Local physician explains healthcare workers’ battle with Covid-19

Head of the Emergency Department at Pholoso Netcare, Dr Peters Mathebula is a qualified emergency physician.

He is responsible for the Covid-19 unit at the hospital and explains what he is faced with on a daily basis, especially during the pandemic.

Mathebula says the past year was tough, specifically referring to the second Covid-19 wave, we worked around the clock to save lives. 

From his own observations the second variant of the Coronavirus is easier to spread which could be noted through an influx of patients at the hospital.

The hospital set up a field hospital with 80 additional beds in order to accommodate more patients.

He says with the support of the hospital management that and other healthcare workers, they have manged to keep head above water, referring to the second wave, which was not only physically tough to deal with, but also mentally.

“We hold mortality and morbidity meetings regularly to debrief after a patient has passed away, this assists us to deal with the loss. This is a time where we are able to look back and try to find some learning areas that we can improve on, which makes us better for the next patient. This also gives us time to mourn and remember our patients.”

Mathebula says people need to realise that the virus is real, and start adhering to the regulations that were put into place to prevent the spread thereof. “For someone who has not contracted the virus or does not know anyone who lost their lives, it might seem far-fetched. Take it from someone who is working on the frontline, this virus is real, people are dying. If you need assistance or if you think you might be Covid-19 positive, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. This makes out work easier as compared to the complications we need to deal with when patients arrive after trying to self-medicate.”

Mathebula urged people to wear masks the correct way, and keep healthcare workers in their thoughts.