Friendship Haven sticking to their Covid-19 guns

It’s one year on and management of Friendship Haven said they’ve only had two Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic last year.

The centre has a total of 140 elderly residents who are considered vulnerable – not just to the danger Covid-19 poses but because many may have other health risks and age-related ailments.

However, Nursing Manager, Sister Riana van der Bank said their partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health has been of huge importance to keep the virus at bay.

She explained that they had to implement several changes, without any compromise, to minimise all the risks; however this was emotionally straining for the residents and staff members.

Residents were feeling despondent, but it was important to keep them safe.

“They’ve got children and grandchildren whom they long to see, but we had to make sure they’re safe. Although it was such a difficult time it was not all doom and gloom as the centre made sure birthdays were well celebrated, while families were still able to write them letters and did video calls.”

During the high alert levels, visitations to the clinic had to be cancelled, and admissions of new residents were stopped.

“Our staff members wear PPEs from head to toe. They are also provided with scrubs, which never leave the premises.”

In preparation of the third wave, Riana said they have systems in place to continue to protect the elderly against the virus.

“We have not relaxed any of the protocols, and we are continuing with what has kept us safe,” Riana said.