How Masaka Hospital prepared for Christmas emergencies

CHRISTMAS  EMERGENCIES  HEALTH  HOSPITAL

Emergencies tend to overwhelm health units, especially referral hospitals during the festive seasons.

As a result, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) set up different mechanisms to respond to emergencies during Christmas and the New Year.

Edward Kabuye, the Principal Hospital Administrator, said they have always been alert but the festive season tends to be different.

He said all doctors and health workers were on duty full time and none will take a break until when the festive season is over.

He explained that the health workers underwent various drills on emergency preparedness.

"We have two ambulances on standby. Although they may not be enough for us, we serviced and fueled them to respond to emergencies," he said.

 Edward Kabuye. Photos by Davis Buyondo

Life-threatening emergencies identified include obstetric fistula and ruptured uterus while for accidents, head injuries, broken bones and others were specified.

Kabuye explained that drugs and key medical equipment such as an incubator, x-ray and scans are services and operational.

MRRH receives emergencies from the districts of Masaka, Rakai, Sembabule, Lyantonde, Lwengo, Kalungu, Kalangala, Bukomansimbi and Kyotera.

According to Kabuye, their oxygen plant has enough oxygen to address the need, adding that there's at least one big oxygen cylinder at every ward.

At Rakai hospital, the new ambulance was serviced and put on standby to respond to any hazardous situations.

 Ambulance on standby

The emergency response truck (Reg. UBE629H) was donated by Operation International, a mission by medical volunteers offering free services.

Dr. Moses Sakor, the District Health Officer, said they are optimistic the ambulance will help to rush victims to their respective referrals.

However, this will help in reducing deaths arising from health complications that can be addressed when patients are rushed to well-equipped hospitals that can handle them.

He further appealed to all well-wishers to support them in terms of fuel to enable the ambulance stay in operation at all times.

Kalisizo hospital is the biggest in Kyotera district. Their ambulance is on standby although they are still finding a challenge of fuel. Also there are few units of blood left.

According to Richard Bantubalamu, the hospital administrator, they will use whatever is available to ensure the patients get good services during the festive season.

He noted that their staff is committed to be on duty throughout the season, adding that they have not registered patients self-discharges due to Christmas.