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Some Health Related Questions for my Daughter

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Some Health Related Questions for my Daughter Empty Some Health Related Questions for my Daughter

Post  TexanMzungu Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:40 am

Greetings All,

My wife and daughter will be arriving in one week from the States. I have been here for about 6 weeks, getting everything ready for them to arrive. Love Nairobi and trying to learn the day-to-day rules of life.

I live in the Karen area and am slowly learning the locations of everything.

My first question is, I need to find a good pediatrician for my daughter. I have had a hard time figuring out the medical system here. I have been to Karen Hospital, but am not all that impressed with their system; seems they are more about making money than providing health care in my humble experience. Maybe I was just there on a bad day? Anyhow, I would like to find a health care provider close to the Karen area and would love to hear good input from those that are "...in the know."

My second questions is, I have a lady that helps me at the house with chores. Upon arrival of my wife and daughter, she will also have a lot of close contact with my 10 month old. I would like to have her tested for HIV and TB, at minimum. Does anyone see any bad reaction to this? Can anyone recommend a clinic for this? Or, is it just Karen Hospital, pay the fees and the test costs?

I thank you, in advance, for any advice you may provide.

Peace and much love,

TexanMzungu

TexanMzungu

Posts : 12
Join date : 2009-06-26
Location : Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

http://www.texanmzungu.blogspot.com

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Some Health Related Questions for my Daughter Empty Healthcare in Karen/Nairobi

Post  Admin Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:04 am

Hi Texan Mzungu,
Thanks for your questions. I happen to be something of an expert on this topic.

I too share your feelings on Karen Hospital - they have a tendancy to recommend the entire spectrum of tests in order to wrack up bills - however, it is really great to have them there in an emergency.

Many people in Karen use the 'Karen Surgery' located near the Karen shops roundabout, opposite the Talisman restaurant on Ngong Road. There are 6 doctors/gps in a team working there (mostly expats), only mornings 8am-12pm, plus a nurse who will do vaccinations etc. It's pricey though. about 3,500 shillings per consultation, but the doctors are very experienced, good bedside manner and can recommend the best specialists in town if you have a specific problem. When you have a baby, it's quite nice to use them for the complex vaccination schedule, as they are very helpful on things like this. For blood/stool tests etc. they send them out (not done on site) and you may have to wait one to two days for results. They are also not keen on being called out, out of surgery hours.

The Karen surgery also have a reduced rate of around 1,000/- for treating and/or doing testing for your staff. Worth calling to ask about this - 020 883845/6

I often use the Gertrudes Garden (childrens) satellite clinic in Lavington, Othaya Road, if any of my children have a sore ear, stomach ache or low grade fever. The great thing about them is they send doctors (Kenyan) out on rotation from the main childrens hospital in Muthaiga. They are open from 8-8pm, and bank holidays etc. 9-6pm - Plus it is a one stop shop where they conduct stool, blood and urine tests, you can wait for results and there is a pharmacy on site - so in one visit you can do everything and find out exactly what is wrong with your child. There's a sweet playground there too!

There are good pediatricians linked to Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital and of course Gertrudes Garden hospital - but personally, I would only drive that far unless referred specifically.

Hope this helps!

Admin
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Join date : 2009-06-23

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Post  TexanMzungu Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:47 am

Thank you, so very much!

I have an ignorant question, the roundabout you are talking about is the one just North of Karen Shopping Center? Unfortunately, I am not familiar with The Talisman...yet!

My wife is an Internal Medicine physician and very picky about who treats our daughter. I think this Karen Surgery Center will be wonderful and fulfill her requirements...especially since we are in the middle of vaccinations and are switching from U.S. vaccines to Kenyan vaccines.

I went to Karen Hospital to inquire about testing for our house staff. They wanted to charge a KES 800 consultation fee to discuss charges. Being new and stupid, I paid it then waited for 90 minutes. I ended up leaving and Karen was KES 800 richer for my lessons learned. My wife interviewed at the hospital a little over a year ago and was afraid to work there...but you are right, in case of a broken bone or significant emergency, it is nice that they are close by.

It sounds like I am not the first person to consider having the house staff checked out. I have not spoken to Eunice yet about this, does local culture dictate this to be offensive? In the States, one would easily offend someone by asking them to be tested. I have made my share of social/etiquette breaches already...I do not want to lose good help by offending.

Thank you again, you are wonderful for answering here and for writing your blog. I am trying my own attempt at a blog, having been inspired by yours. Mostly to keep my family and friends abroad kept up on our doings but also to document my life for later days. Thank you, for all you do. If you are ever at Dormands at Karen Shopping Center (the farthest I dare adventure just learning to drive on the left), I am buying.

Kind Regards,

TexanMzungu

TexanMzungu

Posts : 12
Join date : 2009-06-26
Location : Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

http://www.texanmzungu.blogspot.com

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Post  Admin Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:51 pm

Yes, the surgery is just up the hill from the Karen roundabout. BTW Do visit the Talisman one day, highly recommended - but ask to sit near a fire - it's freezing isn't it?!

I have never tested my staff, but think there is nothing wrong with doing it, as long as you explain to your staff member. Often people embrace the chance to be tested for free - do consult the surgery first. I am sure they spell out what they are testing for and in the end it will be Eunice's choice.

Good luck with your blog. Do send me the link when you have it.

Admin
Admin

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Post  TexanMzungu Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:48 pm

Thank you, once again, for the information. I will do exactly as you advise.

I have foregone the nice restaurants until my wife arrives (with exception to while I was in Watamu, then all bets were off). Afraid I have been eating quite poorly...still have not got a cooktop and eating out of a microwave and what is easy from Karen Crossroads...I don't think I can eat another burrito or pizza for quite some time...but still love the bacon quiches.

I am quite enjoying the weather and the cool. It was 38+ degrees where I came from with high humidity...I'm loving life! My wife, on the other hand, is much more temperature sensitive.

The blog I have is: http://texanmzungu.blogspot.com/

I would be honored and thrilled if you read it. Again, you were most of my inspiration!

TexanMzungu

Posts : 12
Join date : 2009-06-26
Location : Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

http://www.texanmzungu.blogspot.com

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