Lack of training on use of protective equipment concerning – Nehawu
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) says the lack of training given to healthcare workers on the use of protective equipment is a real concern.
This comes amid a growing number of private hospitals where medical staff have contracted coronavirus, leading to the partial closure of some of the affected hospitals.
Nehawu’s spokesperson Khaya Xaba says healthcare workers are the first line of defence against the virus.
"We have pointed out on numerous occasions the dangers of lack of adequate personal protective equipment, training on the proper use of the equipment by healthcare workers and general education on how to deal with the virus.”
The union believes that private healthcare providers are the biggest culprits when it comes to the failure to implement measures to protect workers from contracting the virus.
Xaba says the union has launched a campaign to educate members, workers and members of the public on ways to mitigate the dangers of Covid-19.
"However, this still requires a broader collective effort from all sectors of our society to decisively deal with the spread of the virus. We call on all healthcare workers not to perform their duties without proper and sufficient provision of protection in a manner that puts their lives at risk.”
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