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By Shakirah Thebus 
1 hour ago
Cape Town: With an increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations and oxygen use far exceeding the first wave experienced in the Western Cape, Gift of the Givers (GOTG) has stepped in to provide much-needed respite.
The aid organization’s founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, arrived in Cape Town on Monday for a two-day visit and has since visited various health care centers to assess how GOTG can help.
The first day there was a visit to the Mitchells Plain Hospital where GOTG renovated the designated Covid-19 Freesia ward, as well as four additional renovated wings within the main hospital for the admission of new Covid-19 patients. He also visited the Tygerberg Hospital.
“The overall goal was to talk to the healthcare workers (HCPs), to learn their perspective and their priority needs,” said Dr. Sooliman.
He said that staffing had been the main request of HCW.
“The weariness on their faces was too clear. We are hiring registered nurses and paramedics and will pay for them. “
The Freesia room will receive a blood gas machine, expected to arrive today (Wednesday), and nine additional oxygen points, and the installation will begin on December 29.
“We are providing R300,000 for the oxygen installation in the four new wings,” he added.
“We bought eight high-flow nasal oxygen machines for these new wings. GOTG had supplied 10 earlier this year. “
He added: “We have been offered large numbers of CSIR fans. We are trying to have the first units by Thursday for medical teams to test and conclude on its effectiveness and practicality. If we are successful, we can deploy thousands across the country. “
Health Department chief Dr. Keith Cloete said health worker infections continue to rise with 761 active cases at 94 facilities, 58 hospital admissions and five deaths reported in the past 14 days.
“We have a good working relationship with Gift of the Givers and, as with the first wave, we appreciate any support so that we can tackle the second wave as a collective and ensure that our community is at the center of our response,” said Health Mark van der Heever, spokesman for the department.
Cape Argus
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