Zithulele Hospital in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, has been a beacon of hope for the community for many years. However, the hospital’s reputation took a hit in September 2021 with the appointment of Nolubabalo Fatyela as the CEO.
As a professional nurse who has been working at Zithulele Hospital for the past ten years, I have witnessed the gradual decline in the quality of care and services provided to our patients. The hospital, which serves a population of about 130,000 every month, is facing numerous challenges that are impacting our ability to deliver effective healthcare.
One of the most pressing issues we face is the shortage of essential medical supplies such as hypodermic needles and gauze bandages. We are often forced to reuse needles meant for single-use, putting our patients at risk of infections. Similarly, the lack of gauze bandages hinders our ability to properly dress wounds and provide adequate care to patients with sores and septic circumcision.
Furthermore, the hospital does not have basic necessities such as adult diapers, sanitary pads for women post-childbirth, or nappies for children. This places an additional burden on the already vulnerable patients who cannot afford to purchase these items themselves.
In addition to the shortage of medical supplies, we also face challenges with basic amenities such as water, toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. Nurses are often required to fetch water from the local river using buckets, and at times, we are asked to buy toilet paper from our own pockets. This not only compromises our hygiene standards but also reflects poorly on the hospital’s management.
Moreover, the safety of both patients and healthcare workers is compromised due to the lack of adequate security measures. Incidents of violence, including a nurse being shot and killed two years ago, highlight the urgent need for improved safety protocols within the hospital. Patients suffering from mental illnesses pose a particular risk, as the hospital lacks proper facilities to ensure their safety and the safety of those caring for them.
Despite these challenges, the dedicated staff at Zithulele Hospital continue to provide the best care possible under difficult circumstances. It is disheartening to see the hospital’s decline from a well-oiled machine to a struggling institution. The community has also been affected, with employment opportunities dwindling and essential services being compromised.
As we strive to overcome these challenges and restore Zithulele Hospital to its former glory, it is crucial that the management addresses the issues at hand and prioritizes the well-being of both patients and staff. Only through collective effort and support can we ensure that Zithulele Hospital remains a cornerstone of healthcare in the Eastern Cape. the perspective of a scientist on the importance of biodiversity conservation.
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