Nurses highlight the importance of safety measures
MIDRAND – Thembi Shishenge said that ever since more information has been provided on the coronavirus, it has made their job as professional healthcare workers a lot more easier.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world and has had many negative impacts.
Even though most people have been affected in many ways, some of the most negatively affected, both physically and mentally, have been healthcare workers.
The Midrand Reporter visited Halfway House Clinic to learn about the staff’s experiences while working on the front line.
Maria Matsane, operational manager for the Halfway House Clinic explained that, in the beginning, things were hectic as people did not have enough information about the virus and they were scared. “We were also scared to get closer to people who we thought might have Covid-19. As time went by, staff members were offered training which made it easier to deal with asymptomatic people or people who had the virus,” she said.
Matsane added that at some point they had to implement a rotation system whereby some workers had to be at work while some were at home. “The rotational schedule helped curb the spread among all our staff members as opposed to if they coming to work every day.”
Thembi Shishenge, a professional nurse at the clinic, said a lot of changes took place at the clinic. “We would have to change some of the rooms to accommodate some of the patients who would be coming into the clinic with symptoms as an isolation room. We had tents outside the building, some chairs inside the clinic building had to be blocked to make sure visitors social distance,” she added.
Delving into the positives which came with the lockdown restrictions, Shishenge said that there has been a reduction in casualty cases, the community is aware of the virus and information on it. “Most community members came to the clinic aware of the signs and symptoms which presented Covid-19 and were therefore less frightened.”
Shishenge concluded that community members should keep safe, “I can say, Covid-19 is here, it is true that it can take someone’s life. When we say wash, sanitise your hands and wear your mask, it is for a good purpose. Please, we urge you, we have seen a lot of people suffering from Covid-19, do not put your life at risk.”
Details: Halfway House Clinic 011 805 3112.
