Social distancing norms thrown to the wind at Rajindra Hospital

Strap: Staff nurses found sharing meals, wearing cloth mask

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 19

Sharing meals and not wearing protective gear during duty hours by the staff of Government Rajindra Hospital, who tested positive on Wednesday, has put the entire hospital at the risk of Covid-19 infection.

To date, 13 staff members have tested positive and test reports of around 100 contacts of these patients are awaited.

Ironically, staff nurses and attendants at the emergency ward shared meals during lunch hours and did not practised social distancing.

In the wake of a large number of Covid positive cases among the hospital staff, the Health Department has written to the hospital authority to strictly follow the safety guidelines. The staff has been found flouting the guidelines and wore inappropriate mask inside the hospital.

As per the guidelines, a three-layered surgical mask or N-95 mask is compulsory for the hospital staff.

A health official said, “This is sheer negligence. Staff members wore cloth mask during the duty hours. Social distancing is not practised by the staff.”

Issuing a stern warning, the hospital authorities directed the staff to follow safety protocol, else disciplinary action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Harish Malhotra said they have already directed the hospital authorities to take necessary steps to combat Covid-19.

Dr Paras Pandove, Medical Superintendent, Rajindra Hospital, said, “We have directed the entire staff to follow the guidelines. Negligence by the staff will not be tolerated.”