The index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was picked up in a private medical facility. This underscores the need for providers to ensure that they are up to speed with the latest developments in healthcare. Being aware of what is happening goes a long way even during these unprecedented times. We have put together some valuable tips to aid the running of your facility during this pandemic.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure that your medical team is adequately protected while attending to patients. Gloves, facemasks, face shields, and Hazmat suits should be provided as appropriate.
- Practice Universal Safety Precautions
You should also ensure hand hygiene and physical distancing are adhered to. It is a well-known fact that handwashing helps prevent the transmission of microbes. Enforce strict compliance of these measures among all members of staff, both clinical and non-clinical. This may involve holding a seminar, especially for the non-clinical staff so that they understand the importance of the precautions.
- High Index of Suspicion
It is safer to assume that any patient showing symptoms of COVID-19 has the virus so you can take adequate steps to rule it out and diagnose accurately. So all clinical and non-clinical colleagues should be alert to ensure that no case goes undetected. Every undetected case of COVID-19 only serves to increase the spread and delay the return of normalcy.
- Develop A COVID-19 Protocol
You should develop a protocol to ensure that patients who present with COVID-19 symptoms get tested by the NCDC as quickly as possible. You also need to limit the contact they may have with other patients and staff. One way to do this is to have a designated isolation room for suspected patients pending the arrival of the NCDC.
- Strict Financial Planning
We are in the middle of a pandemic and an economic crisis. This is the time to conserve cash and cut of extraneous costs in order to make your financial expenditure more efficient.
- Maintain High Morale Among Your Workers
Healthcare professionals are not immune to the feeling of doom and fear that is all over. It is important to maintain high spirits among your staff through talks, and activities as well. This is the time to make sure that everyone feels valued. All these will help your hospital continue to deliver top-notch services.
With these tips, your facility should keep running efficiently to deliver the high-quality service you are known for.
By Dr.Okonkwor Oyor C.
