Limpopo Health launch psychological support hub for health care workers

Ramathuba says as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise exponentially, healthcare professionals are starting to feel the pressure on the frontline.

"We have noted that as the numbers of Covid-19 increase, we start to see several people requiring hospitalization and in the process, our health care workers become the once who have to deal with the stress. It might be because of the shortage of resources, shortage of manpower and also psychologically because the virus has caused a lot of depression for many of us," says Ramathuba.

She says the hub will assist to address the adverse psychological effects, resultant burn-out and the possible psychological stressor as a result of Covid-19 stress.

"The psychological support interventions and assistance will assist a great deal in the mass awareness regarding the impact of COVID-19, helping those who are infected, people working in the COVID-19 response, and those in isolation and quarantine.It will also be our vehicle to fight the stigmatization of those infected with SARS CoV 2," adds Ramathuba.

Ramathuba says the healthcare workers need mental health support during these difficult times.

"We salute our healthcare workers during this Covid-19 period. There is no amount of words that will ever qualify to express our gratitude. This psychological support hub will go a long way in giving support to the last line of defences, our healthcare workers to deal with the possible psychological stressors," she added.

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