Life Empangeni Private Hospital remains open for medical emergencies and resumes necessary patient admissions safely during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic is having an unparalleled impact on our way of life, but social distancing and lockdown should not prevent anyone from seeking medical attention even if unrelated to Covid-19.
Importantly, the public should not stay away from the hospital’s emergency unit in the event of a medical emergency.
“If someone is having a heart attack or stroke, being diagnosed and treated quickly can significantly improve their chances of recovery.
The fear of the risk of Covid-19 exposure or infection should not prevent people from seeking urgent medical attention at the hospital’s emergency unit,” says Dr Charl van Loggerenberg, Life Healthcare’s General Manager: Emergency Medicine.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, or who has sustained serious head injury or other major injuries, loss of consciousness, coughing up or vomiting blood, poisoning or drug overdose, severe burns or other medical emergencies, or who has severe Covid-19 symptoms should get to the nearest hospital emergency unit as quickly as possible.
“We urge the community to phone the emergency unit before arrival where possible, particularly if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.
“This will ensure that staff can prepare for your arrival to get you screened and treat you for your medical condition as quickly and safely as possible,” Loggerenberg. added Dr van
All patients coming to the emergency unit are routinely screened for Covid-19 symptoms and are provided a mask to help maintain the health and safety of our patients and caregivers and prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition, emergency unit nurses, doctors and staff all wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow stringent clinical and infection prevention protocols that are aligned to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases’ (NICD) guidelines.
Additionally, Life Empangeni Private Hospital, along with all other Life Healthcare hospitals across the country, has resumed necessary surgeries following the relaxation of the hard lockdown that served to manage the spread of Covid-19
A hospital Covid-19 doctor and management task team and committee are in place to continually review and monitor the Covid-19 situation.
“Our staff and doctors have all received guidance as to the process and steps required for safe patient admissions.
This guidance is based on the input received from numerous doctor professional societies, pathology groups, Life Healthcare hospital Covid-19 committees, supporting doctors, as well as international best practise,” added Dr van Loggerenberg.
Life Healthcare will continually review the situation at each of its hospitals in order to assess the risks as well as to identify and share best practice in the interests of doctors, patients, our staff and supporting service personnel.