On Monday evening the hospital received a report of two confirmed COVID 19 cases from NCDC network laboratory, both of which were patients receiving care in our hospital already.
Both patients have been successfully evacuated to the isolation facility for care and contact tracing of all who were involved in the management of the patients in casualty, ICU, Male Medical Ward and Ludlow Slessor Complex have commenced. The affected areas have been shut down for now and decontamination has started.
In line with the best global practices we are collaborating with the relevant state and federal agencies to ensure that all contacts within (staff and patients) and outside the hospital are traced, assessed, screened and if necessary placed under surveillance or appropriate care.
Meanwhile,all those who came in direct contact with these cases should commence immediate 14 days self isolation and report to the facility if they observe any symptoms.
Therefore, I wish to appeal to all staff to remain calm, as we hope that these measures will enable us achieve expected results.
It is indeed a trying time for us all – as a country, state and institution, therefore all hands must be on deck to ensure that we successfully navigate this challenge together. Meanwhile as earlier directed, I wish to reiterate that you should not attend to any patient not wearing a face mask,hand gloves and adequate PPE.
Likewise, staff are enjoined to continue to practice more than ever all the recommended public health practices – wearing of face masks, regular hand hygiene, environmental hygiene, social distancing and appropriate use of PPE.
All triage nurses at the service entry must screen for respiratory symptoms in all patients. If present the unit head should be informed immediately for evaluation and appropriate care.
Also, it is on a sad note I wish to inform you that we lost a new house officer, who just resumed duty four (4) days prior to his demise. While this incident coincided with the diagnosis of two COVID 19 patients in our facility, I wish to state categorically that his death is in no way connected with COVID 19,and the deceased doctor did not have any role in the management of these cases.
While management wishes to commend all staff for their support, cooperation and understanding so far demonstrated in the face of this pandemic, there is need to increase our vigilance by increasing our index of suspicion. I assure you that we will continue to work together with all staff to ensure a safe work environment.
Dr. Azubuike K. Onyebuchi
Medical Director, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia