All measures in place to protect healthcare personnel against COVID-19: HMC doctor

Tribune News NetworkDohaThe Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has put in place several measures to protect healthcare practitioners who put themselves at risk in the frontline fight against COVID-19 in Qatar, a senior HMC doctor has said.In a statement issued to the Qatar News Agency, Executive Director of HMC’s Infection Control Department Dr Jamila al Ajmi said the corporation was working with the staff to increase their knowledge on how to protect themselves and their family members from the virus while ensuring the best care possible for the patients.Dr Jamila said the healthcare personnel who are mainly involved in providing daily care for patients infected with the virus were provided with alternative places to stay away from their family members.HMC also carries out periodic COVID-19 testing for medical personnel who deal directly with the infected patients, Dr Jamila said.The health condition of all personnel working in medical centres, intensive care units and emergency and long-stay care facilities are constantly monitored and if someone is found positive, he or she will be placed in isolation with proper medical attention, she added.The doctor said the corporation has put in place a mechanism to ensure that the personnel sanitized their hands as they end their shift, leave their uniforms at the workplace and wore sleeves when at work. They are also encouraged to follow proper cough/sneeze etiquette.Dr. Jamila Al-Ajmi, Executive Director of the Infection Control Department at Hamad Medical Corporation said that there are many guidelines that are applied at the country level to prevent medical personnel from infection with the Corona virus, including instructions related to the appropriate and rational use of personal protection equipment for health care workers who enter units or regions Which contain the (Covid-19) virus, including health care providers, ambulance services, food providers, cleaners, and others.There are also special instructions for the treatment and follow-up of health care workers in the event of exposure to cases infected with the virus (Covid-19), where in this guidance the risks are evaluated for health care workers and other contacts in the treatment of health workers who have been exposed to patients (Covid- 19).