Outspan Road to University

Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding Depression and Preventing Suicide

31 May 2024 News Updates

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of mental well-being. One of the most critical aspects of mental health is understanding depression and preventing suicide.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a mental illness characterized by a severely altered mood that is intense, persistent, and affects day-to-day functioning. It is more than just feeling sad; it encompasses a range of symptoms that can severely impact a person’s quality of life.

Key Symptoms of Depression Include:

  1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  2. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  3. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  4. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
  5. Decreased energy, fatigue or being “slowed down”
  6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
  7. Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
  8. Appetite and/or weight changes
  9. Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
  10. Restlessness or irritability

It’s important to note that sadness is only a small part of depression. Some people with depression may not feel sadness at all but become more irritable or lose interest in things they usually enjoy. Depression is not a character flaw and cannot be wished away. Recognizing and treating it early is crucial in preventing a mental health crisis. Self-Care for Depression Managing depression involves a combination of professional help and self-care strategies:

  1. Counseling: Therapists can teach relaxation techniques and ways to manage feelings
  2. Daily Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood
  3. Healthy Diet: Eating nutritious foods helps improve overall well-being
  4. Consistent Sleep: Maintaining regular sleep habits is essential for mental health
  5. Avoiding Alcohol and Drugs: These substances can worsen depression
  6. Breaking Tasks into Small Steps: This can make overwhelming tasks more manageable
  7. Social Support: Spending time with supportive friends and loved ones is beneficial
  8. Engaging in Enjoyable Activities: Pushing oneself to participate in fun activities can help improve mood

Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs

Suicide prevention is a critical aspect of mental health awareness. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide can save lives. Warning Signs Include:

  1. Talking about feeling unbearable pain, death, or having a recent fascination with death
  2. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being trapped
  3. Feeling like a burden to others
  4. Changes in behavior or mood
  5. Recent suicide attempts
  6. Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  7. Withdrawing from friends and family
  8. Saying goodbye to friends and family or giving away prized possessions
  9. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
  10. Becoming violent or experiencing violence
  11. Expressing rage or recklessness

How to Help a Suicidal Friend or Family Member

  1. Take Them Seriously: Assume that they mean what they say and do not invalidate their distress.
  2. Pay Attention to Language and Behavior: They may express feelings of wanting the pain to stop or feeling like a burden.
  3. Ask Direct Questions: Confirm if they are thinking about suicide and assess their immediate risk by asking about their plans and timelines.
  4. Encourage Open Discussion: Talking about their feelings does not encourage suicidal actions; instead, it shows you understand their pain.
  5. Offer Compassion: Validate their feelings and offer hope with supportive statements like, “That sounds so painful, and I appreciate you sharing that with me. How can I help?”
  6. Continue to Offer Support: Stay in touch and encourage professional help. Help them find a mental health professional or offer to accompany them to appointments.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues like depression. By understanding the symptoms, practicing self-care, recognizing suicide warning signs, and offering compassionate support, we can make a significant impact on mental health and save lives.If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or you know someone who is, you can contact us for professional help by calling 0741 364 732 or 0722 696 901.

Outspan Road to University

Road to Attaining University Status

24 May 2024 News Updates

Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital is embarking on a groundbreaking journey towards becoming a global reference university, poised to revolutionize healthcare education and service delivery. With a vision centered on training service-oriented professionals and providing wholistic, affordable, and high- quality healthcare solutions, the institution is charting a path towards university status, driven by its strategic plan.

In April, the formation of the University Committee marked a pivotal moment in this transformative journey. Comprised of dedicated individuals, this committee has wasted no time in initiating actions aimed at securing the university charter and laying the groundwork for this monumental transition. The transition to university status presents a challenge to all staff members, but it is a challenge embraced with enthusiasm and determination. At the heart of this transition are plans to introduce three key degree courses: Nursing, Psychology, and Clinical Medicine. Teams have been assembled to meticulously craft these courses and develop their content, ensuring they meet the highest standards of academic rigor and relevance.

Moreover, the institution’s management is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this transition seamlessly. From state-of-the-art facilities to cutting- edge technology, every aspect of the institution is being meticulously planned and executed to meet the stringent requirements of a university.

This move towards university status is not just a milestone for Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital; It is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare education and service delivery. It signifies a new era of growth, opportunity, and impact, positioning the institution as a beacon of inspiration and progress in the field of healthcare.

As the journey unfolds, the excitement within the institution is palpable. It is a journey fueled by passion, driven by purpose, and guided by a shared vision of transforming lives and shaping the future of healthcare. Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital is not just evolving; it is pioneering a new standard of excellence, one that will reverberate far beyond its walls and leave an indelible mark on the world of healthcare education and service delivery.

First dual chamber Pacemaker Implantation procedure in Mt. Kenya region was carried out at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital

First Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation Procedure in Mt. Kenya Region

15 Mar 2024 News Updates

The first dual chamber Pacemaker Implantation procedure in Mt. Kenya region was carried out on 12th March 2024 at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital. This landmark procedure was performed by Dr. Lois Wagana-Muriithi, Physician Cardiologist, together with a team from the Outspan hospital and Medtronic EA. A Pacemaker is a medical device designed to restore the correct heart rate for a patient experiencing an excessively slow heartbeat, as they face a considerable risk of sudden death due to this abnormal rhythm.The symptoms of this potentially lethal condition are weakness, fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness, and falls. This dual chamber pacemaker implantation is a first for the Mt. Kenya region. Previously, patients had to be referred to Nairobi for it. With this implantation, and with the provision of this service at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital, this essential service is now available to the people of Mt. Kenya region.

First dual chamber Pacemaker Implantation procedure in Mt. Kenya region was carried out at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital

Empowering Women’s Health: Outspan Hospital’s Commitment During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the importance of

preventive care and early detection. Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital stands at the forefront,

offering comprehensive services aimed at safeguarding women’s health through screenings, diagnostics,

and advanced treatments. Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, with approximately 570,000 new cases reported annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The impact of this disease is profound, but with timely screenings and interventions, many cases can be prevented or

effectively treated.

Pap Smears and HPV Screening:

At Outspan Hospital, we place a strong emphasis on preventive care, offering routine Pap smears and

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screenings. Regular Pap smears are instrumental in detecting abnormal

cells early on, providing an opportunity for intervention before the progression to cervical cancer. HPV

screenings, which identify high-risk strains of the virus, contribute to a more comprehensive approach to

cervical cancer prevention.

Colposcopy Services:

For cases where abnormalities are detected, Outspan Hospital utilizes state-of-the-art colposcopy

procedures. This advanced diagnostic technique allows for a detailed examination of the cervix, enabling

medical professionals to identify and assess precancerous lesions with precision or pinpoint any abnormal

areas that may require further investigation or treatment.

Treatment of Precancerous Lesions:

Early detection of precancerous lesions is a key focus at Outspan Hospital. Our facility is equipped to

provide targeted treatments for these lesions, preventing the progression of abnormal cells into cervical

cancer. Timely intervention significantly improves outcomes and reduces the burden on affected

individuals.

Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Management:

In the unfortunate event of a cervical cancer diagnosis, Outspan Hospital offers a comprehensive and

compassionate approach to treatment. From surgery and radiation therapy, our hospital’s team of skilled

oncologists, surgeons, and support staff collaborate to tailor individualized treatment plans through its

multidisciplinary approach, which ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific

needs.

Educational Outreach and Awareness Programs:

Our team also goes beyond clinical services, actively engaging in community outreach and awareness

programs. The hospital’s health educators conduct educational sessions to inform women about the

importance of regular screenings, dispelling myths, and promoting a proactive approach to women’s

health. As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital remains

steadfast in its mission to combat cervical cancer through early detection, prevention, and cutting-edge

treatments. By prioritizing women’s health and fostering awareness, Outspan Hospital is making

significant strides in the fight against cervical cancer, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more

informed community as well as fostering a healthier future for women in the community and beyond.

Remember, early detection saves lives, and Outspan Hospital is dedicated to being a beacon of support in

the fight against cervical cancer.

Strengthening Partnerships with KUPPET and KNUT Teachers’ Associations

8 Jun 2023 News Updates

Outspan Hospital is a firm believer in the correlation between a healthy teaching workforce and the delivery of high-quality education. We recently welcomed the regional team leaders of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). Outspan Hospital is a firm believer in the correlation between a healthy teaching workforce and the delivery of high-quality education. We recently welcomed the regional team leaders of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).

This visit marks a significant step in solidifying partnerships with key stakeholders within the Mt. Kenya region, including Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Laikipia, and Nyandarua, to provide affordable and wholistic healthcare solutions for all members of our community.

During the visit, fruitful discussions were held with the regional team leaders of KUPPET and KNUT. These conversations revolved around strengthening the existing partnership and exploring ways to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions that are accessible and affordable for teachers within the Mt. Kenya region.

Teachers are an indispensable part of our society, contributing to the education and overall growth of our communities. At Outspan Hospital, we recognize the critical role they play in shaping the minds and futures of our children. By extending our hand in collaboration with teachers’ associations, we aim to ensure that our educators receive the healthcare support they need to excel in their profession.

By working closely with KUPPET and KNUT, Outspan Hospital aims to ensure that teachers have access to affordable healthcare solutions that cover all aspects of their well-being. We understand that teachers often prioritize the needs of their students above their own, and we are dedicated to providing them with the support they deserve.

Outspan Hospital’s commitment extends beyond the teachers’ associations; we are actively engaged in various community outreach programs, health education initiatives, and corporate social responsibility activities aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of the Mt. Kenya region.

As we move forward, we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with KUPPETKNUT, and other key stakeholders within the education sector. Together, we can create a healthier and more prosperous community, where teachers receive the care they deserve, enabling them to continue shaping the future of our nation.

Fostering Strategic Partnership With National Bank – Subsidiary of KCB Group PLC

8 Jun 2023 News Updates

The hospital on Friday 5th May 2023 hosted the Managing Director, National Bank – A subsidiary of KCB Group PLC. The agenda of the meeting was to reinforce the existing strategic partnership that Outspan Hospital has with National Bank as one of its stakeholders within the financial sector. As the leading healthcare provider within the region, fostering partnerships with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors is key.

In the provision of affordable wholistic healthcare, Outspan Hospital together with National Bank, talked about the future of healthcare and the role that Financial Institutions play in obtaining health services. A robust healthcare system is supported by financial institutions who also aid in access to finance and availability of funds, which is a big part of getting treatment.

This discussion is part of the value that Outspan Hospital seeks to add to its patients and stakeholders, by having a grasp of the external environment within which the Hospital operates. An understanding of this environment enables the management and staff at Outspan Hospital know how best to serve the community. We continue to partner with National Bank, by providing our wholistic healthcare solutions to their staff and clients across the region.

Inauguration of the New Reproductive Health Wing and Operating Theatres

24 Jan 2023 News Updates

The Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital launched its newly refurbished Reproductive Health Wing and operating theatres on Friday 8th July 2022. The event was presided over by Hon. Lewis Nguyai, Chairman of the NHIF board.

The main highlight was the unveiling of the reproductive health wing, which has been scaled up to include a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the first in the region; and a High Dependency Unit (HDU) for high risk reproductive health cases. These specialized services will ensure that the wing can handle the critical care cases for both mothers and newborns.

The Outspan Hospital also launched its renovated operating theatres. The hospital now has six major operating theatres and four special theatre to handle all surgical, dental and eye cases. All the theatres are state of the art and fully equipped. Executive Director, Dr. Godfrey Kiruhi said the inauguration of the new reproductive health wing and theatres is in line with Outspan Hospital’s commitment as an ISO 9001:2015, to maintain the highest quality in its service delivery.

The event brought together different stakeholders including representatives of the health ministry in Nyeri county, various corporate clients and staff members from the various departments.

Launch of the Accident and Emergency Centre

28 Sep 2021 News Updates

The Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre is the first stop for medical cases needing immediate attention and is primed to handle any arising medical emergencies. The Accident and Emergency Centre is compliant to the International standards of emergency, trauma and life support, which have shaped the hospital’s speedy response to incidents, accidents and disasters. It is conveniently located at the main entrance of the hospital, and is manned by a specialist in emergency medicine providing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A well laid out emergency preparedness plan coupled with well – equipped staff makes our A&E a One- stop Centre able to handle mass accidents, acute cardio – respiratory problems, advanced trauma, gunshots, disaster management, poisons and other outpatient cases. The department comprises of a motivated team of doctors, nurses, technicians and other para health professionals and staff who are well trained in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support and advanced trauma support, for adults, children and babies form the sister institution Outspan Medical College. The team also recognizes the need to treat patients with utmost respect and professionalism and go out of their way to ensure that patients are attended to in a timely and effective way before discharge or transfer to inpatient wards. Critical care is provided in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) and the High Dependency Unit (HDU) as a continuum of the emergency care. The medical Superintendent at Outspan Hospital, Dr. P. Murimi, explained that the Centre has all the services needed to attend to emergencies.


“There is a resuscitation room with all the equipment that is needed, including patient monitors, emergency medications, emergency equipment, vacuum, and piped oxygen. Basically it is like a mini HDU offering Laboratory, theatre, imaging, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), HDU and pharmaceutical services.” Dr. Murimi added. The A&E facilities are equipped with state – of – the – art equipment including the now new MRI centre with an advanced MRI machine.


Outspan Hospital is proud to have all specialists in the medical field available to cater for any emergency a patient may have. The specialists include; neurosurgeons, neurologists, physicians, pediatricians, gynecologists, cardiologists, general surgeons and plastic surgeons. Our Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are available 24 hours, 7 days a week and respond to all emergency calls. “The ambulance is well prepared and well equipped to receive the patient and a nurse is always dispatched with the ambulance. Depending on the emergency, a doctor or even an anesthetist may also be dispatched,” says Dr Murimi.

At the Outspan Hospital, personalized patient care is what sets us apart. Expert physician specialists and professional caring staff provide you with an exceptional health experience.

Outspan Hospital earns ISO Accreditation for Laboratory Services

28 Sep 2021 News Updates

Outspan Hospital has earned the highly coveted International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) accreditation for their laboratory services from Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS). This achievement was made possible after years of hard work to provide high quality tests for patients’ diagnosis at the Outspan Hospital. Outspan Hospital Director of Laboratory Services Silas Muguongo has been at the institution since it was established in 2001. The process of attaining the ISO accreditation kicked off in 2019, and after a rigorous and highly audited process, the hospital now has 72 percent of the tests offered, accredited. Outspan Hospital Laboratory Department Manager George Kingori said 56 out of the 73 tests available at the facility are ISO accredited which is favourable rating. “The facility has a competent staff of 10 technologists and two technicians and we ensure that every test sample meets the highest standards,” he noted. He said that staff feel satisfied, motivated and proud to be working in an ISO accredited laboratory.

The lab’s key clients are the clinicians who interpret the results to the patients, and the department maintain clear communications in their results. “We go the extra mile in presenting results by offering reference figures and ranges that make it easier for both the patient and the doctor to interpret the results,” Kingori said. Mr Mugungo said it was a lifelong dream come true for him as a career lab technician. “Every test undergoes a standard operating procedure with well-maintained equipment, by competent personnel with the right reagents and in a controlled environment,” he noted. He reiterated that accreditation involves a third party’s assessment that the lab has certain qualities. For patients, in need of a diagnosis, they need answers from their doctor who relies on accurate tests and test results to point them to an accurate assessment of a patient.

“When a lab is ISO accredited, it means that all the tests undertaken have now been recognised as meeting international standards,” he said. The value of this accreditation is that it offers quality results for clinicians to make the right diagnosis. ISO accreditation also ensures that there is rational use of resources as the testing is faster which saves the patient time. There is also reduced chances of misdiagnosis because it is faster and reliable testing. Tests also become accessible and affordable to patients. “This accreditation also lowers the cost of doing business for the hospital, because there is no trial and error because you are guided by the ISO standards,” he noted.

Further he stated, that laboratory setting, reagents, equipment and personnel must use the same standards. “The standards are the same across the globe, that is an assurance to the patients that they are getting quality internationally recognised standards,” he said. He however maintained that even without accreditation the hospital still maintained the highest quality in their testing. The ISO accreditation has an external appeal, and the high quality of services differentiates the institutions from others in Central Kenya Region. “This is in line with our vision as a hospital to become a global reference hospital providing affordable holistic healthcare solutions,” he said.

He noted, the process took time, resources and efforts from the staff and management. The ISO accreditation comes with a responsibility to maintain the standards awarded as the hospital will frequently be audited to ensure they retain the accreditation. For the ISO accredited tests are the commonly used tests, and even those not accredited are still conducted with the highest standards possible.

“We are updated our microbiology department for instance if you come for blood culture tests, you can get your results in under 2 hrs,” he said. In Central Kenyan there are only a few hospitals that are ISO accredited and most have under gone stepwise accreditation which is systemic, as opposed to the Outspan Hospital that was a once off accreditation. “We were mentored by a German firm- Chemlabs who have been our partners since 2001, and we have grown from our infancy as an institution. This team comprises of medical lab technologists who understand how to articulate issues,” he said.

He attributed the support and goodwill from the management who have remained steady and supportive in attaining the ISO Accreditation. Mugungo said the Laboratory is the most important department in the hospital because it differentiates a doctor and a witchdoctor. “The laboratory play a big role in proper diagnosis because the doctors will not guess their diagnosis but rely on scientific results to come to a conclusion,” he noted.

He noted the government would save millions in the health sector if they invested in the laboratory services. Mugungo said accurate and accessible testing assists in detection of diseases such as cancers in the early stages at Health centres and dispensaries that would save lives and ease management of these conditions.

Laboratory services would also help in stocking the necessary drugs based on the results of tests conducted in the health facilities. Lab technicians also play a key role in disease surveillance which their key function as they can inform on how to curb and control the spread. “Laboratory services also play a key role in pathology and forensics as they can detect disease loads in certain areas and also determine cause of death through tests,” he noted.

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