Covid-19: Staff in Kerala Hospital Cook Food for Patients

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Keen to ensure a homely feeling to patients undergoing treatment for Covid-19, the employees, including the medical staff, in the General Hospital in Pathanamthitta in Kerala have made it part of their duty to prepare and serve food for the patients under their care, and for those under observation.

Also, reinforcing Break the Chain campaign, radiographers in hospital have taken the initiative of wearing scrub suits, stitched at their own expenses, while on duty as part of infection control measure. Under the food-for-patients programme, started under the aegis of the Staff Council, the hospital employees come out with well-filled plates three times a day, which is served to those in isolation or observation and medical personnel on duty at the COVID-19 wards as well.

“The staff has been given the freedom to embrace novel ideas for the benefit of others. Under the observation of the hospital dietician, we provide food to around 50 people, three times a day, through the kitchen ‘Santhwanam’, said Dr Sajan Mathew, Superintendent, GH.

M.C. Ajith Kumar, Secretary, Staff Council, an optometrist at the hospital, said the items provided to patients, as per their demand, includes non-vegetarian dishes for those who prefer, fruits, juices.

“This is in addition to the supply of food from voluntary organizations and youth outfits. We give them local delicacies also, for which food materials are offered by employees living nearby,” he said.

“During lockdown, staff commuting from long distances also stay here. So, we also give food to them. We initially used to collect money from the employees for this initiative. But now we get aid from the Hospital Management Committee,” Ajith explained.

He noted that such a common kitchen was set up at the hospital to ensure uninterrupted food supply to patients in the event of an unexpected community spread of COVID-19. “In such a situation, we can’t accept food from outside. So, it is also our precaution,” he said, adding that Dr Ashish Mohan, RMO of the GH, has given his support and cooperation for all such initiatives.

According to Dr Mathew, the voluntary decision of radiographers to use scrub suit is a welcome initiative. “After duty, they change the attire and keep the scrub suit for washing in a polythene cover. This ensures that no one gets infection while traveling and at home,” Dr Mathew said.

Around nine radiographers, who also work in isolation rooms to take portable X-rays, have adopted the new dress etiquette apart from the regular overcoat to protect others , including their family members from getting any kind of infection.

Sunil A, Radiographer-In-Charge, Department of Radiology at the GH, said: “The staff put on scrub suit before starting their duty to avoid possible chances of infection. It also helps them keep public and their family members safe. When they are dealing with COVID-19 patients, they use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kits.”

“Inspired by this initiative, doctors and other staff have shown interest in wearing scrub suit,” he added.

The GH has five COVID-19 positive cases as of April 15and they are attended by a team of doctors consisting of Dr Sarath Thomas Roy, Dr Jayasree and Dr Nazlin.