Medics Raise Alarm Over Shortage of Specialized Wound Care Nurses in Kenya

Medical experts have raised concern over a critical shortage of specialised nurses handling chronic wounds in Kenya, warning that the gap is straining healthcare delivery and affecting patient outcomes.

The call was made during the second National and Regional Conference for Wound, Continence and Enterostomal Therapy Nurses (WCETN) held at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

According to health professionals, nurses in this specialised field are currently overwhelmed, with each handling between 15 to 20 patients daily, far above the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of one to six patients per nurse.

KUTRRH Director of Clinical Services Dr. Anthony Kamau said the shortage is particularly concerning given the growing number of patients with chronic wounds arising from cancer surgeries and severe burns.

“As an oncology centre, we handle many cases involving wounds from cancer-related operations, as well as serious burns. This makes wound care a critical service that requires specialized expertise,” he said.

Dr. Kamau noted that the need for specialised wound care nurses became evident after the establishment of the hospital, prompting the introduction of dedicated training in the field.

He called on the government to invest more in training and recruitment, as well as support the local production of essential medical supplies.

“We need increased investment in training specialised nurses and local manufacturing of wound care materials, many of which are currently imported at high cost,” he added.

KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Zeinab Gura, in remarks delivered at the conference, said the hospital currently has more than 800 nurses, a significant number of whom manage patients with wounds resulting from cancer treatment.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration between health institutions and government agencies to strengthen capacity in specialized nursing fields.

“Partnerships will be key in growing the number of skilled professionals and improving patient care,” she noted.

WCETN Conference Chairperson Margaret Mungai, who is also the Deputy Director of Nursing Services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, echoed the concerns, describing the shortage as urgent.

“WHO recommends one nurse for every one to six patients, but in Kenya, a single nurse is handling up to 20 patients. This clearly indicates a serious gap that must be addressed,” she said.

Mungai called for accelerated training programmes and increased hiring to bridge the deficit and improve quality of care.

Meanwhile, KUTRRH senior nurse Justin Kinoti urged patients suffering from chronic wounds to seek medical attention without delay.

“Patients should not shy away from seeking treatment, regardless of how long they have lived with the condition. Early and professional care is key to recovery,” he said.

The conference brought together experts from across the country and beyond, focusing on advancing specialised wound care practices and addressing emerging challenges in the field.

Health professionals say addressing the shortage of specialised nurses will be critical in improving outcomes for patients with chronic wounds, particularly as cases linked to cancer and other conditions continue to rise.