Med Pak Interviews Sister Wardthen from Durban University of Technology for International Nurses Day
Q: Sister Wardthen, what is your role at Durban University of Technology?
A: Chief Professional Nurse since 2005 managing the five student health clinics in Durban. However as of May 2024 I will have taken on the post of Acting Director for Student Wellness.
Q: Is there any ailments on the rise in our youth today?
A: Sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, mental health disorders and substance abuse.
Q: What precautions does the nursing team take at DUT to prevent epidemics that are contagious?
A: We take the following precautions:
• Complying with DUT,DOH and NICD Guidelines and Policies. At DUT, A task team was established to cope with the Pandemic.
• Vaccination, as with COVID 19, DUT was a vaccination site for COVID 19 vaccination, to build herd immunity
• Testing- both Antigen and PCR testing was provided to the DUT Community.
• Screening Isolation/Quarantine of infected persons and those suspected of infection to prevent spread of infection.
• Ensuring that staff have adequate PPE and that Infection control measures are adhered to.
• Regular bulletins /posters on good hygiene practices(handwashing, cough/respiratory etiquette, sanitization.
• Keeping the DUT community informed and updated about symptoms, prevention measures, self-screening.
• Surveillance -monitoring outbreaks for early detection and rapidly responding.
• The above combined measures, if implemented effectively, can help to prevent and control contagious epidemics.
Q: Pink Eye, Conjunctivitus has been on the rise in the recent week, how has your team dealt with the students contacting conjunctivitis?
A: We do the following:
• Posting alerts on the DUT Pinboard for staff and students to inform the DUT Community.
• Disseminating IEC material on Symptoms of Pink Eye, mode of spread, Prevention tips and where to seek treatment for proper diagnosis and treatment .
• Reinforcing good hygiene practices of frequent handwashing.
• Advising students to apply warm compresses to affected eyes.
• The above combined measures, if implemented effectively, can help to prevent and control contagious epidemics.
Q: Does your team provide health education to students promote prevention of illness as well as early detection and correction of health issues?
A: Yes. All staff with the student health clinics take responsibility for events as per the DOH calendar.
More recently, in the month of April, an outreach Programme was held on Good Friday and the World Health Day Event was held on the 10th April 2024.Events are also held through webinars. In the next two weeks we will be focusing on two planned events, that is the “Know your status” campaign and Sexual and Reproductive Health, including a march through campuses, a triple protection march with placards promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Contraceptives including Barrier Methods.
