Trauma/Resuscitation room for hospital in Kenya

Challenge

Trauma is the leading cause of death worldwide. Londiani Sub-County Hospital provides a 24 hour service to assess and treat trauma patients. Resources for trauma management have always been stretched and this has worsened in recent years. The strain on hospital staff to treat patients is compounded by limited training, lack of trauma systems and a dedicated space in the hospital. Many patients have to be cared for on the floor of the out-patient area because there is nowhere else to put them.

Solution

This tragedy highlights the need for a dedicated trauma/resuscitation room where patients can be assessed and managed appropriately and in a more dignified manner for patients and hospital staff. It will be open plan with space for 8 beds and a nursing station with PC for x-ray viewing/lab reports and an access point for mobile radiology. Each bed will have airway management with oxygen point and monitor for vital signs. Staff training in early management of the trauma patient will be provided.

Long-Term Impact

The importance of early management of the 'Golden Hour' for trauma patients is widely accepted. Early assessment and intervention using Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines is an internationally understood language and a well-established method of improving mortality and morbidity. Providing training for first responders along with staff trained and confident in ATLS, means lives will be saved and less patients will be left with permanent disabilities.

Resources

• https:/​/​www.brightercommunities.org/​en/​index.php
• www.brightercommunities.org
• 20 year impact report published May 2023
• Highlights of 20 years of impact