Mediclinic Nelspruit confirms rise in Covid-19 numbers and associated capacity constraints
The facility had a total of 140 Covid-19 patients on January 7. It emphasised the need for members of the public to manage their own health and adjust their behaviour to manage and reduce their risk of infection.
Mediclinic Nelspruit confirmed that, as is the case across the region and country, it has noted a strong, sudden and sustained increase in the number of Covid-19 patients presenting for care.
Additional measures are being implemented to increase capacity at the facility.
It made specific mention to staffing, emergency centre capacity and critical care resources that are under significant strain.
Dr Gerrit de Villiers, chief clinical officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa, spoke on the capacity concerns that have surfaced in the Mbombela community.
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“When the hospital experiences high volumes of patients within the ICU and High Care units and is unable to accommodate any further patients in these units for a period of time, a decision will be made to implement a diversion to another hospital with capacity to avoid any individual’s care being compromised due to a delay in receiving treatment.
“This decision is constantly reviewed and withdrawn when the unit is once again able to receive patients.”
Mediclinic Nelspruit currently has 140 Covid-19 patients and they are being cared for in various Covid units in accordance with the level of care their condition requires.
“In instances where the hospital is overwhelmed, patients may have to be prioritised for treatment based on recognised triage guidelines for this.
“In practice, this may mean that certain levels of high-care treatment, ventilators or certain oxygen treatments will not be available to all patients.
“Wherever possible, we will try to transport patients, to another hospital where there is capacity,” said De Villiers.
Elective (or non-emergency) surgery has been cancelled or postponed in an effort to create additional capacity within the facility. Urgent and emergency surgery will continue.
“While this situation remains fluid and is evaluated on a frequent basis, we would emphasise the need for members of the public to manage their own health and adjust their behaviour to manage their risk and reduce their risk of infection by the virus.”
He also mentioned that the National Department of Health has provided clear guidelines on how citizens can seek to reduce their risk and encouraged people to apply all measures to ensure that they do so.
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“This includes universal masking, social distancing and regular hand hygiene. Surface cleaning and avoiding of all large social gatherings outside an individual’s direct family bubble are additional measures that should be adopted.
“It is vital that anyone not feeling well remains at home to avoid any further risk to community members and follows the guidelines regarding testing:”
De Villiers highlighted the serious challenge South Africa faces and Mediclinic’s commitment to playing its part in supporting the national and provincial departments of health.
Mediclinic extended its sincere gratitude to the community for its continued understanding and support and to all its employees, doctors and allied healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to support the public.
