For parents seeking world-class heart care in a trusted hospital, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya stands as a leading choice.
It is the only JCI-accredited children’s hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa, a recognition of its commitment to the highest international standards.
Gertrude’s combines advanced technology with a multidisciplinary team dedicated exclusively to children’s health.
Through its East Africa Children’s Heart Program, the hospital offers both paediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery.
These services are seamlessly integrated to provide complete care for a wide range of heart conditions in children.
From early diagnosis to advanced treatment and long-term follow-up, every step is guided by specialists who understand the unique needs of young patients.
The hospital also prioritises a safe and reassuring environment where children can heal and families can find hope.
Paediatric Cardiology at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
Heart health in children requires a specialised approach that considers their unique anatomy, developmental stage, and long-term growth.
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, paediatric cardiology is a dedicated discipline offering precise diagnosis, expert management, and ongoing care for infants, children, and adolescents with heart conditions.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Assessment
The hospital’s paediatric cardiology team uses advanced diagnostic technology to identify heart problems accurately and early.
Available investigations include:
- Electrocardiography (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity.
- Echocardiography (ECHO) for detailed imaging of heart structure and function.
- Cardiac CT and CT angiography for complex cases requiring high-resolution imaging.
- Fetal heart assessment for detecting heart defects before birth.
- Digital X-ray and stress testing to evaluate cardiac performance.
These capabilities allow Gertrude’s specialists to diagnose a wide range of conditions with speed and accuracy.
Conditions Managed by the Paediatric Cardiology Team
The service covers both congenital and acquired heart conditions, including:
- Congenital heart defects such as atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and atrioventricular canal defect.
- Rheumatic heart disease and its complications.
- Arrhythmias and conduction disorders such as congenital heart block.
- Cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children.
- Aortic and valve disorders including; aortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve.
Patient-Centred Care Approach for Paediatric Cardiology Patients
Gertrude’s approach to paediatric cardiology combines clinical precision with compassionate family support.
Parents are engaged at every stage from understanding the diagnosis to participating in the treatment plan.
Many heart conditions in children can be effectively managed with medical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and minimally invasive diagnostic or monitoring procedures.
The hospital’s cardiology team works closely with partner centres for advanced non-surgical interventions when needed, ensuring children receive the most suitable and least invasive care possible.
Follow-up clinics provide regular monitoring of a child’s heart health. This allows timely adjustments to treatment and offers reassurance to families.
In urgent situations, parents have direct access to paediatric cardiology specialists for immediate advice and intervention.
With one of the best paediatric cardiology teams in Africa and a hospital environment designed exclusively for children, Gertrude’s offers families the confidence that their child’s heart is receiving expert, personalised care.
Paediatric Cardiac Surgery at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, paediatric cardiac surgery is offered through the East Africa Children’s Heart Program.
This regional centre of excellence brings together internationally trained specialists, advanced technology, and a child-focused recovery environment to deliver outstanding results.
Specialised Surgical Expertise
The hospital’s paediatric cardiac surgeons work alongside a multidisciplinary Heart Team.
This includes paediatric anaesthetists, perfusionists, cardiac nurses, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and dietitians.
Each stage of the surgical journey is carefully managed from the moment the child enters the theatre to the day they go home. Every step is handled by professionals who specialise in paediatric care.
Procedures performed include:
- Repair of congenital defects such as atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and atrioventricular canal defect.
- Complex reconstructions for conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries.
- Valve repairs and replacements for congenital or acquired valve disease.
- Repair of coarctation of the aorta and other aortic anomalies.
- Palliative surgeries for children with conditions not suitable for full corrective repair.
Advanced Surgical Facilities
Paediatric cardiac surgeries at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital take place in purpose-built operating theatres designed for paediatric patients.
All equipment is scaled and calibrated for children’s anatomy to ensure precision and safety.
The theatres are equipped with advanced imaging systems, precision monitoring tools, and child-specific life support technology to optimise safety during complex procedures.
Following surgery, patients are transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU).
These units are staffed around the clock by paediatric critical care specialists who monitor every heartbeat, breathing pattern, and oxygen level, particularly during the crucial first hours and days of recovery.
The hospital also houses Kenya’s first cardiac surgery simulation laboratory, developed in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and the German Heart Institute.
This facility allows surgical teams to practise and refine techniques, ensuring every procedure reflects the highest global standards.
Comprehensive Perioperative Care
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, surgery is a carefully planned process. It begins with preoperative consultations where the surgical team explains the diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes in clear, straightforward language.
Parents are guided through preparations such as nutritional advice and infection prevention to give each patient the best possible starting point for surgery.
During the procedure, the hospital’s care team keeps families updated on progress. After surgery, recovery plans are tailored to the patient’s age, condition, and overall health.
Pain management protocols are initiated promptly, physiotherapy begins early to restore strength, and emotional support is provided to help patients adjust post-surgery.
Follow-up clinics track recovery, adjust medication when required, and maintain open communication with the heart team for any concerns.
For many families, the outcome is transformative — a child able to grow, play, and live without the restrictions of a heart condition.
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, paediatric cardiac surgery is not only about repairing the heart; it is about restoring hope and improving quality of life.
Why Parents Choose Gertrude’s for Heart Care
The hospital delivers paediatric heart care that meets international standards while remaining accessible within the region.
I. International Accreditation and Standards
Gertrude’s is the only JCI-accredited standalone children’s hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. This confirms top standards in safety, quality, and management matching leading children’s hospitals worldwide.
II. The East Africa Children’s Heart Program
The program unites paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, critical care teams, and allied specialists. Care is coordinated seamlessly, whether for ongoing monitoring, a catheter-based procedure, or surgery.
III. Specialised Facilities for Children
The hospital is built exclusively for children. Operating theatres, ICUs, labs, and wards use child-scaled equipment. Staff are trained in paediatric care, and the environment reduces fear.
IV. Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities
On-site services include ECG, echocardiography, cardiac CT, fetal heart assessment, stress testing, and digital X-ray. Rapid access to diagnostics enables faster, more accurate treatment decisions.
V. Expertise That Extends Beyond Surgery
Many heart conditions are managed without surgery. The paediatric cardiology team provides medical treatment, monitoring, and preventative care to improve outcomes and quality of life.
VI. Commitment to Positive Outcomes
Gertrude’s houses Kenya’s first cardiac surgery simulation lab, developed with the University of Nairobi and the German Heart Institute, ensuring surgical teams stay at global best-practice standards.
How My 1Health Assists Paediatric Patients Access Treatment at Gertrude’s
My 1Health works with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital to help families access world-class paediatric heart care quickly and smoothly.
This support is available for patients in Kenya and for international families travelling to Nairobi for treatment.
We coordinate with Gertrude’s specialists to create a personalised care plan whether the need is for diagnostic evaluation, ongoing management, or surgical intervention.
I. Appointment Booking and Coordination
My 1Health arranges consultations with the most suitable paediatric cardiologist or cardiac surgeon. All hospital scheduling is handled to reduce waiting times.
II. Diagnostic Planning
On-site diagnostics at Gertrude’s such as ECG, echocardiography, cardiac CT, and foetal heart assessment can be pre-arranged to minimise multiple visits.
III. Admission and Procedure Support
If a procedure or surgery is required, My 1Health manages admission planning and ensures the hospital team is prepared for the patient’s arrival.
IV. Insurance and Financial Guidance
Assistance is provided for insurance verification, payment planning, and cost estimates, including for international patients.
V. Travel and Accommodation Assistance for International Patients
For families outside Kenya, My 1Health offers visa support letters, travel timing advice, and accommodation recommendations close to the hospital.
VI. In-Hospital Communication
During treatment, My 1Health stays in close contact with Gertrude’s clinical team, updating families regularly on progress and care milestones.
VII. Post-Treatment Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments are booked in advance. For international patients, virtual consultations are arranged to allow Gertrude’s specialists to track recovery and adjust care plans.
This comprehensive support allows families to focus entirely on their child’s care and recovery, while My 1Health manages the medical, logistical, and administrative details.
