The Laudium Sun visited the Laudium Hospital (LCHC) on Bengal Street, to get a glimpse of how many locals were taking the Covid-19 vaccine and to get their response on the service rendered.
A dedicated place at the very last building of the hospital (near the old crèche) is being used as a vaccination centre. On arrival at the vaccination centre, we found the nurses to be professional, efficient and caring. They also took time to explain the process to those who were nervous about taking the Pfizer vaccine. In fact, even those over 60 years of age, who were not registered on the government portal, were helped to register and thereafter given the vaccine. After being given the vaccine, an SMS was received by vaccine recipients, confirming when they could get their second jab of the vaccine. The recipients were also kept for 15 minutes in a waiting room, just to make sure that they were not negatively affected by the vaccine. Laudium Hospital Operational Manager, Sister Nancy Nkopana, told the Laudium Sun, “All we ask is that residents come with their ID if they are 60 years or older. We will help them with the formalities even if they are not registered on the government portal and they will get their vaccine done. It is only towards the end of the day (3pm) that we are careful, as the vaccines come in packs of six. So, if we open a new pack for only one or two patients, it means we have to get rid of the remaining ones, as the vaccines cannot be used the following day, once the pack is open. We are, on average, seeing about 250 patients a day and we have the capacity to vaccinate around 500 people.”
The Laudium Sun spoke to a number of residents who were at the Laudium Hospital for their Covid-19 vaccine.
All said that they were satisfied with the professional service they received from the hospital staff and would recommend others to get their vaccine at the Laudium Hospital.
Councillor Mahomed Essop (65), told the Laudium Sun, “I encourage all persons 60 years and older to get the vaccine. It is for the improvement of your life and that of everyone around you. I am happy that I finally got my shot, and I hope to encourage everyone else to get it too. I found the service at the Laudium Hospital excellent.”
Sikander Carrim (62), of Van Den Heever Street in Erasmia said, “I was really excited after registering for the vaccine, I was eagerly awaiting this day. I feel really happy after finally getting the vaccine at the Laudium Hospital. It was simple, easy and not painful at all.”
Rachel Lethola (78), of Joist Street, West Park, who also got her jab at the Laudium Hospital said, “It was so quick and easy. The nurses helped me through the whole process. I was even scared that it would hurt, but I didn’t feel a thing. I’m glad I finally got my vaccine, I feel a lot safer now.”
Iqbal Essop (65), of Ivory Street in Laudium enthused, “In under 2 minutes I was done at the Laudium Hospital. The process was really quick and painless. I suggest that everyone who is 60 years and over should get their jab. I feel great and I’m ready to get back to work.”
Koemar Mostert (72), of Primrose Street, Laudium said, “I was a bit scared to get the vaccine, because there is a lot of misinformation about it. But, after reading about it, that it is safe, I was waiting to get it. I hope that everyone gets the vaccine, so we can all be safe and healthy. The staff at the Laudium Hospital were fantasic.” Ebie Jaffer, of Banaras Avenue, Laudium, said, “I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient service the nurses at the Laudium Hospital rendered. It took a few minutes, and it was all over. I was vaccinated for Covid-19”.
