Ngwelezana Hospital is not geared for pandemic
No social distancing at local Covid-19 referral hospital
WHILE official sources say those suspecting they have contracted the coronavirus must report at the Ngwelezana Hospital, the reality is that they could be exposed to extra risk by doing so.
Since the announcement of the first positive coronavirus case in the city a week ago, questions have flooded in from concerned residents regarding testing and isolation procedures at the hospital.
The state facility was one of six hospitals in KZN earmarked by the Department of Health to treat affected patients.
But the public is doubtful whether the facility is in fact, prepared to effectively handle what will likely become a spiralling local demand – especially from those not on medical aid.
In particular, grave concern has been expressed about the apparent failure to enforce social distancing at the hospital.
We have seen what happened in other countries, where a single person infected hundreds
We are the referral hospital, but because of the failure of authorities above the level of this hospital’s management, the necessary precautions are not in place
According to a doctor who spoke to the ZO on Friday, ‘bus loads’ of potential Covid-19 victims are proceeding through the main gate and hospital doors, where no hand sanitisers or other forms of protection are available.
‘It is clear that social distancing is one of the most effective ways to curb the spread of the virus.
‘Yet, suspected coronavirus patients sit shoulder-to-shoulder alongside others visiting the outpatients department, with sometimes more than 200 people sharing the space,’ said the concerned doctor.
‘There is no triage mechanism and no separating of patients.
‘We have seen what happened in other countries, where a single person infected hundreds.
‘We are the referral hospital, but because of the failure of authorities above the level of this hospital’s management, the necessary precautions are not in place.
‘The special isolation ward is only for confirmed cases.’
As far as can be ascertained, no patient has yet been admitted to the special section designated for those who have been tested and determined to be positive.
The ZO visited the hospital late on Friday afternoon and while the outpatients section was fairly empty by then, groups of ill patients slept on the brick floors next to each other outside the unit at the entrance to the hospital.
Planning criticised
The KZN health portfolio committee visited the hospital two weeks ago to assess its state of readiness, and the facility was criticised for not acquiring enough ventilators and management was instructed to provide a written submission to the chairperson by Friday, 13 March, detailing a step-by-step plan to manage and treat infected patients.
The committee confirmed that they have not yet received the report.
When the ZO approached the Department of Health to check on the hospital protocols, no answers specifically related to Ngwelezana Hospital were provided.
Instead, the ZO was sent a generic response on how hospitals ought to handle the pandemic.
The overview stated that in any suspected case, the patient needs to be isolated for assessment irrespective of the severity of symptoms.
It was not confirmed if this protocol was observed at Ngwelezana Hospital.
The department did not provide an answer regarding the cost of Covid-19 tests, and the ZO could not confirm reports that costs are determined according to what a patient can afford.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has projected that the Covid-19 virus might remain in the country for some time and that up to 70% of South Africans are at risk of contracting the virus, with 20% of those likely to be serious cases.