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By Okuhle Hlati 
22h ago
The hospital has denied the allegations.
Nurse Ntombizakithi Ngidi, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, was the second nurse in the Western Cape to die after testing positive for Covid-19.
Her death followed that of Petronella “Aunty Nellie” Benjamin, 62, who was buried last week. One of the cleaners, who isolated himself at home, said yesterday that both nurses and cleaning staff were disappointed at the hospital.
“As cleaners, we were told to use Jik bleach and other cleaning products to disinfect the J Ground, which was a surprise, because we thought that a company would outsource to thoroughly clean every area she (the nurse) worked in. and sat down. “We believe this was irresponsible because they risked our lives,” he said.
“We were surprised to hear that Ngidi passed away shortly after becoming ill. We were concerned that we worked in her neighborhood, and she loved eating in our kitchen and just chatting with us. “
She said the cleaners and Ngidi’s colleagues were evaluated and were currently awaiting their results.
“We have been in self-isolation at home since Friday. We are aware of about seven people who have tested positive so far, both nurses and cleaners. We are all wounded by Ngidi’s death. She was very close to us. “
A nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “When Nurse Ngidi became ill and complained of chest pain, we were concerned and some advised her to report to the midwife.
“They apparently told him to continue working, but he should wear a mask. Then he was tested and his results came back positive. We are not happy with the lack of immediate action. He was a very kind person and always smiled.”
Ngidi’s friend Phelelani Mkhize said it was still difficult for them to believe that she was dead.
“Nurses everywhere complain about the treatment they are receiving and that they are contracting the virus at work, so when he told me on May 1 that five of his colleagues tested positive, I wasn’t too surprised.
“The test was also done and I was waiting for its results. I tried to call her on Sunday and then on Thursday her sister informed me that she passed away.
“I am really heartbroken because I was praying that her results were negative. She leaves two children,” said Mkhize.
Tygerberg Hospital spokeswoman Laticia Pienaar said the room where Ngidi worked had been decontaminated, followed by cleaning the terminal over the weekend.
“An outside contractor was hired to decontaminate the room. She fell ill in the hospital, was examined and sent home to isolate herself. Her results returned while she was isolated.
“All staff working in the J Ground room have been screened and tested, some of whom have been asked to isolate themselves. The hospital follows the Western Cape Government’s Covid-19 Occupational Safety and Health Policy, which provides occupational health guidance on the management of Covid-19 among health workers.
This implies the procedure to follow to decontaminate an identified area and evaluate and evaluate the relevant personnel who were in contact with a confirmed case, “said Pienaar.
Danver Roman, from the Democratic Nursing Organization of SA (Denosa), said: “There are established health and safety protocols. Denosa’s principle is “Without PPP, without work”. The policy is not followed correctly.
“In some areas it is, in others, no. Our concern, which we raised with executive management, is that policies are being developed with executive management, but are not being properly implemented, especially at the middle management level.”
Roman said they would ask the employer to properly train cleaners because health care facilities must be properly fumigated.
Cape times
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