GEORGE NEWS - Public hospitals in the Western Cape are currently under severe pressure. 

A sharp increase in Covid-19 admissions and an increase in trauma cases, such as alcohol-related injuries and road accidents, are the cause of the situation.

People are waiting with baited breath for a possible proclamation that might change the levels of lockdown. The pressure hospitals are currently experiencing is the main point of discussion. According to a report in a Sunday newspaper, doctors have pleaded for stricter regulations.

Locally, the pressure experienced at Mediclinic George and George Hospital is no secret. The casualty units are put under greater pressure when staff have to pay attention and avail beds to patients who need help due to alcohol-related incidents. It is expected that the regulations on the sale of liquor will be reviewed with stricter measures.

Head of Mediclinic George, Kassie Karstens, said the hospital's capacity is under severe pressure, but he said that they can still handle it. "We are very grateful for the additional staff we got from the north of the country to come and help," said Karstens.

Spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health, Nadia Ferreira, has confirmed that public hospitals in the Garden Route district are under pressure. "This includes George Hospital," she said. "We ask that people only use the hospital’s emergency centre for emergencies and life-threatening conditions. In a press release earlier today the department ask the public for their help: “Help us to reduce the service pressure on our hospitals so that we can treat those who need life-saving interventions."

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