[WATCH] How prepared is Polokwane for the coronavirus?
The Health MEC walks us through the isolation ward which was converted from a store room within 24-hours.
POLOKWANE – Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba visited the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital today, to inspect the hospital’s new isolation ward for the feared coronavirus.
Department of Health and Social Development CEO of Management Services, Pandelani Ramawa explained how the isolation ward was converted.
The MEC had a walk-through of the premises and showed key areas, which included the four beds in the two rooms where patients can be treated.
The MEC was shown the various cleaning areas for doctors and nurses. High emphasis was placed on the discarding of infected clothing as well as the scrubbing stations for the staff.
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The MEC said she was impressed with the fact that a storage room was converted into a fully functional ward for isolated patients within 24 hours.
She said that rumours that a patient in Lephalale contracted the virus is untrue. MEC explains.
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The MEC said in an interview that the necessary masks and gloves that were reported to be out of stock, has been restocked to ensure that if needed, there is no shortages.
When asked about whether there will be staff with the needed qualifications, Dr Vincent Mathabane was introduced as one of the specialists who deals with infectious viruses. A nurse will work alongside him to deal with infection control.
Ramathuba said that if needed, more nurses will be used from the ICU as well as some military personnel.
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