During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals are at full capacity and healthcare workers are stretched thin. Hospital staff are often burnt out from working several hours beyond their allocated time due to the pressure on facilities. Besides physical exhaustion, they can also suffer from mental and emotional exhaustion.
Now, Dr Amelia Brink, a paediatrician at Mediclinic Vergelegen has decided to spearhead an appeal to the public to assist medical workers in any way possible that will make their burdens a little lighter.
“We are reaching out for help. The hospital I work at is at tipping point. The crisis is taking its toll. I cannot go into too much detail, but the staff are not coping anymore,” Brink said.
Mediclinic Vergelegen and Busamed Paardevlei, both located near Somerset West need volunteers for the following:
– A group of up to five people to commit to one healthcare worker for a month or two. They will support this worker in whatever way they need help, including meals or basic groceries.
The group of volunteers is also asked to help with family meals (so that those who provide for families don’t have to cook at home). Such a meal package may include something extra like a personal note, card, prayer, encouraging religious verse, snacks or small gifts to brighten their days at work.
– Counsellors who will be willing to come into tearooms (PPE will be supplied) and do counselling with staff over lunchtime.
– Volunteers for porters, answering phones, and doing other admin work that will lighten their loads.
Anyone interested may contact Brink at 072 226 9689.
Picture: Unsplash