“We feel alone, isolated and scared. I think our patients keep us going. Every day, I wonder if I’m going to wake up with Covid-19 symptoms.”
These are the words of Dr Mark Greenslade (61), a general practitioner (GP) who has been practising in Boksburg North since 1988.
The Advertiser spoke to Greenslade to find out how Covid-19 is affecting GPs and how they are coping.
“I’ve got lots of experience in all sorts of things, but I have never experienced anything like Covid-19. Last year when there were all these intense lockdowns, I didn’t know a single doctor who got Covid-19. This new wave has been exceptional, it’s very aggressive. It’s a bloodbath.
“I’ve lost two close doctor friends recently and few good friends are Covid-19 positive at the moment. Right now, we’re wondering who is next. With every patient you see you wonder if you’re going to contract the virus.”
Greenslade said the pandemic is taking an emotional and financial toll on GPs.
“Our income is down by 30 per cent. At some stage, it was down by 70 per cent. I had to pay money into the practice to get it going. Our practice also paid our staff members in full even though they were working half days for many months.
“Furthermore, general practitioners have to spend thousands on personal protective equipment (PPE). Medical aids said they would provide protective gear, but they don’t. I don’t think medical aids care about GPs. Government is also not providing us with any PPE. We go through litres of sanitiser a day and we have to fund everything ourselves. It has become excessively expensive to practise.
“Most doctors are highly stressed right now. You need to be in touch with your patients and their families daily. We’re available for them day and night. Sometimes, family members are concerned about a patient and will phone late at night for medical advice. It is hard work, but we have to do it for the patients. At least they are grateful and care about us. I don’t think I have ever gotten so many thank yous from patients,” he said.
The doctor highlighted that they are doing what they can to keep the practice safe for staff members and patients.
“All the necessary precautionary measures are in place at the practice. We’re deliberating spacing patients so as few as possible are in front. Furthermore, I’m doing more telephonic consultations now.
“Considering all the regulations we have in place, I believe it is as safe to visit a general practitioner as it is to go to a supermarket,” Greenslade explained.
Vaccine
Greenslade said he and his staff members are registered to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
“What can we do? There isn’t an alternative option at the moment. I’m concerned that the vaccine has not been fully trialed for long-term side-effects. It appears that there aren’t any major side-effects; however, we will have to wait five years to see what effects it’s going to have on us in the long term,” he said.
He said he doesn’t know at this stage if members of the public will be able to get vaccinated at a GP’s practice.
“There is so much confusion around the planning of vaccines that nobody knows because there is no obvious plan out there. I would imagine people will be able to get vaccinated at big pharmacies,” he said.
Moreover, the doctor urged members of the public to take the virus seriously and adhere to all Covid-19 regulations.
“It’s of utmost importance to wear masks, practise social distancing and wash or sanitise your hands regularly.”
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