Mediclinic Highveld experiences strong increase in Covid-19 admissions

TRICHARDT – The number of positive Covid-19 cases in the area are increasing. Mediclinic Highveld experienced a strong increase in Covid-19 related admissions. However, this hospital is able to continue supporting both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 related patients.

Ms Tertia Kruger, corporate communications manager of Mediclinic Southern Africa, said: “Patients arriving at our emergency centre follow the triage process whereby clinical priority is determined.

“Urgent cases will be stabilised and admitted, or transferred to another suitable facility to ensure that they receive the appropriate care.”

Mediclinic hospitals are in constant contact with other hospitals within the area to understand the demand for care at each facility and best manage the flow of patients.

She said the severity of the Delta variant of Covid-19 that Mediclinic, along with all other healthcare resources, are currently facing and the increasing impact of the third surge, is far more significant in volume in Gauteng than the previous waves.

However, Ms Kruger said the Mediclinic hospitals also saw noted increases for care in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Western Cape.

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“This demand is being experienced across much of the industry as a result of the increase in patient numbers and severity of patients’ conditions, and is expected to continue in the coming weeks,” said Ms Kruger.

“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.

“Many admitted patients are treated successfully with supplemental oxygen and other supportive treatment modalities and Mediclinic has the capacity within its medical wards to help patients in this manner.

“It has been confirmed by the Department of Health that the Delta variant (originally seen in India) has been detected in South Africa.

“This variant spreads exceptionally fast and because of so many new infections, there is tremendous pressure currently on healthcare resources.”

Ms Kruger urged the public to help reduce the demand for healthcare by checking their personal behaviour which impacts the person-to-person spread of the virus.

She emphasised the need for the public to protect their own health and thus slow the progress of the pandemic down, thereby relieving pressure on the facilities supporting severely impacted patients.

“This behaviour includes wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding closed spaces with poor ventilation and regular hand hygiene.

“In addition, surface cleaning and avoiding social gatherings outside an individual’s direct family bubble are important measures that should be adopted.

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“It is vital that anyone not feeling well remains at home to avoid any further risk to others. It is also vitally important that all people register themselves for the Covid-19 vaccination.

“It has been proven that the vaccine provides the body with additional protection against becoming severely ill from the virus, as well as reducing the risk of death.”

Mediclinic Highveld has put all possible resources in place to manage the demands of Covid-19 cases in the Highveld area.

To register for the vaccination, visit the online portal at https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za, send a WhatsApp message with the word ‘REGISTER’ to 060 0123 456, send a SMS with your ID number to *134*832* or contact *134*832.