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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - George Hosptial has designed and custom-built a complete Virus Testing Unit (VTU) in a record time during lockdown. It is now operational and open to the public to be screened and tested for Covid-19.
The VTU has been set up to screen and test members of the public presenting with possible symptoms in order to prevent people from having to enter the hospital.
Hospital CEO Mike Vonk says anyone who attends the hospital has to be screened for Covid-19 before entering the facility.
The VTU is intended for people who are not acutely ill. It is open daily (07:00 - 17:00), including weekends and public holidays.
"During these hours, we welcome anyone from the public who wishes to be screened, and if necessary, swab samples will be taken to be sent for testing."
Screening is a very quick process and involves taking a temperature using an infra-red thermometer. Only a small proportion of patients screened are tested.
The Western Cape Health Department last week started with Covid-19 community screening in George in Zone 9, Thembalethu, with a number of people also referred for testing at the Thembalethu Clinic. Two teams of six health workers are going door to door in the community where they have been well received. Dr Sydnise Fourie-Nel takes a swab from a resident at the clinic.
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"We converted a building into a purpose-built facility with the help of an architect. A mechanical engineer designed the ventilation system which is important to keep the public and staff safe. Most of the building work was done by the hospital workshop staff. It was quite a challenge to obtain materials during lockdown and we're proud of what we have been able to achieve under difficult circumstances."
During training of officials of the local Department of Correctional Services (DCS), health worker Zuko Hanana takes a swab sample from, Zayne Adams, a DCS official.
The unit was completed on Wednesday 22 April and the past week was used to refine processes before the public could be invited to come for screening.
A tent structure is also to be erected to provide additional waiting space.
Two six-seater golf carts, on loan from Fancourt, are used to transport patients, where needed, between the hospital entrance and the VTU.
The Western Cape Health Department last week also started doing Covid-19 community screening in George in Zone 9, Thembalethu, with a number of people referred for testing at the Thembalethu Clinic.
Two teams of six health workers are going from door to door in the community where they have been well received.
More than 18 000 people have been screened for Covid-19 in the Garden Route District since the start of the community screening and testing programme on 6 April. Read more on page 15 and also see the latest case numbers on page 2 of today's George Herald.
Community screening for Covid-19 has started in George in Zone 9, Thembalethu, with a number of people also referred for testing at the Thembalethu Clinic. Dr Sydnise Fourie-Nel takes a swab from a resident at the clinic.
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