In an attempt to stay abreast on the greater picture of how our medical institutions are handling the drastic surge of infections, www.mobserver.co.za spoke to several leading institutions who are at the forefront of our plight against the dreaded illness.

•Hospital Manager at Life Midmed Hospital, Mr Hennie Viljoen, confirmed the undeniable truth that ICU beds as well as ventilators are currently in shortage.

In an attempt to relieve the shortage of space for hospitalised Covid patients, the private hospital has opened up a third ward as part of their Covid-19 unit. Despite the extension to the unit, the hospital is filled to the brim with patients.

Mr Viljoen added that the prospect of a field hospital, which was considered as a last resort for extreme circumstances, has been scrapped.

“After in-depth discussion about the field hospital with all parties, it was determined to be too risky.”

Mr Viljoen also mentioned that Life Midmed Hospital is a part of a network designed by medical institutions to help relieve each other in issues of space.
Daily communication between the network ensures that he is up to date on when and where beds are available.

Despite a very stressful time for the medical teams in charge of their Covid unit, Mr Viljoen assured that the doctors are keeping their heads above water and are coping well.

“We have found that patients tend to shy away from our emergency unit. Our Middok 27/4 emergency unit is still open to receive trauma cases, as well as the rest of our divisions. Patients should not refrain from seeking medical attention when they’re in need of it. We are busy but we will always make a plan and nobody will be turned away from our institution.”

•Local philanthropist and spokesperson for the Mzansi Ethical Research Centre (MERC), Andries du Preez, told www.mobserver.co.za that the Bambanani Covid-19 clinic is also coping well under the pressure.

MERC continues with their Covid-19 vaccine trials and has seen a good response from participants in their groundbreaking research facility.

Mr Du Preez said that in light of the Covid-19 crisis, they are as busy as it is everywhere, but that their medical professionals are on the ball.

“We do wish to thank our participants for taking part in the vaccine trials. We as MERC Research are grateful for each person who is currently taking part in the program.”