Hospital still ready to serve the community

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact on our way of life, but social distancing and lockdown should not prevent anyone from seeking medical attention.

Life Roseacres Hospital, which has been open throughout the pandemic, urges the community not to stay away from the hospital’s emergency unit in the event of a medical emergency.

“If someone is having a heart attack or stroke being diagnosed and treated quickly can significantly improve their chances of recovery,” said Dr Charl van Loggerenberg, Life Healthcare’s general manager for emergency medicine.

“The fear of the risk of Covid-19 exposure or infection should not prevent people from seeking urgent medical attention at the hospital’s emergency unit.”

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Anyone experiencing any form of medical emergency, whether it be symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, a serious head injury or other major injuries, loss of consciousness, coughing up or vomiting blood, poisoning or drug overdose, severe burns or any other medical emergencies, or who have severe Covid-19 symptoms should go to the nearest hospital emergency unit as quickly as possible.

“We urge the community to phone the emergency unit before arrival whenever possible, particularly if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.

“This will ensure that staff can prepare for your arrival to get you screened and treat you for your medical condition as quickly and safely as possible,” added van Loggerenberg.

“All patients coming to the emergency unit and hospital are screened for Covid-19 symptoms and are provided with a mask to help maintain the health and safety of our patients and caregivers and prevent the spread of the virus.

“In addition, emergency unit nurses, doctors and staff all wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow stringent clinical and infection prevention protocols that are aligned to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases’ (NICD) guidelines.

“Patients suspected of being exposed to the virus or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms are taken to a separate designated area for care.

“If they meet the NICD testing criteria they will receive the necessary emergency care, including being tested for Covid-19.

“If well enough to do so they will be sent home to self-isolate whilst waiting for test results.

“Should the emergency care require hospital admission, the doctor will have the patient tested for Covid-19 if appropriate, and they will be cared for in an isolation unit within the facility.”

Life Roseacres Hospital, along with all other Life Healthcare hospitals across the country, has resumed necessary surgeries following the relaxation of the hard lockdown that served to manage the spread of Covid-19.

“A hospital Covid-19 doctor, and management task team and committee is in place to continually review and monitor the Covid-19 situation,” said van Loggerenberg.

“Our staff and doctors have all received guidance as to the process and steps required for safe patient admissions.

“This guidance is based on the input received from numerous doctor professional societies, pathology groups, Life Healthcare hospital Covid-19 committees, supporting doctors as well as international best practice.”

Doctors, who are independent healthcare professionals and not employed by the hospital, are responsible for managing the criteria and indications for admission of their patients.

Patients will receive instructions from their doctor about the admissions process and infection prevention and safety requirements.

Testing will be funded where indicated by the patients’ medical scheme according to scheme rules.

“Life Healthcare will continually review the situation at each of its hospitals in order to assess the risks, as well as to identify and share best practice in the interests of doctors, patients, our staff and supporting service personnel,” said van Loggerenberg.

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Community members who are concerned that they may need Covid-19 testing are urged to call or consult with their GP or the NICD.

The NICD can be reached on the following support numbers:

• NICD WhatsApp support line: 0600 123 456.

• NICD 24-hour hotline: 0800 029 999 or 0800 111 132.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

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