For 61 years, Mercy presence at Our Lady of Lourdes Mutomo Hospital, Kenya has been felt by many. This presence, combined with a sense of justice and mercy has focused on treating individuals with love and compassion.

Our Constitutions #43 aligns with our ministry purpose that calls us to be powerful agents of change, to uphold the dignity of all individuals and to focus on the inherent worth and value of every person, regardless of their age, experience or social status.

The hospital has carried out remarkable service and has been a tangible initiative of Christ’s hand of love, mercy and healing, giving back to the people hope and healthy lives. Many Sisters and staff who worked in the hospital have dedicated many years and energies, made tremendous sacrifices and faced huge limitations, to serve those in need. They have not tired of offering services with a smile and a loving word.

The challenges presenting at the hospital highlight the tremendous difficulties of a people threatened by poverty, hunger and disease – each compounding the other. People live “from hand to mouth” at the best of times. Even with devolution and enhancement in healthcare in the country, people here remind me that “there are still no healthcare choices” and that our hospital is their only hope.

We encounter people of all ages, life experiences and social backgrounds. They come to us in varied situations – stable, critical, injured, malnourished, hungry, angry, dirty, drunk, with or without money, bitten by dogs, donkeys or snakes, and some lifeless. Regardless of the circumstance, our approach to care is faith-centered and professionally given with commitment to the whole person, providing a channel through which the merciful healing love of Christ is transmitted. Our presence is required, it is felt and it helps our patients/clients to feel less afraid or left alone.

The hospital has been a beacon of hope, a centre of formation for healthcare providers and a true centre of excellence in health services (however basic these may have been in the early years). Aware of the impact that work and family pressure can have on general health and performance of employees, we have considered a framework for “care of the carer” so that we the carers can add value to the care and worth of our patients as well as foster a sense of self-worth, well-being and enhanced social relationships among the staff.

I keep on reminding the staff that we have been employed by our clients/patients/students without whom we may not have a livelihood. The need is therefore great for all who seek our services to be treated with respect and dignity. Equally essential is the need to keep reviewing and evaluating the care we provide.

Many people have valued their association with the hospital and owe their life/livelihood to the hospital – they were either born or treated or trained at the hospital. Today we reach out to those seeking our service/care through the following ways:

• Outpatient/inpatient services
• Outreach programs
• Support groups
• Education and training

Mary Okumu RSM
Kenya Branch