DEAR Editor;
I recently spent a week in the trauma and Covid-19 wards at Netcare Margate Hospital…. yes, it got me.
I was admitted in a bad state after leaving it a little late, and would like to share my experience at the hospital.
From the time I was admitted to trauma, to the time I walked out those back doors (Covid-19 care protocol), I truly cannot fault the management, administration, doctors, nurses, sisters and cleaners.
Yes, we can say that they are just doing their jobs and they’re lucky to have them, and this is what they do, but I saw first-hand what these people are dealing with.
Most are working 12 hour shifts (and really working), on their feet, taking care of patients.
These are patients who are in a bad state.
In my little ward of three, we had two people who did not make it during the week that I was there.
The staff are dealing with death and patients ‘on the edge’ every single day and yet, somehow, they come into the ward smiling and pleasant and asking how you are, enquiring about your family and life and making you feel positive and cared for.
And they are exhausted. Even through their masks and PPE you can see the tiredness and yet they greet you happily with smiles every time they attend to you.
Nothing was too much trouble for them.
I cannot even begin to name all the staff who deserve my thanks, but please let everyone and anyone you may know who works at the hospital.
I realise that many of us work hard, but these folks are definitely on a different level.
Their families are suffering and not seeing much of them.
One nurse who cared for me was a single mom and literally left home when her daughter was still sleeping and by the time she got home and had sterilised herself, her daughter was asleep.
Finally, I implore you all to be safe and careful, because, as we have experienced in our community lately, you just never know how this virus will affect you and your loved ones.
It may be a simple headache or it may be death, you just don’t know. Try not to put it to the test.
To hospital manager Rob Ferreira and your team, take a bow.
All I can say is ‘thank you’ to every single one of you for what you did for me. I applaud you all.
KEVIN KRUMMECK
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