October 2015
Dear friends
I do apologise for not writing more this year. It has been a time of
emotional ups and downs.
Mum on her 93rd birthday
My mother had been admitted to hospital in January this year. She
was discharged then readmitted in March. I was able to travel to UK
in March / April to be with her whilst she was still in hospital, after
her discharge; during her 93rd birthday on Easter Sunday; and then
with her as she saw a cardiac surgeon prior to her having a
pacemaker fitted. We are so pleased with how her general health
has improved since then.
The Nursing Officer in Charge at MMH asked me to carry out some emergency resuscitation training for
trained staff, which I did with Mr Abed Muriuki, one of our senior nurses, who has undergone further
training in Intensive Care nursing. I had done my Advanced Cardiac Life Support (CPR) training in 2014 and
got my certificate so we made a good team.
Learning basic life support – cardio pulmonary resuscitation techniques
Being examined on basic life support techniques in order to get their certificate
The last few months in Maua were a frenzy of trying to hand over all my responsibilities to Leonard Mbaabu
(Principal Tutor) and Catherine Mwenda (his Deputy). There are still a few outstanding jobs that I did not
manage to complete – mostly to do with the examination office. My well laid plans were disrupted because
of coming to UK when Mum was ill. I thank God for my colleagues who understood and supported me
through that time. Really good things have happened in the School of Nursing kitchen. The renovations were
competed after I left.
I had an amazing farewell party from Maua Methodist Hospital my last week there. We had food and fun
and singing and dancing. I was privileged to have three special guests – a nurse, a midwife and a community
nurse who were all in Maua when I first went in 1980. They helped me to cut the farewell cake which we
then distributed to all the staff and students.
Sr Mary Gitari (NOIC), Sr Rosalie Nyaga, me, Sr Florence Mutiga (Midwife), Mrs Janet Kaithima (Community):
then me serving cake to staff.
I had some amazing messages from past students. I will share just a little:
“After registering with the Nursing Council, doors opened for me like never before. I trained in renal nursing. I
started the first haemodialysis centre in Kenya. My name grew since I was a performer and I was sponsored
to go to study further in Taiwan for 1 year in renal nursing. Since then I have travelled the world working and
educating people on renal failure; working in Japan, Dubai, South Africa, Kenya and am now in Namibia.”
Another wrote: “Through you many lives have been restored. I am proud to have passed through your hands.
I remember your good mentoring, knowledge and skills you impacted on me. It needs a person thoroughly
trained to combat physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Maua Methodist Hospital School of Nursing
has that capacity. That is why colleagues ask me where I trained: I salute you.”
It is so humbling to know that I have been part of a team that has trained so many nurses now working in
many different settings but all offering good health care services.
At the hospital, we have had a change of management. Rev Jim and Rev Sue flew back to USA on 1 st June.
Mrs Dinah Chumo had been appointed as Hospital Administrator and a new CEO is expected soon.
Rev Jim Monroe
Mrs Dinah Chumo
Rev Sue
Dr Inoti stepped down as Medical Officer in Charge so that he can spend all of his time in the Ophthalmology
work. He was able to attend a specialised training in India in August and we trust that he will be able to
attract more patients needing his services with this additional qualification
Dr Tsuma has been acting MOIC for which the hospital is very thankful.
After the Garissa terrorist attack all but one of the work teams from USA cancelled their visits. It is a pity but
necessary as the groups are very visible and therefore very vulnerable. We missed their input to the hospital,
even though they only come for a week they have an intense time with our staff and community, and always
go away with many positive stories.
Claire and my plans to have a holiday in Kenya before coming to UK were changed rather suddenly. We met
Claire’s brother and on the 2nd day we were travelling north to a game conservation reserve when in the
afternoon we received a message that Claire’s mother had collapsed and was in an induced coma in the
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. We had a frantic few hours cancelling all our holiday bookings, booking a flight
home, and trying to sort things out for leaving the next day. After a very worrying time, and a still
experimental type of cardiac surgery, Claire’s mother has made a remarkable recovery. We are grateful to
God for all his goodness. We are grateful to the staff at Maua who prayed us through and kept up with our
progress with Claire’s mum.
Since coming back to England I have travelled round to a few venues to take services, share in services and
share with churches on the theme of “Change, Challenge, Choice”. I think that retirement will hit me when
after the deputation I neither return to Kenya for work, nor have more requests for speaking engagements
here, but this is one of the challenges I have to face. I do plan to go back to Maua as a volunteer to try to do
some of the things Mr Mbaabu wants me to do, some more training on CPR with the trained staff, and other
teaching as requested both in the School of Nursing and the trainings taking place in the Comprehensive
Care Clinic (Palliative Care Programme)
I don’t know how to thank all of you for your faithful prayers over the years. It has truly been a blessed time
for me. I trust that God will continue the work He began, and that the School of Nursing at Maua Methodist
Hospital will maintain its reputation as one of the places that trains practical, skilled, compassionate, selfdisciplined, Christian nurses.
Thank you for your part in this.
Barbara