The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa on Wednesday urged travelers to drive safely this festive season as there may be fewer healthcare workers to respond to accidents.
“We also call upon community organisations to constantly monitor staffing levels in health facilities in community where they are, so that they are able to raise red flags on time when their community members are exposed to poor health service as a result of the shortage,” said Denosa acting general secretary Cassim Lekhoathi.
Denosa urged all those who will be on the road to obey the rules of the road at all times, as there may be fewer nurses to take care of accident casualties in many health facilities, especially around rural areas.
“Time is of essence during accidents, and the longer it takes for patients to receive urgent care, the more the patient is likely to complicate and even succumb to injuries.”
The organisation said that during this time of the year, many patients succumbed to their injuries during accidents not because of the severity of the injuries sustained, but because of the time it took to get medical help largely due to the shortage of health workers.
“In some health facilities on the outskirts of the cities, casualty units and other critical sections don’t have enough nurses and some patients get to be referred to facilities that are far away, and some patients are lost while on the way.”
Denosa added that the shortage of nurses was something that they had complained about throughout the years, and the harsh consequences of this shortage were felt by the sick and vulnerable at the time of greatest need.
“In many health facilities, due to shortage, community service nurses (trainee nurses) and enrolled or staff nurses (whose duty is to play supportive role to professional nurses) with not enough experience are often made to head up units and be in charge of clinics, which compromises both their careers and the quality patient care service.”
Denosa further urged motorists to get enough rest whenever they get tired and drink enough water so that they remained hydrated throughout their journey.
– African News Agency (ANA)
