Gauteng Netcare facilities experiencing an unprecedented demand on bed capacity

Netcare said they continued to bolster response levels and capacity to give assistance to as many patients as possible during the escalating Covid-19 surge.

CEO at Netcare Dr Richard Friedland said they had substantially increased their bed capacity and contracted more resident medical and clinical associates during this time.

Friedland said they have also made every effort to ensure that they have adequate supplies of oxygen, appropriate medication and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to last them through this surge.

He added the extremely high number of people with Covid-19 seeking care at Netcare hospitals had placed significant demand on their facilities, requiring them to make decisions regarding the levels of care and certain treatment modalities.

Friedland said staff would provide the best care available to patients, but may not, in circumstances where demand exceeds or overwhelms capacity, be able to provide all treatment options that were available in non-pandemic circumstances.

He explained that practically, this means that levels of care such as ICU and High Care, ventilators or certain oxygen delivery modalities may not be available to all patients at all times.

These decisions would be made by clinicians based on the availability of resources and their best clinical judgement.

“We fully support them in this difficult task and complex decision-making process,” said Friedland.

Netcare hospitals in Gauteng have commissioned Clinical Decision Units aimed at easing the burden on emergency departments and enabling stabilisation of patients before they are admitted to a ward.

These units provide oxygenation, ablution facilities and safe areas for putting on PPE for nurses and doctors.

Friedland said facilities in Gauteng were experiencing an unprecedented demand on bed capacity.

Next-of-kin of admitted patients are encouraged to call the Netcare Family Connect line on 080 011 1266, where a call centre professional will arrange for a hospital representative to provide them with feedback on how their loved one is doing.

“During these uncertain and difficult times, we appreciate the public’s patience and understanding, and I want to assure you that we are working as hard as humanly possible on the frontline to provide the best and safest care we can to our patients during this challenging time.”

Related articles:

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/364689/netcare-says-facilities-in-gauteng-are-under-pressure/

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/359219/gauteng-premier-visits-netcare-milpark-as-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-continues/