The Haemo oncology specialty focuses on comprehensive paediatric haematology services for children with blood disorders and related conditions.
Paediatric Haematology & Oncology
- About the service
- Conditions We Treat
- Services
- Patient & Family Resources
- Outcomes & Testimonials
- Research
- Meet the Team
- Our Locations
- Contact Us
About the service
Paediatric Haematology Services
We offer comprehensive diagnostics and a range of treatments including transfusions, specialised therapies, and stem cell/bone-marrow transplantation when needed.
Conditions We
Treat
We treat a wide variety of childhood blood and bone-marrow conditions, including anaemia and red-cell disorders like Sickle cell disease and Thalassaemia;
Haematology Conditions
We treat a wide variety of childhood blood and bone-marrow conditions, including anaemia and red-cell disorders like Sickle cell disease and Thalassaemia; inherited or acquired bone marrow failure and related disorders; bleeding and clotting problems such as Haemophilia and platelet/coagulation disorders; white-cell or immune cell disorders; and blood cancers such as Leukaemia and Lymphoma.
Paediatric Haematology Services
The Haemo oncology specialty focuses on comprehensive paediatric haematology services for children with blood disorders and related conditions. We offer comprehensive diagnostics and a range of treatments including transfusions, specialised therapies, and stem-cell/bone-marrow transplantation when needed. Our care includes outpatient clinics, day-care treatments such as transfusions or chemotherapy, inpatient care when necessary, and long-term follow-up as children grow.
Before your visit
1. Book your appointment
New patients can conveniently schedule their appointments online using the Booking tab, or call our customer care line for support. Our team is ready to assist you with any questions or help you complete your booking.
2. Payment
For your convenience, we accept multiple payment methods, including various insurances including SHA for eligible clients. Whether you are local or visiting from abroad, our billing team is ready to assist you and make your payment experience simple and stress-free.
3. Carry your previous medical records/history
We encourage you to come with any past medical records or history you may have. These documents help our team get a complete picture of your health and ensure you receive personalized, well-informed care.
4. Catering
For your convenience, we have both a cafeteria and a full-service restaurant on-site. Whether you prefer quick bites, light snacks, or a complete meal, you’ll find a variety of freshly made options to choose from.
For your convenience, we accept multiple payment methods, including various insurances including SHA for eligible clients. Whether you are local or visiting from abroad, our billing team is ready to assist you and make your payment experience simple and stress-free.
During the Visit
1. Enquiries
- How to contact us: phone, email, WhatsApp, website chat, or visit the enquiry desk in person.
- We can: book or change appointments, direct you to a department, explain visiting rules, and connect you to clinical staff if it’s urgent.
- If this is an emergency, call the emergency number immediately, do not wait for an enquiry response.
2. Reception
What happens when you arrive and what you should bring.
- Bring your ID, insurance card, referral letter (if any), and a list of current medications.
- At check-in we will confirm your details, create or update your patient record, and tell you where to wait.
- Expect a brief registration form and a printed or digital confirmation of your appointment.
3. Assisted services ( Porter* Interpreter, Disability, )
Support available for mobility, language, or sensory needs.
- Porter help: staff can escort you between departments or to an ambulance. Ask at reception or call the porter desk.
- Interpreter services: request language support (including sign language) when booking or at arrival; we offer in-person or remote interpreting.
4. Triage
How we prioritise care for walk-ins and urgent symptoms.
- A triage nurse quickly assesses people who come without appointments to identify anyone who needs immediate care.
- You will have a short set of questions and basic observations (e.g., temperature, breathing, pain level).
5. Billing & Insurance
- Before treatment, we will check your insurance and explain what is covered, any co-payments, and required pre-authorisations.
- If you are self-paying, we can provide a cost estimate for elective procedures.
- Payment methods: cashless options, card payments, mobile money, and online payment where available.
- If you need financial help, ask about payment plans, charity assistance or social work support at billing.
6. Consultation
What to expect during your medical consultation.
- The doctor will review your history, ask about symptoms, perform an exam and explain tests or treatment option.
- Bring a list of medicines, allergies, and any previous test results or referral notes.
7. Radiology & Laboratory
How diagnostic tests are ordered, performed and how you receive results.
- Tests are arranged by your doctor and performed in our lab or imaging unit. Follow any preparation instructions (e.g., fasting).
- For imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) we will explain safety steps. For lab tests, samples will be labelled and handled carefully.
8. Admission – As recommended by primary doctor
Steps when your doctor recommends admission to hospital.
- Admission staff will confirm paperwork, insurance authorisation and arrange your bed. Bring important items: ID, insurance card, medication list, and an overnight bag.
- Nursing staff will orient you to the ward, visiting hours, how to call for help, and daily routines.
9. Pharmacy
Collecting medicines and getting guidance on how to take them.
- Prescriptions from your doctor can be filled at our on-site pharmacy. Show your discharge papers or prescription.
- Pharmacists will explain how to take medicines, possible side effects, and interactions with other drugs or foods.
10. Follow up appointment
How follow-up appointments are arranged and managed.
- If you need a follow-up, staff will book it before you leave, or you’ll receive a booking link via SMS/WhatsApp/email.
- Reminders: you will get appointment reminders with instructions (fasting, tests to do beforehand). Confirm or reschedule using the link or by phone.
11. Concierge* and accommodation services*
- Arrange airport pick-up and drop-off so you arrive and leave without hassle.
- Provide accommodation either within the hospital or at approved nearby guesthouses / hotels.
- Offer support with admission, discharge and all paperwork so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
- Help coordinate transport between your accommodation and hospital for appointments or follow-ups.
After your Visit
1. Appointment reminder
Shortly before your next scheduled appointment whether a follow-up visit, a lab test, or imaging we will send you a reminder (by phone call, SMS). This helps make sure you don’t miss any important checks. How we help you remember upcoming visits.
- You will receive reminders by SMS, email, WhatsApp or automated call at intervals you choose (for example 72 hrs and 24 hrs before).
2. Radiology & Laboratory
How you receive and understand your test results.
- When results are ready your clinician will review them and contact you with any important findings and next steps.
- Where available, results may also appear on our secure patient portal for you to view. If you see a result online and are unsure what it means, contact your clinician for an explanation.
3. Follow up visit
Your child may need blood tests, scans or other diagnostic procedures. Once these are done, results will be reviewed and interpreted by our team. We’ll contact you about the findings, and what needs to happen next (medication, more tests, follow-up, etc.).
What happens at follow-up and how to prepare.
- At follow-up your clinician will review progress, test results, and adjust medications or treatment plans as needed
4. Patient Support Groups
We believe in more than just medical care we encourage families to connect with support groups (when available), peer networks or counseling services. These groups can offer emotional support, shared experiences, practical advice, and help with long-term care or rehabilitation.
Peer support options to help you and your caregivers.
- We run condition-specific support groups (for example diabetes, cancer, transplant) and caregiver sessions to share experiences and learn coping strategies.
Outcomes & Testimonials
Research
At our Paediatric Haemato-Oncology services in Kenya, our research team is dedicated to advancing the detection, diagnosis and treatment of childhood sickle cell disease.
Our work includes:
- Improving early screening and detection of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in infants and young children, so that children receive care as early as possible. In Kenya it is estimated that approximately 14,000 children are born with SCD each year and without early intervention many do not survive past their fifth birthday
- Developing and refining diagnostic pathways and treatment protocols that are tailored to Kenyan children taking into account regional disease prevalence, health-system realities, resource settings and local treatment challenges.
- Conducting studies into improving access to essential and exploring novel methods for management of complications common in our context.
- Researching the broader care continuum: from diagnosis and acute crisis management (painful vaso-occlusive events, infections, anaemia) to transfusion strategies, follow-up care, and long-term outcomes including quality of life and survivorship in children with SCD in Kenya.
- Working closely with partners at the national and county and integrating research findings into policy and care guidelines.
We invite you to view our current Paediatric Sickle Cell Disease research projects, explore how you can engage, support or participate, and join us in the effort to improve outcomes for children living with sickle cell disease in Kenya.
Meet the Team
Dr. Brian Nderu
MBcHB, MMeD Paediatrics and Child Health
MBcHB, MMeD Paediatrics and Child Health
Dr. Brian Nderu is a Consultant Paediatric Haematologist-Oncologist at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, specializing in paediatric cancers, blood disorders, and bone marrow transplantation. He is passionate about improving treatment outcomes and advancing multidisciplinary, evidence-based care for children.
Dr. Doreen Karimi Mutua
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
Dr. Doreen Karimi is a Paediatric Haematologist-Oncologist at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, specializing in childhood cancers, blood disorders, and sickle cell disease. Dr. Doreen Karimi is dedicated to advancing quality care, research, and advocacy to improve outcomes for children across Kenya and beyond.
Visit Gertrude's Children's Hospital today
Learn more about Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital locations or choose a specific location.
Muthaiga Medical Center
Muthaiga Medical Center
Ongata Rongai Medical Center
Ongata Rongai Medical Center
Junction Mall Medical Center
Junction Mall Medical Center
Lavington Medical Center
Lavington Medical Center
Sarit Medical Center
Sarit Medical Center
Nairobi West Medical Center
Nairobi West Medical Center
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