Sabatia Eye Hospital

The Year 2010 was a successful one in terms of service delivery to our clientéle. Although the total number of patients seen and treated during the year dropped from 40,673 in 2009 to 36,227, and total surgeries decreased from 5,526 to 4,715 due to cuts in Lions - funded outreaches, the quality of clinical services was outstanding. We are hopeful that this trend will reverse in the next year so that the hospital can reach as many people as possible. During the year, the hospital undertook two major capital projects. The tarmacking of the main entrance from the Chavakali-Kapsabet road to the pathway within the hospital, and the construction of an optical workshop as well as a new outpatient department with Ksh6 million support from the Safaricom Foundation -- changed the face of the hospital. All staff received a 10% salary increment, an annual bonus and Christmas gifts, as part of measures aimed at strengthening the hospital’s human resource capacity. The government seconded Dr Ollando and other clinical staff to the hospital. A number of staff received support from the hospital to undertake training at various institutions. Two members of staff are studying for undergraduate and graduate degree courses, while numerous others are taking certicate courses at various institutions.

The hospital made signicant contribution to the country’s capacity building in eye care by serving as a training centre for trainee Ophthalmologists from University of Nairobi, and Cataract Surgeons from Kenya Medical Training College in eye surgery. Further, the hospital’s own Ophthalmic Skills Upgrading Course was strengthened during the year, training 30 nurses and clinical officers from various parts of the country as well as from Southern Sudan. Much of this training would not have been possible without the support of CBM, the Government of Kenya through Department of Ophthalmic Services and the Provincial Director of Medical Services, Western Province. “The hospital made significant contribution to the country’s capacity building in eye care by serving as a training centre for trainee Ophthalmologists from University of Nairobi, and Cataract Surgeons from Kenya Medical Training College in eye surgery.” The hospital continued to strengthen it’s sustainability strategy. This is our key strategic objective of reducing donor dependency. We continued to improve on our cost saving mechanism, revised our patient fees, improved on our reserve and diversied on income sources. This has seen the hospital close with a positive balance despite utilizing some of the funds in the capital projectsand a reduction in the funding by partners. During the year, the hospital nalized the strategic plan for 2010-2013 and also developed a governance policy.

In its efforts to assure its future sustainability, the hospital has identified the reduction of donor dependancy as a key strategic objective. The hospital continues to save on costs and last year revised patient fees, thus improving on its reserve while diversifying income sources. These measures saw the hospital close the year with a positive balance, despite seeing a reduction in funding from partners and utilising some of its funds in capital projects. These achievements would not have been possible without the generous support of partners, who continue to be critical component of the hospital’s eye work. In 2010, the hospital strengthened its relationship with existing partners such as CBM, Lion Clubs, Oud in Afrika, Standard Chartered Bank, and Mumias Sugar, among others. It also brought on board the Netherlands-based Liberty Foundation and Safaricom Limited as new partners. The hospital’s partners, local and international, and its board of directors supported it throughout the year. So, too, did the Government of Kenya through the department of Ophthalmic Services and the Provincial Director of Medical Services. This support, together with for the excellent results achieved during the year. On behalf of the entire hospital, I wish to extend our humble gratitude.

Samuel Tsimbwela

Acting Hospital Director/CEO