Witrand open for visitors again

Visits to different wards and patients’ leave of absence reopened at Witrand Hospital on Monday, 20 September.

The decision was adopted after the recent announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country would move to Alert Level 2.

Visits to the different wards across the hospital shall be permitted but visitors must still adhere to strict Covid-19 protocols. Wearing a mask is compulsory and the mask should never be taken off while in the hospital. Visitors must also follow the screening process at the entrance of the hospital before entering the different areas. Social distancing must also be applied.

Visiting hours differ from ward to ward:

* Intellectually disabled wards (3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 11) – 10:00–16:30

* Psychiatric Wards (2, 7) – 15:30–16:30 and 18:15–18:45

* Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (9) – 16:00–17:00 and 19:00–19:30.

“Parents, family members, and next of kin are advised that they can now make arrangements for leave of absence, bearing in mind that internal Covid-19 processes must be adhered to.

These include extensive screening before a patient leaves for home and when the patient returns,” says Dr Isaac Wana, senior manager of medical services.

Weekly clinics at the Outpatient Department will continue as scheduled. All patients who are scheduled for visits are also reminded to honour their appointments as per their scheduled times and dates.

“Patients and staff members remain at the top of the hospital’s priority list and their health and safety are very important,” says Moipone Mpolokeng, the acting chief executive officer of Witrand Hospital