Temporary measures in place at Wismar Hospital for suspected cases – MS

COVID-19 outbreak

With the number of cases of persons diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana increasing, the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) at Wismar, Linden, is currently putting systems in place to deal with any suspected cases. So far, the hospital in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has not recorded any cases. According to the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the institution, Dr Steve Mark, a temporary isolation area has been set up to deal with any suspected COVID-19 cases.
“We have a quarantine [isolation] area set up just in case, if we have a suspected case…that we have to place in holding. That is not to keep them here. [If] we suspect them, we put them in holding, we call the hotline and then they come…that is the guideline,” Dr Mark stated.
The area, which he explained is just a “holding” place, is equipped with basic amenities. In the instance of a suspected case, he said contact will be made with the National Task Force for further advice since Linden is not equipped for testing.
“As far as I know, we have no testing in Linden. So all testing would have to be done when we make contact with the National Task Force. They would come for the patient or they would advise us or send a team…So, we’re working within that framework. If we get a patient, we put them in the isolation room and call the Task Force. They [would] guide us from there,” Dr Mark explained.
Additionally, he noted that systems are currently in place which limit the amount of non-emergency services and traffic at the hospital.  These include regular or routine checkups which have since been placed on hold.
“In relation to services, we are offering all services except a few that requires a lot of invasive non-emergency services. Like people might come for a simple extraction or so – it is not an emergency. So most of our service we are triaging and prioritising so that the amount of contact and the amount of movement of patients we try to monitor. If the case can be deferred for a next time, we defer it. If it’s a case that can be dealt with, we deal with it”, Dr Mark said.
The MS added that a few medical services at the hospital have also been modified. He pointed out that there is a tent set up at the gate which allows for inquiries by a nurse. The hospital has been handing out extra supplies of prescription medications to avoid regular patients from visiting the hospital often, Dr Mark explained. This, he noted, is in an effort to avoid crowding.
“Non-essential trafficking, we limit and we have been doing well”, he said.
Persons can also contact the hospital if they develop respiratory or any suspected symptoms.
“In relation to respiratory symptoms, we ask people if they can call, if they have the ability to call via phone… and we can be able to advise them”, he noted. Dr Mark advised that members of the public call the hospital’s emergency number 442-0900. He further explained that the hospital has been working with limited resources.
“In terms of resources, we’re limited like anywhere else. We don’t have enough. Sanitisers, we have but limited amount…limited amount of masks…We’ve received a few protective gears but they are not completed with the headwear…”, Dr Mark stressed.
Also in an effort to prevent any possible spread of the virus, staff have installed sinks around the hospital and everyone is mandated to wash their hands upon entry. Dr Mark noted that there has been no suspected case so far but indicated that patients who show signs of respiratory symptoms will be given masks. He said the hospital has also been utilising social distancing techniques and clinics are now being conducted in more ventilated areas. Additionally, he explained that work units are being sanitised at least 3 times daily.
Dr Mark advised persons in the community to stay at home, wash their hands often, practice social distancing, ventilation, etiquette while coughing and to sanitise their environment.
He pointed out that there are no ventilators at the hospital nor an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as he advised residents to continue to take precautionary measures.
“If a lot of people get sick and they have to go on these ventilator machines it would be difficult. So my public health message is that people need to take it serious…adhere by the guidelines… I can still see people at shop corners, road corners…at places socialising”.
Dr Mark also advised residents to take care of their immune system by use of vitamins and staying hydrated.