ongoing collaborations with other hospitals and health centers to prioritize training in critical care, aiming to reduce the risks associated with late referrals of severely ill patients.
Plans are in place to station a full-time physician and two anesthesiologists in the ICU starting this August, which is expected to significantly improve the quality of care.
A nurse, speaking anonymously, noted that while recent renovations and new equipment have enhanced patient management, the shortage of staff remains a significant barrier to effective treatment. She called for clearer referral policies to ensure only well-equipped hospitals handle critical patients, thus saving crucial time needed for patient care.