The devastating second wave of COVID-19 is now well established in Hilton and the KZN Midlands, and is causing untold misery to many families and patients. One would struggle to find a person now who has not either directly or indirectly been impacted by this virus.
As all the hospitals in Pietermaritzburg and surrounds are struggling under immense pressure and all planned, non-time sensitive, non-emergency surgery has been delayed.
It is difficult to predict when the pressure on the hospitals will abate, suffice to say that as soon as we can SAFELY recommence surgery, we will offer the soonest dates to the waiting patients.
Many academic publications from around the world concur that avoiding infection with SARS CoV 2 (COVID-19) in patients who have planned surgery, or who have undergone surgery, is essential.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
There are several simple measures that are effective:
- Wash hands/sanitise regularly.
- Wear a mask.
- Avoid unnecessary admission to health facilities for elective surgery.
- Should surgery be unavoidable – rapid safe discharge post-surgery should be the aim.
Consultations at the rooms in Hilton and Howick are continuing as these are low risk activities. All the staff have been trained in infection prevention and take this task very seriously.
Urgent day case surgery continues at the Howick Day clinic provided a negative COVID test is done and available 48 hours before the planned surgery. We also suggest that the patient self isolates from the time of the COVID test to the time of surgery.
Rest assured that Midlands Orthopaedics has you and your loved ones’ best interests at heart during this unpredictable pandemic. We have a dedicated team that can be reached 24 hours a day, both before and after your surgery. Your recovery and rehabilitation, regardless of your ailment, is our number one priority.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns at https://www.midlandsorthopaedics.co.za/contact-us/.