Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital (GCTRH) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing patient safety by strengthening blood transfusion services in line with the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) National Algorithm for Screening and Immunological Testing of Donated Blood (2026).
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the regional hospital, Hussein Basheey said the hospital is taking deliberate steps to improve blood handling, storage, testing and transfusion practices to ensure patients receive safe, quality blood and blood products.
Mr. Basheey chaired a committee meeting that brought together the hospital management team, the Laboratory Department, the Nursing Department and representatives from the Regional Blood Bank to review existing blood transfusion procedures and strengthen coordination among the key departments involved in the blood transfusion chain.
“Safe blood saves lives. Today’s meeting demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring every unit of blood handled at Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
By strengthening collaboration between our management, laboratory professionals, nurses and the Regional Blood Bank, we are improving the efficiency of blood collection, storage, testing, distribution and transfusion for the benefit of our patients,” said Hussein Basheey.
He noted that the discussions focused on aligning the hospital’s blood transfusion practices with national guidelines issued by the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service.
They include proper screening of donated blood for transfusion-transmissible infections, blood grouping and compatibility testing, appropriate storage conditions, documentation and traceability, and continuous monitoring of transfusion safety.
Mr. Basheey emphasized that the hospital will continue investing in staff capacity building, adherence to standard operating procedures and stronger collaboration with the Regional Blood Bank.
He said the centre is committed to minimizing blood transfusion-related risks and improving emergency response for patients requiring blood.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare services and ensure timely access to safe blood, particularly for mothers experiencing obstetric emergencies, children with severe anaemia, trauma patients and those undergoing major surgical procedures.
Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital remains committed to delivering safe, quality and patient-centred healthcare in accordance with national health standards and best clinical practices.
