Private hospital ensures safe environment for patients and visitors
The Polokwane hospital has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of all patients, staff and doctors.
POLOKWANE – Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba says the department is expecting an increase in Covid-19 patients since the country’s move to lockdown level three, something she said the department has prepared for.
“Our biggest priority is to help patients who contract Covid-19 to recover. We made sure that we acquired sufficient supplies of medication at our quarantine and isolation facilities.”
Private hospitals have, since the start of the lockdown, come onboard to assist government deal with the crisis.
Mediclinic Limpopo General Manager, MC Botha, told Review that the hospital has taken all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for patients and visitors.”We understand that, due to the fear of contracting the virus, many residents are avoiding coming to the hospital, or to the emergency centre. We want to assure you that during the lockdown period, Mediclinic continues to implement a number of measures to ensure the safety of all our patients, staff and doctors. These measures are all aimed at lowering the risk of infection.”
He said it is important to note that going to hospital is not less safe than going to the shops to buy groceries, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
“Mediclinic strives to make our facilities as safe as possible for our community. We have implemented screening for patients, staff and other individuals who come to the hospital. We have separate treatment areas for Covid and non-Covid-related matters.”
Staff, Botha confirmed, have all been equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that patients, regardless of their medical needs, can be cared for and receive the necessary treatment. Each patient is issued with a cloth mask for the period of admission, unless a surgical mask is appropriate, to further reduce the risk of transmission.
“While you continue to adhere to the lockdown measures, we want you to know that if you require urgent medical care, Mediclinic is here for you. We also understand that by delaying chronic or urgent medical care, you may be placing your health at further risk,” he concluded.
* Netcare Pholoso has not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to print.
