The County Department of Health and Sanitation has finalised standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve the quality of care in emergency referrals.
The Department previously relied on the national government's referral Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which did not adequately address the uniqueness of Turkana County.
A team comprising representatives from the Medical Services Directorate, Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) and Turkana Central Sub-County Health Management Team was able to customise the SOPs to address the county's vastness, poor road network and health-seeking behaviour.
Additionally, the SOP document is to establish a standardised process for the referral and transportation of patients from other facilities to the receiving health facility by ensuring timeliness, efficiency and patients' safety.
