Patient tests positive for Covid-19 at Hibiscus Hospital
It's a first for Hibiscus Hospital. The patient is recovering well and all necessary NICD guidelines have been followed.
A patient admitted to Hibiscus Hospital in Port Shepstone on April 6 has tested positive for Covid-19 (coronavirus).
This was confirmed by hospital CEO, Richard Mills in a statement released today (Thursday).
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“This is the first patient admitted to the facility to test positive for Covid-19,” he said, adding that the patient was recovering well.
He said that from the time of admission, through to the transfer of the patient to the isolation ward, all the necessary NICD guidelines were followed.
“The local health authorities were informed, and they were satisfied that all protocol was observed and that our healthcare workers and the facility was not compromised in anyway,” he said.
He added that the hospital had introduced the following measures for the safety of its patients, doctors and healthcare workers working at and using the facility:
1. Restricted patient visitors, only under exceptional circumstances;
2. All those entering the hospital will be screened at casualty;
3. All new admissions to the hospital will require a Covid-19 screening test. Those that have been tested prior to admission will not require testing;
4. A dedicated Covid-19 section within the hospital for patients only;
5. All staff at the hospital have been appropriately trained and equipped.
Mr Mills said the incidences of positive Covid-19 patients was on the increase around the country and that now was a critical phase in the prevention of the spread of the infection.
“We are in new and unchartered territory. These new measures will further assist in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 infection. Your assistance and cooperation will be appreciated.”
He explained that while SA cold learn from experiences in the northern hemisphere, it had its own unique challenges.
“We don’t wish the unfortunate experiences of other hospitals to be repeated, as that will have serious consequences for the health and welfare of all concerned,” he said.
“Please stay safe, stay well and stay at home!”
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