Local health facilities say the demand for hospital beds is re-emerging as Covid-19 infections rise. On Tuesday the Mpumalanga Department of Health (DoH) confirmed that the 33 hospitals in the province have seen an increase of walk-in patients. On Sunday, Mediclinic Nelspruit said the third wave is exceeding previous admissions to its facilities, which most likely can be attributed to the impact of the Delta variant.

Dr Gerrit de Villiers, chief clinical officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa, said, “Mediclinic Nelspruit is currently experiencing a strong increase in demand for care, particularly in our ICU and high care units. It is important to note that while ICU and high care capacity may vary from hospital to hospital depending on the number of licensed beds, not all Covid-19 patients require ICU care or mechanical ventilation”.

“The tremendous demand for hospital beds and ICU resources in most provinces is putting the hospitals under severe pressure.”

De Villiers said the local hospital has temporarily suspended elective (or non-emergency) surgery due to the current surge however all emergency and urgent surgeries are continuing.

“Revised visiting hours have been implemented within Mediclinic Nelspruit to reduce the risk for all stakeholders. Family members can contact the hospital for more information on what options are available to engage with loved ones. Visitation access to the neonatal intensive care units, obstetrics and paediatric units remains in place.”

Both private and public health facilities say they have plans in place. DoH spokesperson, Dumisani Malamule, said, “Beds are still available at state-owned health facilities although they are seeing an increase in Covid-19 admissions. The plan that we have as the department is that if a hospital does not have space to accommodate patients they will be transferred to the nearby health facilities.”

Candice Peterson, marketing manager of Kiaat Private Hospital, said doctors and hospital management are monitoring the situation.

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“As a hospital we advise Mbombela citizens to take precautionary measures and adhere to all regulations that have been put in place. This will assist in reducing the spread of the virus and ensure beds are not placed under pressure in our medical facilities across Mpumalanga,” she explained.

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As of July 13 there were 107 422 positive cases recorded in the province and 891 new cases.