Durban - Netcare has confirmed that staff at the St Augustine's Hospital in Durban underwent screening and testing after three patients died in Covid-19 in the last 72 hours.
Dr Richard Friedland, the chief execuive of the Netcare Group, said two of the patients were first admitted to the hospital on March 9 and 13 while the third patient was admitted on March 14.
"These patients did not have a history of recent international travel or known contact with a person who was Covid-19 positive, nor did they present with any symptoms of Covid-19 when they were screened on admission," he said.
Friedland said they then took the decision to test all test all healthcare and support workers who may have come into contact with the three patients for infection. This was done with assistance from the Department of Health.
"We immediately put further measures in place, including the closure of the hospital’s emergency department and stopping all new admissions into the hospital. There is also is a considerable initiative underway to reinforce all infection control precautions and formal monitoring of all precautions will be conducted several times a day," he said.
Friedlands said as persons infected with Covid-19 frequently have no or few symptoms but may still be contagious, a decision was taken on Thursday to increase the level of screening and testing of nursing, support and contracted staff, doctors, paramedics, as well as current patients at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital to determine whether or not they are clear of Covid-19.
He said the screening and testing will enable the hospital to isolate any patients and hospital workers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 as well as facilitate the tracking of all persons who have been in contact with the healthcare workers or patients to ensure that they are tested and that they take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the further spread of the infection.
"Ongoing daily screening of all staff, doctors and contract workers will continue before they are allowed to enter the hospital. This will enable prompt identification and testing of any persons at risk who may not have had symptoms on previous days. The hospital management is currently in the process of explaining the situation to patients who are being cared for in Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital and contacting their relatives to explain to them the situation and the measures being taken," Friedland said.
The hospital has also set up a dedicated 24-hour information and support service which is being communicated to the families. Onsite and telephonic support services for all employees to use during this time of heightened concern has also been established.
"Netcare and Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital management remain in constant contact and will continue to work closely with, the NDoH and the KZN DoH, in order to contain the spread of the infection.