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COVID19 Preparedness

April 9, 2020adminUncategorized

Midlands Medical Centre (MMC) Private Hospital has put in place various measures in the wake of Covid-19 (new coronavirus) pandemic.

We follow infection prevention and control guidelines as directed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health.

We adjust our response accordingly, as protocols pertaining to this outbreak are continually evolving.

Disaster Preparedness Committee

MMC has a disaster preparedness committee comprising of senior members of our team, which meets daily to evaluate efforts made thus far and map out plans relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Screening

The hands of all individuals entering the facility are being sprayed with a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer and their temperatures are also being checked at the two functioning entrances: Masukwana (East) Street and Langalibalele (Longmarket) Street. All individuals are thoroughly screened as per the latest National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) guidelines, with key questions around symptoms being posed to each person. This includes all patients admitted to MMC. Security services are providing access control across our hospital. Strict social distancing based on a 2-metre rule and hand hygiene practices are in place across our hospital.

Visitors

MMC has temporarily amended the visiting hours and the rules applying to visiting patients at the hospital. Visitors are strictly prohibited. Items requested by patients will be received at the main gate at the Masukwana (East) Street entrance and should be clearly marked with the patient’s name, surname and Ward. These items are left at one’s own risk. A porter will fetch this and deliver it to the patient.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Our valued healthcare workers utilise Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on, but not limited to, criteria relating to a thorough risk assessment of the patient/s, clinical environment, as well as the healthcare worker concerned.

MMC Private Hospital conducts thorough and ongoing training on the appropriate use of PPE and regular hand hygiene, in order to ensure that all stakeholders (patients, staff, doctors, allied healthcare providers etc.) are safeguarded, particularly during this challenging period.

Persons Under Investigation / COVID-19 Patients

We are adhering to strict measures regarding our protocols for potential and/or current COVID-19 patients, who are accommodated in secure and isolated wards. Constant deep cleaning and fogging of key areas of the hospital are conducted. Secure physical routes are mapped out and marked to ensure practical adherence to these measures.

Medical Waste (Healthcare Risk Waste) Disposal

Medical waste emanating from isolated/restricted areas are regularly collected by a professional, licensed and accredited healthcare risk waste service provider and this waste is disposed of as per the best practice guidelines. This waste is completely isolated from other waste.

Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)

Our IPC is on call to clarify issues. Contact IPC on Tel: 033 341 5000 ext. 5176 (Mon-Fri, 07h00 – 16h00). For After-hours, Tel: 033 341 5165.

Training & Development

Refresher training sessions are being held on an ongoing basis, with all staff members, clinicians and other stakeholders.

The safety of our valued users, staff, patients and the public remain our highest priority.

Education

We post regular educational content on the pandemic, including videos.

Visit, like and subscribe to our social media platforms:

Linen

MMC follows a strict isolation linen collection and cleaning process, involving (but not limited to) double-bagging clearly marked yellow bags, secured with black cable-ties. Our laundry is managed as per the current NICD guidelines. This linen is isolated from other linen while being treated.

Catering

The food production and delivery processes are subject to stringent rules. Staff are adhering to strict sanitizing-protocols (using chemicals and cleaning agents). This includes their dress code, as well as the use of gloves and masks in the kitchen environment. Patients (where applicable) are served meals in disposable crockery and cutlery, by nurses. Food trolleys are cleaned thoroughly on an ongoing basis. Food waste (wherever applicable) will also be subjected to the medical waste disposal protocols.

Further Information

The NICD COVID-19 hotline number for the public is 0800 029 999 (Mon-Fri, 08h00 – 16h00).

Thank you for your ongoing loyalty toward our hospital, based on our unwavering commitment toward excellent patient care.

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