Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

COVID-19

Nurses asking public to help in the COVID-19 fight

Mar 23, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Nurses are repeating what governments and health authorities are saying when it comes to stopping the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospital visits have been restricted to essential ones and anyone who is sick is asked to stay home and do an online self-assessment test and/or call Health Link at 811

Kerrie Mealey is the President of the United Nurses of Alberta local at Grande Prairie’s QE II hospital.

She says nurses want the best care for their patients, in line with the new rules.

“(It’s) definitely in line with social distancing practices and it’s a measure that helps the front-line staff flatten that curve. The less human interaction in there decreases the possibility of coming in contact with staff and patients.”

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Flattening the curve means limiting the number of cases so the health care system does not get overwhelmed.

Mealey says there is more the public can do to protect front line health care workers, and everyone else.

“Definitely stay home, practice hand hygiene, practice good hygiene in all areas of your life and only going out when you absolutely need to. It’s that important.”

She adds she has not heard about any problems in information getting to front line staff from management.

“I think everyone is still trying to wrap their heads around this and maintain professionality and we are doing an amazing job of doing that and being informed for our patients and for our co-workers.”

Mealy says how busy nurses are will vary from one unit to another.