A LOCAL nurse is paying it forward in her community by going above and beyond her line of duty.
This is by empowering and educating residents about the spread and prevention of COVID-19.
“When people have insight into what COVID-19 is and the various ways in which it can spread, they are empowered to better protect themselves by following the COVID-19 precautions correctly,” said sister Sharilyn Goliath, a theatre nurse at Netcare Greenacres Hospital.
Goliath, together with three other healthcare workers, got together, and with donations from local businesses and individuals, have been distributing sanitisers and masks to the community.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for community health, and we saw a great need to fill the gaps in the understanding of COVID-19 to help prevent transmission through people’s daily activities,” she said.
Goliath is assisted in her community outreach initiatives by two of her nursing colleagues from the hospital, Sister Aimee Morris and Sister Anchen Goliath.
She explained that their endeavour began as an extension of her involvement in a soup kitchen programme in Helenvale, where she grew up.
“We would see children coming to the soup kitchen for food, but they didn’t have masks to wear. We arranged for local women in the community to sew face masks, which we then donated to the communities, and this helped to create some income for the women too.
“We realised that many people do not understand why it is important for everyone to wear a mask in public, and so we started quite casually explaining the principles behind COVID-19 prevention measures, and this seemed to help change people’s behaviour.”
Ever since then, the four health crusaders have been sharing their healthcare knowledge, speaking to schools and communities to build understanding about hygiene, physical distancing and the need to wear masks.
They also had the opportunity to be part of an initiative by the COVID-19 Relief Centre, the Eastern Cape Department of Health and Nelson Mandela Bay Disaster Management to educate taxi commuters, drivers and conductors on COVID-19 prevention.
“We handed out masks and sanitisers and explained the importance of keeping windows open for ventilation and following all the precautions at all times because of the contagious nature of the virus and its really serious health implications,” Goliath said.
General manager of Netcare Greenacres Hospital, Andre Bothma, commended the team for the caring they are demonstrating outside of their nursing duties.
“We are deeply humbled at their proactive approach in starting this excellent community–spirited initiative in their spare time.
“Their work is certain to make a big difference in the public’s understanding of COVID-19, and this knowledge is power for preventing transmission,” Bothma explained.
Goliath further advised the wider public not to underestimate the seriousness of COVID-19.
“Please obey the rules and do what you are supposed to do, because, as nurses, we see first–hand how bad this illness really can be.
“In these difficult times, love your family and appreciate every good thing you have, and please do everything possible to protect yourself and others.”
