The first tertiary health care institution in Nigeria, the University College Hospital (UCH) has rolled out new set of rules as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
The hospital, from our findings has insisted that all patients and visitors must keep their stay very brief stating clearly that it is better to even keep off.
In addition, the management of UCH said sitting or lying on the floor anywhere in the hospital is now a taboo.
While confirming these new set of rules, Mr Toye Akinrinlola, the spokesman for the institution, in an interview on Wednesday afternoon said in addition “we have also instructed that visitors will not be allowed to enter some parts of the hospital except they wash their hands thoroughly.”
While speaking on the preparedness of UCH to treat coronavirus victims, Akinrinlola responded “We are ever ready in UCH. We started preparing immediately the outbreak of the disease was announced in China. Management under Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo acquired 102 personal protective gears and equipments for our doctors, nurses and others. We also upgraded our infection units. New power generating sets were also bought.
“I can tell you here that our ever hard working health workers are always on the alert. We have a very responsible and reliable set-up here in UCH.”
Akinrinlola also commended the leadership style of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Abiodun Otegbayo saying “he got all of us to prepare our minds for the challenges ahead. UCH is the leader. We intend to remain so. Health care service delivery is serious business. Here in UCH, there is zero tolerance for indolence or sloppiness.
“UCH’s management is in touch with the government of our host state, Oyo and the Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has been supportive. Together, we will ensure that the people of the state and beyond get the very best care. We pray God to limit the spread of coronavirus.
“So, as I stated earlier, our people should stay at home. And while home, they should observe all the rules of hygiene. They should avoid going out at all means for now. The virus does not have legs. It gets transported by human beings. So, if you stay at home, the virus will not have any way of spreading. That is the simple truth.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola
