After recovering from Covid-19, Anthony McKenzie was happy to return to Tygerberg Hospital where he helps ensure the movement of patients between different locations in the facility. As Chief Porter, he is encouraging his colleagues to always practice safety habits during the Covid-19 pandemic and reminding them that they are his heroes during this anxious period.
“I am very grateful to my family who motivate me every day. There is fear, but I am trying to help others and make them happy as this makes me happy too,” says Anthony, who lives in Wesbank.
He received his positive result on 20 April after experiencing symptoms such as loss of taste, smell, and body pains. To manage his treatment, he isolated himself, rested, drank a lot of water, took Vitamin C tablets and paracetamol. “As this was a difficult time for me as a person with diabetes, the fear of losing the fight was real but I learned to live with it and take the necessary precautions to limit the risk and to protect my family.”
According to him, the management at Tygerberg Hospital plays a very important role and continuously educate staff on the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand washing, social distancing and taking care of ourselves. “We are in a war which we are all on the same side fighting a pandemic. The management drilled in us to attend training sessions to familiarise ourselves with the virus and how to contain it,” he explains.
Anthony explains that “we need to protect ourselves and others from the virus by faithfully observing the relevant protocols. Be positive, we are not alone in the fight against Covid-19. I would like to thank my senior manager, supervisor, colleagues and family for supporting me.”
-ENDS
Laticia Pienaar
Principal Communications Officer
Tygerberg Hospital
Tel: 021 938 5454
Cell: 081 039 4050
E-mail: Laticia.Pienaar@westerncape.gov.za