OECP

THE AFFECT OF COVID-19 ON THE OPS MEDIC DEPARTMENT

We all have been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of the pandemic and its consequences are felt differently depending on our job descriptions at our Health Centre. While the normal person are trying to avoid COVID-19 by working from home we as health care workers has to look COVID-19 in the eyes, and still trying not to get expose to the virus. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological and social effects on the Ops medic department. The impact on psychological well-being of the department as a most exposed group of health care workers who are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of distress. The social distance and the government disaster measures have affected the relationship among colleagues and their perception of empathy toward others. Ops Medics experience emotional exhaustion, which have led to medical errors, lack of empathy in treating patients, lower productivity, and lots of stress. The ability of Ops Medics to adequately cope with stressors is important for their patients, their families, and themselves. Ops medics had to continue to balance these existing obstacles to wellness while facing the unique challenges of a pandemic. With 60% of the Ops Medics who had COVID-19 and one of those who were in ICU for several weeks, had lot of impact on service delivery, our families and our normal day to day job. Defending COVID-19 is a war against an invisible enemy, you never know where it is hiding. The fear of getting it and taking it to your family always remain in your mind.

As time passed we learned a lot about COVID-19 and adapt our SWP’s to avoid getting infected and putting stress on ourselves and our families. In May 2021 60% of our department were vaccinated with the governments first vaccination roll out for health care workers. Sun Tzu a Chinese general in his book The Art of War said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt”.

SSGT W.C. BENSON OECP DEPT

PATIENT STORIES

THE COVID MARATHON

The name says it all. Except that there was no time for practice runs. The one day you are still fighting fit. The next on the danger list of the Mediclinic ICU. Fighting for your life.

Inexplicably, against all odds, you survive, but realise that you cannot even sit up, or turn yourself in bed, you are so weak. Totally dependant on oxygen for breathing.

Four weeks later (of which you can only vaguely remember four days!) you are suddenly discharged and shipped off home! No warning or any preparation.

The husband running around to beg, buy or borrow that basic stuff needed for home nursing like a hospital bed, wheelchair, oxygen equipment, etc.!

You cannot walk or do anything for yourself, helpless.

The worrying thought: will I ever be able to walk again? Or be permanently tied to a wheelchair?

Little did I know that the wheelchair would become my best friend – at least for a while! First things first: we find an excellent carer, who helps me, piece by piece and with lots of patience to do everything for the first time again. She patiently becomes my friend and companion. I start a diary, writing down every single thing that I mastered today, that I couldn’t do yesterday. That helps me regain my selfconfidence and self-esteem. When I feel low I read the list and that shows me that I am getting better, and hope flames up that I am recovering . A lot of effort is going into physically pushing myself into exercising, trying to walk, eating, etc.

During this gruelling time my husband becomes my anchor, lifesaver at my side. Taking care of my every hitch, comfort, need or failure. Showering me with love, hope and confidence. “Go girl go, you can do it!”

And now after three months at home, I can walk without aid, drive my car around, don’t need oxygen anymore, am independent again!

It feels as if my progress has slowed down considerably. Vanity raises its ugly head when I look at myself in the mirror. I lost 13kg during the four weeks in hospital. I feel cheated. Because everything on my body that still had a bit of perkiness, now post-covid hangs with listless apathy, in folds of wrinkled skin. What I expected to gradually happen over ten years in time, now practically happened overnight. No more sexy sleeveless tops or dresses for me. I still tire quickly. My legs easily become sore and a bit out of breath, especially after walking slightly uphill, or getting stressed. Here is something I would recommend:

As soon as I was able to get off my bed (with help) and into my wheelchair, my carer would take me for an outing outside of the complex. Usually this was to a horse to feed it an apple. Over the weekends, my husband and myself went on outings, the wheelchair, oxygen apparatus, electric lead, etc. in tow. We would go into the countryside and go and “plug” in at the restaurant or wine farm of our choice and spend a couple of hours “me” time there. It worked wonders! We have since bought a small portable oxygen machine that we keep in the car for emergencies.

I have come a long way in three and a half months. All thanks to my Heavenly Father, my husband, carer and friends. And to myself for “batting on!” My carer tended to me with lots of care and encouragement, and slowly but surely I healed. Very soon I will wave at you while running past in a marathon.

P.S.: There is something you have control over, and that is to dress in your most colourful clothes every day! At least you might just look better than you feel.