Kisumu: St. Catherine School of Nursing, affiliated with Uzima University, has entered into a partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), enabling nursing students to gain practical clinical experience in the hospital's specialized departments. The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) at the hospital, marking a pivotal development in enhancing nursing practice and professional growth in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, the partnership will allow students to engage in hands-on clinical placements in crucial areas such as surgical care, intensive care nursing, accident and emergency, maternal and child health (MCH), pediatric and newborn care, theatre operations, comprehensive care clinics (CCC), and mental health outpatient services. JOOTRH Acting Chief Executive Officer Joshua Clinton Okise expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the hospital's mission to advance medical training and improve service delivery.

"We are delighted to host nursing students from St. Catherine School of Nursing. This partnership reflects our readiness and commitment to equip them with exceptional hands-on experience across a wide range of specialized medical departments," said Okise. He emphasized that practical exposure in a referral hospital environment would not only enhance the students' clinical skills but also prepare them to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

The delegation from Uzima University was led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Phillip Nyaswa, Dean of the School of Nursing Prof. Juliana Misore, and the Principal of St. Catherine School of Nursing, Dorcas Ogero. Okise noted that JOOTRH, recently elevated to Level 6 as a National Referral Hospital and a State Parastatal under the Ministry of Health, remains committed to forming partnerships with academic institutions to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve the quality of services offered to patients.

"This collaboration further cements JOOTRH's role as a hub for medical training and capacity building, not just for Kisumu County, but for the entire Lake Region," he said. The partnership is expected to benefit both students and the hospital, fostering a platform for academic growth, healthcare innovation, and improved patient outcomes through shared expertise.