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www.thevillagenews.co.za
Our Village Heroes Compiled by Elaine Davie, Taylum Meyer, Karen Winter and Hedda Mittner Almost five weeks ago, our lives changed in ways we could never have imagined. Our normal way of life came to an abrupt end and as we were forced to adapt to the harsh restrictions imposed by the lockdown. Most of us were no longer able to work, children were unable to go to school, elderly relatives in care facilities could no longer have visitors, dogs could not be taken out for walks… It’s no wonder there were times when it felt more like a punishment than the ‘right thing to do’, for the sake of our own health and safety, and that of our loved ones and our communities. But while for many of us the biggest challenge during the ‘hard lockdown’ was devising ways to keep ourselves occupied and entertained, other members of the Overstrand community did not have that privilege. Instead of moaning and groaning, they rolled up their sleeves and got on with their jobs, providing essential services without which we simply could not survive. The Village Heroes featured here are but a tiny fraction of the many selfless men and women who continue to put their lives at risk in order to help others. We thank you all for keeping us safe, healthy, homed and fed! Dr Hanré Zeelie, Dentist
We as dentists are restricted by the government’s lockdown regulations to limit our services in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. This inability to fulfil my duties as a dentist and to generate an income has been very frustrating, but at least we have been able to help patients experiencing emergencies such as severe pain and swelling.
lips now is the Coronavirus, we tend to forget about the terminally sick and elderly patients and their families needing holistic, end-of-life care and emotional support. Overstrand Hospice provides that service with the help of our professional nurses and social workers. During the lockdown period, visits are limited, but regular telephonic follow-up calls are made to re-evaluate pain and symptom control. Social distancing is difficult when it restricts the need to comfort patients and families in times of need. Gayle Smith, General Manager, SOFCA
Sister Petra Dippenaar, Hermanus Pharmacy Clinic
Sister Esmé Potgieter, Overstrand Hospice
While the most talked about topic on everybody’s
professionals the day before lockdown was announced. The administration manager and I have been working remotely from home, while our nursing manager, Hester Janeke remains active at SOFCA. Our kitchen supervisor, Soubie van der Merwe not only runs the SOFCA kitchen, which caters for some 48 residents, but also took on the additional task of supplying meals to the elderly residents of Fynbos Park Retirement Village during the lockdown. Stringent health and safety measures are in place, including the use of PPE equipment, escalated sterilisation procedures and on-going staff training. I thank all SOFCA’s staff members for their cooperation and selfless dedication to our residents during this difficult time.
SOFCA is a 24-hour residential Frail Care Home for elderly and infirm residents who are no longer able to care for themselves. To ensure the safety of our residents and staff, we instituted a 'No Visitation' policy for families, volunteers and any non-essential health care
As the hospitals are largely off limits, we have been helping a lot more people
with chronic medicines and check-ups. We are trying to help people as much as possible to feel safe in what has suddenly become an unsafe world. All our services have been available during the lockdown, including basic nursing and providing immune-boosters, and flu and pneumonia vaccines. We have had some very busy days and have seen a lot of patients with lots of questions. We have had to deal with people not wearing masks, which is very stressful, as they do not see the importance of being safe and protecting the elderly. We sanitise and clean regularly to ensure the safety of our staff and our customers. Sister Rita Mostert, Albertyn Pharmacy Clinic, Kleinmond
The first few days of lockdown were absolutely crazy and I was seeing up to 48 patients a day. But since then, the numbers have gradually tapered down. We’re being very selective about the type of patients we’re seeing. For example, although I’m not currently doing any baby immunisations, because they shouldn’t be out and about anyway, I am still doing family planning. Of course, there’s still a huge demand for normal flu injections, but we ran out of stock a long time ago. We’re even having difficulty obtaining injections like Vitamin B12 and Zinc, which are excellent immune system boosters. Quite a few of our elderly patients, especially those who live alone, have been presenting with insomnia and heightened anxiety and stress levels. Actually, I think they’re mainly looking for someone
29 April 2020 to talk to, but Rescue Remedy does wonders, if all else fails. Karlien Venter, Pharmacist, Albertyn Pharmacy, Kleinmond
My greatest concern is for the protection of our customers, my staff members and their families, which is why I introduced strict safety measures even before lockdown started. Apart from limiting the number of customers in the pharmacy at any one time, masks are absolutely obligatory, in line with a recent directive from the Pharmacy Council. Customers are also not permitted to touch any items on the shelves; one of our assistants will take down whatever they want. We have suggested that customers order their chronic medication telephonically and then we deliver to their homes. This is a first for the pharmacy. We are currently delivering from Rooiels to Botrivier twice a day, incidentally providing our contracted driver with his family’s only income during lockdown. Dr Julienne Fenwick, Best of Both Wellness
I’m a medical doctor with a holistic medical practice, Best of Both Wellness. My services during lockdown include
telemedicine consultations, home and farm visits for any of my patients in need, and vitamin C infusions to boost immunity. I also support my patients in handling stress and anxiety, and equip them with practical advice on how to optimise their health. I have restructured my days during the lockdown and make use of my mobile medical office (wellness on wheels!) to attend to patients in the Overstrand region. Not only are my patients grateful for this new service, but I’m enjoying the change from my regular office practice and am gaining a better insight into my patients’ lifestyles. I take a holistic view and try to ensure that vulnerable patients have access to healthy food and whatever else they may need during the lockdown. Dr Arien van der Merwe, The Green Healing Space
I am a medical doctor specialising in natural, holistic, integrative and functional medicine. My practice at The Green Healing Space in Hermanus has been open throughout the lockdown period, offering advice, support and general, holistic health consultations (including stress management), natural immune support injections for now and throughout winter, as well as weight-loss solutions for those who have added some padding during this time. Business has been quiet, as I think people are staying at home and are afraid to go to the doctor. Fortunately Ariani Health Solutions has developed online options, which means that I’m able to offer online video consultations and courses, in addition to
