The Mbabane Government Hospital in Swaziland
(eSwatini) was thrown into confusion when a patient suspected of having the
coronavirus was admitted.
Nurses and other health workers at the hospital did
not have protective clothing and refused to treat the patient.
Other patients and visitors ran for cover, according
to a report in the Swaziland News, an online newspaper. Kitchen
staff also withdrew themselves so patients had nothing to eat for most of the
day, the Times
of eSwatini reported.
It happened on Tuesday night (17 March 2020) and
during Wednesday, the Times reported. All types of patient, including
those needing routine checks were abandoned.
It reported, ‘Some of the people looking after their
relatives in the ward found themselves assuming the duties of nurses as they
had to assist most of the patients with going to the rest rooms, among other
things.’
 |
Patients and nurses run for cover at Mbabane
Hospital. Picture: Swaziland News
|
Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) President
Bheki Mamba told the Times nurses feared for their lives. ‘He said he
was informed by the medical personnel from the Mbabane Government Hospital that
doctors who admitted the patient had high suspicions that she had contracted
COVID-19 [coronavirus] but continued to admit her,’ it added.
The Times reported, ‘The president said when
getting the explanation, it became apparent that the hospital had not prepared
any isolation for suspected cases. “It shows that the hospital was not ready
for receiving such a patient,” said Mamba.’
It added, ‘Mamba said due to the seriousness of the
matter, the healthcare workers then resolved to down tools as there was no
protective equipment including gloves, masks, sanitizers or anything else that
could prevent them from being exposed to infection.’
The Times reported, ‘Mamba said healthcare
workers therefore feared for their lives and could not work without protective
equipment.’
Director of Health Services, Dr Vusi Magagula, said he
was awaiting hospital management to give him a full report before he would
comment.
King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Swaziland, declared
a national emergency on Tuesday. Schools, colleges and
universities are closed indefinitely and gatherings of 50 or more people are
banned. Travel restrictions are in place.
On Wednesday the Royal
Eswatini Police Service (REPS) said it would be checking to
make sure people complied with the orders.
In a statement it also said it would check on
businesses to make sure they were following guidelines to stop the spread of
the virus. ‘Police will be constantly checking business centres to ensure that there
is strict compliance,’ the statement read in part.
Elsewhere, the Swaziland
Local Transport Association National Chairman Mandla Dlamini
urged public transport providers to disinfect vehicles and the hands of every
passenger.
See also
Swaziland
nurses refuse to treat patients until they get protective equipment
Swaziland
King declares state of emergency over coronavirus. Schools closed, foreign travel
suspended
https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2020/03/swaziland-king-declares-state-of.html
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