• Health

Government patients temporarily housed in field hospital

• 5 Months Ago - 2024-07-01 08:32:00

Stable patients from the Katutura State Hospital have been temporarily transferred to a field hospital while the hospital undergoes renovations and repairs.
This is a temporary measure that is used worldwide when there is limited space in hospitals.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula last week responded in the National Assembly (NA) to questions about concerns regarding food shortages, overcrowding, a shortage of beds and garbage at the hospital.
The state hospital is currently undergoing extensive renovations and repairs on several floors, which means patients have to be temporarily moved from the affected wards.
Shangula emphasised that patients who are temporarily housed in the field hospital are in stable condition and do not run any health risks while they are accommodated here.
He said in the NA in response to a question from Utaara Mootu of the Landless People's Movement (LPM) that the patients are kept as close as possible to the hospital so that health workers can provide the necessary care.
The field hospital was used during the Covid-19 pandemic and has the necessary equipment and supplies, and fulfils the same role as a ward in the hospital.
"It currently houses patients in a stable condition, thus ensuring that care continues amidst the renovation work," said Shangula.
Mothers and babies
Referring to a shortage of beds, the minister said the challenge experienced in a certain ward is because mothers accompany their babies and toddlers when they are admitted to hospital.
Although the wards were originally designed to accommodate a certain number of babies and toddlers, the presence of the mothers exacerbates the overcrowding in the wards.
According to the minister, it was decided not to send the mothers home, but to allow them to stay with their babies and breastfeed them.
"Separating the babies and the mothers during such a critical stage is not in the best interest of their long-term recovery process and the bond with their mothers."
However, Shangula admitted that this creates a precedent in terms of hospital property and damage to facilities. "It is for the same reason that a new district hospital is being built in Windhoek to alleviate the overcrowding in existing facilities."
Shangula says the mobilisation of additional resources to strengthen the public health system is estimated at N$16 billion and includes, among others, the expansion and renovation of existing infrastructure, as well as the purchase of equipment and ambulances. This forms part of the ministry's path to the realisation of universal health care (UHC).
Regarding the allegation of food shortages in the hospital, Shangula says patients receive three meals a day which are provided by catering companies on a tender basis.
Appropriate steps will be taken should any company fail to meet their mandate and requirements, he said.
"The ministry will not hesitate to ask the Central Procurement Board for the exclusion of companies in the tender process that do not fulfil their mandate in the provision of catering services."
'Unhygienic'
According to Shangula, to describe the state hospital as unhygienic is a "regrettable exaggeration".
Although he admits there may be times when rubbish is visible, this may be because it is removed at certain times.
"There is always room for improvement. We will increase the readiness of our cleaning crews so that they are always ready when their services are needed.
"This proactive approach supports our commitment to ensure a safe and clean environment for all patients, staff and visitors in our hospitals."
Regarding a shortage of bed linen in the hospital, Shangula says the ministry buys it based on needs and supplies from commercial suppliers.
Depending on the weather and individual needs, patients are also allowed to bring their own bedding.
"It must be in a clean, tidy condition without any risk of infection to ensure that patient's comfort and health standards are maintained without compromising the hospital's protocol for hygiene."
Although the ministry is open to criticism, Shangula says appropriate credit to health personnel will ensure that they put more effort into their work.
"Our dedicated health workers are doing their utmost and would appreciate the recognition for their efforts to maintain the health of Namibians. Health workers are human too." – [email protected]