ZBC

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) has placed 97 nursing staff on quarantine after 18 health workers tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) have been forced into action after confirmation of eighteen COVID-19 positive cases among the nursing staff.

The health institution has since placed 55 registered nurses and 42 student nurses under quarantine.

Receiving two ventilators sourced by the Red Cross from its partners in China, UBH acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Marcisius Dzvanga said the impact of the deadly virus has affected the institution.

“We have hit an 18 mark where our staff members are part of COVID-19 statistics. Operations of Ellis ward almost collapsed because the staff has to undergo quarantine. The situation has become so complicated such that we have to poach staff from other departments as we manage the pandemic,” said Dr. Dzvanga.

Handing over two ventilators to the hospital, Red Cross National President, Mr. Edson Mlambo said the organisation will continue complementing government efforts in mobilising resources for health institutions.

“This is part of the five ventilators we received from our Red Cross friends in China. We are pleased with the cooperation we have with our health institutions and shall continue partnering government in resourcing them…”, said Mlambo.

The senior anaesthetist Dr. Katwamba Lenge said the donation will assist the institution to deal with the COVID-19 challenge.

“The hospital is grateful for the kind gesture which will assist us to take head-on the fight against the deadly pandemic…..”

The hospital authorities say they are now on high alert, conducting a thorough screening of staff members and patients.