Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital Introduces Authorized Patient Companion Card

WABERI – Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital (GCRH) has initiated issuance of Authorized Patient Companion Card, which permits approved companions in select units, clinics, and departments within the regional healthcare powerhouse.

The new measure is aimed at enhancing patient care and streamlining hospital operations at the facility that first opened its doors to the public in 1967 as a city council facility and in 1970 transferred to the Ministry of Health.

The initiative, part of changes undertaken by Garissa referral hospital CEO Mahat Salah, aims to improve the experience of patients and their families by providing structured support during hospital stays.

The Authorized Patient Companion Card allows one designated caregiver to stay with a patient to ensure emotional support and assistance with non-medical needs.

Mrs. Malyun Ibrahim, the officer incharge of the issuance of the cards, said the approach addresses the challenges of overcrowding and unauthorized visitors, which can strain resources and disrupt care.

“This is about balancing compassion with efficiency,” said Mrs. Ibrahim during an interview at the facility on Friday.

“Patients recover better with loved ones nearby, but we also need to maintain a safe and organized environment. The companion card helps us achieve that,” she added.

Mrs. Ibrahim said when the card expires or when the patient is discharged, the companion card is returned.

Following the rollout, companions have been receiving their allocated cards after registering at the counter.

Mr. Yunis Dekow, the Chief of Communications at Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital (GCRH) encouraged families to inquire about the program during admission at the customer care office.

“The patient companion can be issued a permit card, this card should only be used by the person who was assigned to it and is subject to renewal, ” said Mr. Dekow.

He said the card grants access to designated areas and ensures that only verified individuals are present, reducing security risks.

Companions are also briefed on hospital protocols to support staff in delivering quality care.

“The patient companion must be in good health, 18 years and older. If the companion is a pregnant woman, she should not be more than four months pregnant,” said the Chief of Communications of the hospital.

Mr. Dekow said whether the patient needs a companion is determined by the patient’s doctor and is limited to one accompanying person.

“Companions are not accepted in intensive care units,” he added.

The hospital visiting hours for non companions are from 6:00 am to 7:00 am, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Visiting Hours Schedule For Garissa  County Teaching and Refferal Hospital. Photo/ Nimah Abdi

On Sundays and public holidays, they are slightly extended: 6:00 am to 7:45 am, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Mrs. Hawa Aden, who is nursing at the female ward, welcomed the initiative, “having my sister with me, knowing she’s allowed to be here, makes a big difference. I feel less alone.”

GCRH offers a wide range of medical services, including outpatient, inpatient, and specialized care.

The hospital is equipped with a modern diagnostic center featuring CT scans and MRI machines, as well as providing essential services such as oncology, renal care, and intensive care units (ICU).

It also serves as a regional blood transfusion center, ensuring life-saving resources are available for the region.

“This shows our healthcare system is listening to the people,” said Sheikh Ahmed, a traditional elder.

He added, “it’s a step toward dignity for patients and their families.”

The center is a 300-bed hospital, offering essential services to a catchment population of over 500,000 individuals across Garissa and neighboring counties.

With 82% bed occupancy, the hospital’s services extend beyond Garissa County, reaching communities in Kitui, Tana River, Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera.