Health Department: ‘Need for assistance depends on patient’s vitals’
The Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Neil Shikwambana, says emergency services are not allowed to turn patients away because they aren't Covid-19 patients.
“Just because someone has contracted Covid-19, does not necessarily mean they will be attended to first, it will depend on the symptoms they are showing and the need for medical care.”
Polokwane Observer received complaints from residents seeking medical assistance, who were told that emergency services were prioritising Covid-19 patients.
Shikwambana says in case of an emergency, the department sends the same message: go to your nearest facility for assistance.
“Those who stay close to a hospital can go to the hospital and those close to a clinic should seek medical attention there.
“Even if the clinic is closed, personnel should be able to call an ambulance to assist,” he explained.
According to Shikwambana, the line of priority at a casualty ward always depends on the conditions of the patient.
“When someone walks into the casualty ward, their vitals should be taken, which will indicate to the healthcare workers on duty, the kind of assistance they need. All our institutions have doctors on call 24/7.
“The department does have enough healthcare workers, at times some of them might not be available due to other commitments.”
