Avoidable emergencies clog clinic

THE Alexandra Clinic has raised concerns on the effects of child neglect and the conduct of escorts bringing the injured in for treatment.

The clinic provides in and out patient services to hundreds of residents daily through its limited, and sometimes over-stretched, resources. Some of its services are referrals to other hospitals.

Despite coping with the pressure, the clinic requests the general public to also assist it maintain and provide quality services by reducing the number of avoidable incidents and accidents requiring their medical attention.

Yvonne Lefakane, administration manager at the clinic, said this results from society’s general recklessness with life. She said drivers were especially inconsiderate of other road users, resulting in accidents which could be avoided by giving others the right of way and by observing the speed limit.

“Many people wouldn’t be coming for motor-related accidents if drivers exercised care, as everyone – pedestrians and fellow drivers – are all entitled to use the public roads and pavements.” she said.

Lefakane added that parents and guardians also contributed to patients clogging the clinic because of negligence. She said mothers and caregivers let babies and children crawl into or roam the streets, including busy roads, resulting in them being knocked down by cars.

“This could be avoided by ensuring children who are not at school or crèche are consistently in their sight. [This would] avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the clinic’s emergency services.”

Lefakane pointed to binge drinkers as the most inconsiderate when seeking the clinic’s services. “They often get into fights and demand treatment for their injured friends without regard to clinic protocol and respect of medical professionals doing their duties,” she said. “Sometimes they demand that doctors and nurses prioritise their injured colleagues, without regard to other, more seriously-injured patients.”

She said at times, clinic security was insulted when trying to maintain order.

Her advice was to the public is to behave when at the clinic and to wait for their turn. To be considerate of other road users to avoid unnecessary accidents, and to avoid excessive drinking, especially on weekends.

“This is to ensure that only genuinely sick people visit the hospital for urgent treatment,” Lefakane concluded.

Details: Alexandra Clinic 011 440 1231.