Hospital refutes irresponsible social media message
Netcare uMhlanga Hospital sets the record straight
A message circulating on social media warning the public to stay away from Netcare uMhlanga Hospital is inaccurate, misleading and highly irresponsible, hospital management today confirmed.
“It has come to our attention that there is a fake voice message doing the rounds on social media, alleging that the hospital is a COVID-19 hot spot, that we have run out of beds and that cars are queuing up at our hospital. This statement is entirely incorrect and highly irresponsible,” says Sara Nayager, general manager of Netcare uMhlanga Hospital.
“The COVID-19 situation in KwaZulu-Natal is fluid, however at present we have minimal patients admitted with COVID-19, each being cared for in specially designated areas within the hospital.
“As an experienced, specialised healthcare facility with a sound track record we continue to demonstrate an abundance of caution with extensive COVID-19 precautionary measures and adherence to strict infection prevention and control measures to keep patients, staff and doctors as safe as possible,” she says.
“We would like to remind the public that spreading fake news relating to COVID-19 is a criminal offence. We urge the public not to recklessly share unverified social media messages that could cause undue panic and be detrimental to the health of people in our community.
Like other Netcare hospitals, Netcare uMhlanga Hospital is fully equipped for all eventualities including the safe management and continuation of services unrelated to COVID-19, such as emergencies and elective procedures.
“We encourage the community not to neglect their health. If an injury or ailment is left untreated it is much more likely to lead to avoidable, long-term health consequences,” Nayager concludes.
Ends
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare uMhlanga Hospital
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster or Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]