Niël Terblanché
THE staff of the Welwitschia private hospital in Walvis Bay working on the frontline in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was commended for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
As news broke that a man that works in the finance department of the hospital became one of the four latest cases of COVID-19 registered in Namibia, Matthias Braune, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital addressed a statement to the hardworking frontline staff of Welwitschia.
“The first COVID 19 patient that was admitted to Welwitschia is making progress. He was extremely sick and has been on a ventilator in our Isolation ICU for 15 days. Still, his condition is now slowly improving, and he is gradually being weaned off the ventilator,” Braune said.
He said it has taken immense dedication from everyone involved to reach this point, and that staff attending to him are now hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
“The sad news is that a member of our finance department showed COVID-19 symptoms and tested positive. He is now in isolation, and we put all the measures in place that are required in terms of the international guidelines that we adhere to,” he said.
He wished the family of the staff member strength and courage during the isolation and recovery of their husband and father.
“This is a difficult and upsetting time for you. I want you to know that you are in our hearts all the time.”
Braune said the hospital was inspected by a delegation from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The inspection team consisted of experts from the Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation.
“We were found to be well prepared and were commended for the quality of our practices and COVID-19 prevention measures. We know that we are doing all we can to keep our hospital safe and to serve our community, but it is comforting to have the experts confirming that to be the case,” he said.
Braune’s statement also included a message to the residents of Walvis Bay in which he thanked people for their support.
“To serve you well is the reason we exist, and we will never forget our responsibility to all of you. Thank you for all the support and wonderful positive messages. My team and I appreciate each one of them.”
Braune said that the hospital and staff will be ready to cater to the needs of the community of Walvis Bay and the surrounding areas.
