EXCLUSIVE: Durban nurse reveals COVID-19 non-compliance at practice
South Africa is approaching the 150th day of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many countries, there have been many challenges that have resulted from the pandemic, none more so than the devastating effects on the economy, particular for South Africa.
The pandemic has also put great strain on the South African health system, with fears over whether the country would have enough hospital beds, ventilators, and even medical staff to cope with the estimated numbers.
As of today, the 13th of August 2020, according to The ECR News Watch Team, there have been a total 568,919 confirmed COVID-19 infections. Sadly, there have been over 11,000 COVID- 19 related deaths. There have been numerous calls from the government and the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, for South Africans to exercise the COVID-19 precautions that are being followed by the world. Namely, social distancing and the mandatory wearing of face masks when out in public spaces.
With that being said, though, there have been numerous stories and allegations of non-compliance by many South African citizens. What has been even more disturbing, however, has been the alleged cases of non-compliance of hospitals and health professionals.
On Monday morning, the 10th of August, Stacey & JSbu received a disturbing email from a nurse who works at a medical practice in the Durban North area. She asked that the duo and station keep her identity hidden for fear of losing her job.
Here is some of what anonymous shared in her email:
Good day ECR team. I am seeking someone that I can share my story with that will listen and share. Maybe Stacy. I work in an office. Medical. And we have so many staff not wearing masks and I am not feeling safe. I am very happy to have an interview with ECR. But will need to have my name kept out for feet of loosing my job. I have photos of staff and patients not adhering to the rules
Following these serious claims by the nurse, Stacey & JSbu connected with her to investigate her story further. When the team questioned anonymous on whether or not she had taken this matter further with her superiors and authorities, she shared the following:
We are all meant to be wearing masks I do and some of the members of staff in our building Won't I have complained to the necessary persons however I was told I was been paranoid. When I complained about staff not wearing masks I was told I am upsetting people by carrying on about lack of compliance. Doctors walking around with no masks patients sitting in the waiting room with masks down and the resorption staff do nothing about it.
Anonymous' frustrations are very clear to hear, she shares that she tried to escalate the matter to the health department and she is still awaiting a response.
At the time of going to air with this story, the team were unable to get a hold of the medical practice in question - our calls went unanswered. The practice's name has been deliberately left out of this article and all names have been edited out.
This is a developing story that the team will be following up on.
Listen to the full podcast to hear what anonymous had to say:
For more from #Stacey&JSbu, check out past episodes below: