TB patients shining examples

Harry Comay Hospital congratulates its patients of the month for July, Vellary Geswindt and Warren Februarie.

The hospital is home to more or less 85 patients at a time. Treatment keeps patients away from their families and friends for extended periods and they need all the support and encouragement they can get. While at the hospital, there are numerous activities patients can get involved with, and the Patient of the Month initiative is a goal all of them strive to achieve.

This initiative was started in 2017 to motivate and encourage patients in their fight against TB. This has proven to be very successful. The winners are role models in the hospital and community and inspire and motivate other patients. Every month a few finalists are selected according to their fulfilment of specific criteria (medication compliance, friendliness, neatness, helping in the ward, attending group sessions etc). Thereafter a committee comprising doctors, nursing managers and the social worker selects the two winners. Winners receive a small gift bag which is largely funded from kind donations by the public and staff.

Any organisation or individual who would like to be involved in this initiative can contact Harry Comay Hospital in Nelson Mandela Boulevard, George, on 044 803 9000 / 044 814 1108 and speak to Dr Loftus.

Almost 1 200 patients from the George sub-district tested positive for TB in

2017. TB can affect anyone and does not distinguish between rich and poor. People with compromised immune systems are largely affected, e.g. older people, people with HIV/AIDS and children.

Useful tips for TB patients

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette can prevent the spread of TB. If you have to sneeze, cough or spit, you MUST:

Turn your head away from people when you cough, sneeze or spit.

Try to sneeze, cough or spit into a tissue or toilet paper. Throw the used tissue or toilet paper into a bin.

If you do not have a tissue or toilet paper on hand, sneeze and cough into your upper arm.

Use a tissue or toilet paper if you need to blow your nose and throw the used tissue or toilet paper into a bin.

If you have a cough, cold or flu, cover your mouth and nose by wearing a mask or scarf when you are in enclosed or crowded spaces, for example when visiting your clinic, travelling by public transport, or in your home.

Continuously wash your hands so that you do not transmit germs. Remember, TB is a curable disease. Join us in the fight against TB.