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Since the Clinique Bon Pasteur is committed to the safety and health of its employees and collaborators as well as its patients and visitors, works have been initiated this year to provide an optimal environment to all. Anju Teeluck, Health & Safety Officer, and Mario Sandian, Clinic Maintenance Officer, are telling us more.

Drafted in 2008, the Health and Safety Policy has undergone many adjustments over the years in order to address all the aspects of health and safety at the Clinic in the best way. ‘Our policy covers a wide range of topics, including the responsibility of each individual, in particular the employer’s responsibility to its employees, but also the monitoring of reported health and safety concerns and the implementation of the recommended corrective measures,’ explains Anju. In addition, training is put in place to ensure the application of appropriate work practices as well as the review and improvement of all processes.

Indeed, a good health and safety policy is a win-win solution for all parties. ‘We not only comply with the laws and regulations: we also ensure a safe environment, where it is a pleasure to work or stay. This is not only beneficial as to the commitment of our employees and clients, but also generates positive long-term results for the clinic with, for example, the arrival of new reputable doctors,’ Anju continues. In the year 2022, the Clinic is therefore working hard to improve its premises.

The improvements include the creation of a new operating room and the renovation of the two existing ones, in order to best meet the needs of patients and employees. ‘Everything has been designed according to international standards. For example, our new centralised air conditioning system is built with HEPA filters to supply clean air in the rooms, thus reducing the risk of infection,’ says Mario. At the same time, the embellishment of the front yard, with the creation of small gardens, automatic irrigation and new paving, promises an enhanced living space.

The redevelopment of the car park, which is still under way, is a project that weighs heavily in the safety balance. ‘In addition to such renovation, we also plan to install an automatic gate and a ticket system for better access control,’ adds Mario. The aim is to minimise the risk of accidents and incidents by improving vehicle traffic. The access ramp for persons with reduced mobility was also rebuilt to provide easier access to the consultation rooms.

The works may be numerous, but all precautions are taken to ensure site safety for all. ‘Workers have equipment that meet safety requirements and work under the supervision of an experienced contractor and a project manager. Some accesses are now restricted, and we are making our best efforts to reduce noise so as not to impede the day-to-day lives of employees and patients,’ says Anju. As most works are still in progress, the Clinic is looking forward to unveiling a modern and fresh look, to the great delight of its collaborators and visitors.

Think about your heart’s health and say no to tobacco

We often associate smoking with lung diseases, yet we tend to forget its harmful effects on the heart. According to the WHO, one in five deaths due to heart disease is directly linked to smoking – and this is quite an alarming figure! Dr. Gopaul, cardiologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, discusses the question.

Tobacco use causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. When it comes to heart health only, the numbers are chilling. ‘A smoker is 2 to 3 times more likely to have a coronary heart attack – especially a heart attack – than a non-smoker, and 5 times more likely to develop peripheral arterial disease, such as ischaemia of the lower limbs,’ says Dr. Gopaul. The underlying cause is the composition of tobacco of more than 4,000 toxic substances.

Nicotine, for instance, entails the release of cathecholamines, which have the effect of increasing heart rate and blood pressure. ‘The heart muscle’s need for oxygen increases, which is harmful for patients with existing coronary conditions, and the size of coronary vessels is reduced under the vasoconstrictor effect,’ the doctor continues. Smoking also contributes to the inflammation of the arteries’ inner walls and increases the risk of developing blood clots.

For the Doctor, whether it is active, passive or occasional smoking, the effects on the heart are still damaging. ‘For example, a person who lives with a smoker has greater chances of developing a respiratory or cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. This is particularly worrisome for children or pregnant women, with a risk of having premature or low-weight babies,’ he says.

The most common cardiac pathology among smokers remains coronary heart attack – often resulting in sudden death or sequelae such as heart failure and rhythm or conduction disorders. ‘However, tobacco is also responsible for an increase in blood pressure and rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation. Such pathologies can cause heart dysfunction,’ explains Dr. Gopaul.

While the risk of heart disease is accentuated by smoking, many other risk factors also weigh in the balance: high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes (especially Type 2), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, a family history of cardiovascular diseases… To ensure optimal heart health, it is therefore advisable to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and to avoid stress.

If you think you are having a heart attack, call the emergency services right away. The recognisable signs include chest pain or discomfort radiating through the neck, arms and back, associated with sweating, nausea, faintness and, sometimes, a feeling of imminent death. Heart attack can however be atypical – with abdominal pain or discomfort in the left arm – or even asymptomatic. ‘From the first symptoms, the patient must be put to complete rest in a quiet environment, before calling an ambulance. Treating a heart attack in less than 4 to 6 hours reduces the risks of complications. Hence the common saying: time is muscle!’ advises Dr. Gopaul. There’s not a second to waste for your health!

To book an appointment with one of our specialists for a cardiac assessment, please contact the medical secretaries at the consultation desk on 401 9500, or go to the ‘Doctors’ page on our website.

 

For the World Health Day on the 7th April 2022, the WHO has decided to focus on the link between health and environment. Today, we are increasingly exposed to air pollution, in which we participate, and this has an effect on our health, with smoking being one of the major issues. We discussed the subject with Dr. Donat, pulmonologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

What are the effects of active smoking on the smoker’s respiratory health?

Tobacco use is known to cause a lot of damage and kills more than 8 million people each year, according to the WHO. With each puff of cigarette, the smoker inhales a significant amount of toxic substances such as: tar, carbon monoxide, acetone… Such substances attack the lungs directly and cause damage to the respiratory system by inflaming the bronchi, destroying the cilia in the lungs – which are responsible for cleaning the bronchi – and triggering persistent coughing. Smokers’ lungs gradually lose elasticity and thus cannot expand properly at breath intake, which not only affects their respiratory capacity, but also their heart system, since the supply of oxygen to the blood is reduced. That is why we say that smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to non-smokers.

What are the most common conditions related to smoking?

When it comes to the respiratory system, there are three common conditions that are, most often, related to smoking. In the first place, we have bronchial cancers, which wreak havoc in men and women likewise. According to one of the WHO’s latest reports, 90% of this type of cancer could be prevented by eliminating smoking – which is huge! Coming second, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious chronic respiratory disease, which can lead to chronic respiratory failure. Lastly, tobacco is an important risk factor in the development of asthma, especially in children who are in contact with smokers. In addition to these three aspects, other respiratory diseases unrelated to tobacco can still be aggravated by its use.

Are occasional smokers or passive smokers also concerned?

Respiratory experts refer to a toxicity threshold, ‘20 pack-years’, which represents a consumption of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years, or 40 cigarettes per day for 10 years, for example. The risk of developing bronchial cancer would be defined from this critical threshold of 20 pack-years. However, even for an occasional smoker or a passive smoker, the inhaled smoke of one cigarette is one too much, as it still increases the chances of developing a disease. Passive smoking is estimated to cause more than 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year, as well as many concomitant diseases. It does not only affect the respiratory system, but also the entire ENT region, with risks of developing lip, mouth, or larynx affections.

What would be your best tips to get rid of this addiction?

While there are many solutions to help smokers end it with tobacco, they must first have the will to quit. This is essential. There are many forms of medicinal and psychological support, on which they can rely to get the best chances to succeed. Aid drugs include patches, lozenges or other substances. New drugs have also been recently released, but one needs to be careful and seek a doctor’s advice, since such drugs may have side effects. On the psychological side, speaking to a therapist can be effective, or the 5-day plan recommended by the Ligue Vie et Santé, where smokers are encouraged to quit smoking without any substitute. There are also mobile apps inspired by cognitive and behavioural therapies, which build on self-motivation to support the decision to quit smoking. Every person is different, and there are many solutions, from which each can choose from, according to their preferences.

Once you stop smoking, what happens to your body?

The good news for quitters is that most of the damage caused by smoking to the respiratory system – provided it has not led to the serious illnesses mentioned above – start to regress as soon as they stop smoking. The effects on the body are almost immediate, since blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen levels return to normal after only 20 minutes. As the days go by, the risk of myocardial infarction decreases and breathing improves. As a matter of fact, the bronchial eyelashes begin to grow back month after month, and resume their cleaning process. After one year, the risk of stroke for an ex-smoker is the same as for a non-smoker. It takes a few more years before the risk of developing lung cancer decreases by half, and about 10 to 15 years for an ex-smoker’s life expectancy to reach that of non-smokers. The body takes time to recover, but it’s worth it!

 

 

 

Overview about premature labour and delivery with Dr Nawoor

According to the WHO, premature births account for about 11% of all live births in the world. Quite a substantial figure! While premature labour happens rather inadvertently, are there ways to prevent it? We go round the question with Dr. Nawoor, Gynaecologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, and Director of the Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle.

How can we define prematurity?

There are three types of preterm births. We speak of moderate to late preterm when the birth arrives between 7 and 8 months, very preterm between 6 and 7 months, and extremely preterm when the child arrives before 28 weeks, that is before 6 months of pregnancy. In some countries, such as England and the United States, the foetus is considered viable after 22 weeks, despite a high mortality and morbidity rate. In Mauritius, a child is considered viable as from 26 weeks.

How can we recognise premature labour?

The signs may resemble those of a full-term pregnancy: contractions, fluid flow through the vagina, torn amniotic sac, loss of the mucous plug, painful stomach cramps or even dull pain in the back.

What are the main causes?

In most cases, premature labour happens without warning or known reason. There are, however, some causes that must be taken into account, as they are likely to lead to premature delivery. Some internal causes – such as uterine fibroids, uterine malformations, infection or cervical failure – or causes directly related to pregnancy – such as hydramnios, or excess of amniotic fluid, uterine overdistension in twin pregnancy, placenta praevia or retroplacental hematoma – may induce premature labour. Some conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure, can also play a part. Finally, overwork, long daily commuting or trauma must also be considered.

Is it possible to prepare for this?

There are many risk factors to monitor. These include tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, a history of premature childbirth, short time lapse between pregnancies, traumatic events and socio-economic factors, such as poverty or poor nutrition. We therefore need to identify at-risk patients and perform a close prenatal follow-up, providing advice and raising awareness on premature labour. If the patient shows signs of early labour, there are many things, which can be implemented, whenever possible. In addition to forced rest and leave of absence from work, the focus will be on adequate infection treatment, cervical stitch or the administration of tocolytic or antispasmodic drugs.

How are premature babies different from full-term babies?

Although, most of the time, premature babies are born with all their organs, these are still immature. Sometimes, such babies still have their eyes closed, some must be intubated to be able to breathe… In most cases, we notice an extreme skin sensitivity, which can be very painful. This does not mean that parents should avoid touching their premature baby – quite the contrary! It is strongly recommended that the mother engages in ‘skin-to-skin’ contact as soon as the baby’s condition permits. Beyond all this, the premature baby requires a great amount of care, love and courage to go through this fight. And a fight it is, since it takes a real fighter to be born in such difficult conditions and spend two months, sometimes three, in an intensive care unit!

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our maternity service at 401 95 00.

 

Getting ready for childbirth in 10 questions

You are pregnant and you are hearing more and more about preparation for childbirth. You are probably asking yourself thousands of questions… Is it really necessary? What exactly is this? Rozie Alcide, midwife at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, is telling us more in a set of 10 questions and answers.

1. Preparation for childbirth is expensive.
FALSE. Classes are affordable for almost everyone. This must be seen as a long-term investment. Although it is not compulsory, preparation for childbirth is essential to approach delivery as serenely as possible.

2. You have to start very early.
FALSE. Preparation for childbirth begins between 20 and 25 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Sessions are not necessarily held at the maternity clinic.
TRUE. Sessions can also be held at home for those who cannot travel. In addition, due to the current health situation, we are also running sessions through video-conferences.

4. Sessions are very long.
FALSE. Birth preparation classes consist in four one-hour sessions. There are usually one to two weeks between each session.

5. Preparation for childbirth is limited to childbirth.
FALSE. Many topics are covered during our sessions. Obviously, we speak about pain management, labour signs, the birth process, but also breastfeeding, baby care and the new parent role. Preparation for childbirth also helps establish a trust and understanding relationship with midwives, and allays the fears and anxieties of future parents.

6. Preparation for childbirth is not limited to expectant mothers.
TRUE. Fathers-to-be are also encouraged to attend two of the four sessions, both to understand and be able to support the mother during labour, and to learn more about how to take care of the baby.

7. Childbirth preparation is needless for a second child.
FALSE. Every pregnancy and every delivery is different. Many mothers prefer to take the classes again to refresh their memories, to explore whatever aspect they may have forgotten, to feel better prepared, and also to reconnect with the midwives.

8. Physical activity is essential for proper preparation.
TRUE. Maintaining physical activity during pregnancy is strongly recommended unless there is a specific contraindication. This allows the mother-to-be to keep fit and feel confident.

9. Preparation for childbirth is only a mental preparation.
FALSE. There is obviously a large part of the courses dedicated to mental preparation, but we also focus on physical preparation to facilitate labour through stretches or exercises, for example.

10. Preparation for childbirth is not necessary in case of delivery by caesarean section.
FALSE. C-section also requires preparation! The mother-to-be has many questions about the process of childbirth, what happens next and when she returns home. At each session, we try to cover all the aspects of the different pregnancies and what can happen during childbirth to prepare the future mother to all scenarios.

If you want to prepare properly for childbirth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our midwives’ team on 401 95 00.

An extraordinary Valentine’s day !

Every year, the 14th of February marks the celebration of love all around the world. It is the perfect occasion to spend time with your better half, and if things don’t always go as planned, they can nonetheless unfold wonderfully. Here is a feedback on a Valentine’s Day unlike any other at the Clinique Bon Pasteur’s maternity ward.

While lovers are preparing to celebrate together Valentine’s Day, the maternity knows, for its part, no respite. The medical staff must provide continuous service, as expectant mothers are sometimes surprised by the (not so) sudden arrival of a new addition to the family.

For Rozie Alcide, midwife at the Clinic for 24 years, Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. ‘First of all, this day celebrates love with a capital “L”: love for your spouse, for your children, but also for your colleagues,’ she explains. Working on the day shift on February 14th, Rozie had a busy day ahead, with the birth of four new babies in the morning. For her, there is no better way to live this special day. ‘The arrival of a child, on Valentine’s Day, is a unique and symbolic gift: the fruit of love between a man and a woman,’ she adds.

It is a similar story for Doline Calou, Home Attendant at the Clinic for almost 11 years, and for whom Valentine’s Day goes beyond a celebration for lovers. ‘We are a united team. We have a bond of love and harmony, and that allowed us to spend special time together for Valentine’s Day,’ she says. To celebrate this bond of love, the staff on duty, including Doline, marked the occasion by exchanging chocolates and sharing a beautiful moment of friendship.

If Valentine’s Day was particularly special for the Clinic’s staff, it was the same for the mothers who entered the labour ward. This was the case for Cindy Belle Etoile, who was due to give birth on February 15th, but received a nice surprise with the arrival of her second child a day earlier. ‘When we held our baby in our arms, that’s when we realised it was Valentine’s Day. It’s as if he made us the well-timed gift of coming to the world on the day of our love to fill it with happiness,’ says Cindy. This Valentine’s Day may have been different, but exceptional all the same!

Science women sharing a common passion for helping others

Celebrated on February 11th every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the essential role of the female scientific community. They are increasing in number, especially in the medical field, pursuing their vocation with passion and tenacity. Here is the portrait of four of our women of science.

Nathalie Templin – in charge of the maternity ward

Native of Rodrigues, Nathalie flew to Mauritius after secondary school to study midwifery, a profession that had fascinated her since an early age. ‘I’ve always wanted to help others and especially mothers to give birth,’ she explains. Convinced by the values of the Clinique Bon Pasteur, which she affectionately calls her ‘second home’, she began her lifetime job there in 1988. 34 years later, her passion has remained unchanged. Supporting mothers before and after childbirth can be intense and high in emotions, but also rewarding. ‘Our main job is to relieve mothers. Giving birth can be distressing, but it also brings a lot of happiness. It is that joy and the feeling of accomplishment, which allow us to go back home with a smile on our face,’ she adds.

Heeroshna ‘Jane’ Ramma – pharmacist

Daughter of a pharmacy dispenser, Jane did not hesitate long before making a career choice. ‘I have always been attracted to science and technology. My dream was to help people by knowing all the drugs and their effects,’ she says. She completed her degree in Pharmacy in India before pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy in Malaysia. Back on the island, she started her end-of-studies internship at the Clinique Bon Pasteur before continuing in other places. In 2021, going back to the roots, Jane joined the Clinic’s pharmacy team. ‘We never get bored here, we learn something new every day,’ she says. Treatment dispatch to patients, follow-up of vaccinations, managing drug orders… Work days are never the same! What she prefers is the proper use of medication. ‘I enjoy guiding patients and helping them understand their treatments,’ she concludes.

Dr. Aurélie Boucherville – doctor

Aurélie felt the call for passion at a very young age. ‘My grandfather was sick and I couldn’t understand why the doctors were unable to heal him. I never gave up, nor did I try anything different,’ she begins. At 16, she tested the waters during a holiday course at the Clinique Bon Pasteur and very quickly confirmed her vocation. She then flew to China, where she studied medicine and Mandarin simultaneously – a feat! Curious by nature, it is the mysterious side of science that first attracted her. ‘We constantly have to solve puzzles, and such challenge is what fascinates me the most,’ she explains. In 2018, she settled at the Clinic, where she is now handling emergencies in the morning and attending to patients in the ward while being on call in the evening. ‘Even if the work is sometimes exhausting, making patients healthy and happy again is what motivates me and makes me go home happy,’ explains the doctor.

Noorina Chutoo – in charge of the pharmacy supervision

Like her workmates, Noorina has always felt the need to help others, especially sick people. After her studies in pharmacy at the University of Mauritius, she honed her skills in several pharmacies of the island before joining Clinique Bon Pasteur’s team in 2015. For her, it’s a revelation. ‘I like working at the Clinic because, unlike other pharmacies, we are always in the thick of the action. We are in constant contact with the medical teams as well as the patients,’ she says. Today, Noorina has no regrets about her career choice. ‘What I like above all is to be able to document myself every day and to keep track of science-related matters, drugs and pathologies,’ she finally adds.

‘The key is to communicate and not just listen’
Julien Quenette, psychologist

After being closed for many months, schools are reopening at the beginning of February. It is a relief for some and a real challenge for others… Families are divided on the question, and some are unsure how to approach this new situation. How to ensure a successful return to school? We asked the question to Julien Quenette, psychologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

After a few months of distance learning, school is finally resuming. How do you perceive the situation?

For many people, the reopening of schools is very good news. Distance learning, even if temporary, has its limits. For the youngest, the work-from-home setting was not necessarily convenient, with a significant risk of exposure to screens. For them, going back to school will be gratifying, since social bonds hold a very important place in the early years of life. Meeting with their classmates again will make it possible to consolidate that bond.

And for the older children?

We have observed an increase of the impact on the mental health in older children, as well as a learning lag and school drop-out in the last few months, which can be problematic. This has also been a complicated period for children with special needs, with a real risk of regression. Reintegrating the school setting will allow them to re-establish a routine, which can only be beneficial. Fortunately, the government has also decided to extend the school year to November, in response to many teachers’ concerns. Indeed, students will have to start with the program afresh, as the learning gaps have widened with remote teaching.

We are talking a lot about relief, but there is also much apprehension.

There is mixed opinion, since everyone does not have the same reality. Some are well grounded in their routine and feel comfortable in their environment. For others, the fear of starting again is added to the fear of Covid. Many parents prefer to take a step back and analyse the situation during the first weeks of school resumption, before letting their children go back. After all, it is another perturbation of the routine to which children have become accustomed for months. Not all families react to change in the same way. Moreover, the health situation has not changed, and there are many rules to which children must readjust themselves. It is up to teachers to set the boundaries, and to parents to gently remind the precautions to be taken every day.

How can we cope with this anxiety-inducing climate?

Fortunately, after two years, the situation is not necessarily anxiety-inducing for children anymore. They have become used to it. Wherever a stressful climate is prevailing, it is up to parents to talk it over and check in with their child. To minimise the impact of the situation, communication remains the key. There are also many activities to put in place in order to create a safe environment for children. For example, we can prepare a small card with a reassuring photo, which they can carry with them at all times, wherever they go .

School resumption will still require major adjustment after such a long time away from class. How can we best support our children and allow them to reconnect gently?

Again, all this depends on the child’s age. In 2019, UNICEF gave general instructions on how to accompany your child through words . The most important thing is to provide them with a space for talking. It is necessary, for example, to use open questions, to invite them to speak freely; but the parent must also share his own concerns regarding the situation. In the end, the key is to communicate and not just listen. At best, this sharing time can become a habit, a safe space where you can inquire about the child’s emotions, communicate and exchange with them, which is paramount to their sound development. Children learn through observation, and parents are their role models in learning how to manage emotions. There is also a whole routine to set up and to stick to, in particular with regards to schoolwork follow-up. One can, for example, establish a precise planning, set a break time back from school to unwind, take a moment to follow-up on homework, and plan activities until bedtime. Unfortunately, this is not possible for everyone. The most important thing is to do what you can, the best you can.

To explain Covid-19 to children, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings has designed a beautiful story.

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Une carte pour mieux vivre la séparation de la rentrée

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19

Lights on our backstage staff

Clinics and hospitals are bustling ever since the arrival of the pandemic in 2020. The medical teams are working hard to provide continuous care, which has owed them much kudos, and rightly so. Other workers, however, are also bringing their stone to the building of healthcare. We met Valentine Berthelot, Marie-Noëlle Veeren, Sarita Padarat and Billy France, who work in the shadows of the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

While the quality of care depends on the nursing staff, the proper running of a clinic depends on the relentlessness of the backstage workers. Sanitized living spaces, rooms cleaned from top to bottom, meals prepared with love and operational equipment: this is the heart of the clinic, and the first pitch towards quality care. If the COVID situation has shaken a few things up at the Clinic for these workers, everyday life remains roughly the same.

Billy, who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of machines, confirms: ‘Our day-to-day job hasn’t changed, we just need to be more vigilant and take more precautions.’ For these workers, whose presence has been continuous, even during the lockdown, the same protocols apply: wearing a mask, social distancing, hand sanitation, less social interactions…

For Marie-Noëlle, head of the laundry department, the fear that was present at the beginning has been very quickly dispelled by the urgency to help others. ‘A clinic cannot stop running, so we have done everything to ensure that patients have a safe space to receive treatment,’ she explains. ‘Thanks to the training and information provided by the Clinic, we are aware of the virus and have been able to adjust to the situation,’ she adds.

Same story with Sareeta, who is in charge of the cleaning. She is not so much afraid of being confronted with COVID every day, but rather worried about putting her close relatives at risk. ‘Still, taking part in the COVID effort came as a natural thing. We work harder every day, but we know it is necessary,’ she says.

Though the job is a little more demanding, it also has its good sides. Valentine, who runs the kitchen, heads into each day with optimism and smile. ‘My biggest motivation is to make people’s lives sweeter,’ she explains. Far from being overwhelmed by the situation, she welcomes each day as a challenge. ‘I am happy to please. I accommodate the desires of each patient and employee, and I cook up dishes that will warm their hearts,’ she continues.

Such workers are the essential cogs of the great machine that is the Clinic, and through their backstage work, they guarantee a safe and secure space. Dedication and determination are the key words. Without their daily effort, the Clinic could never operate properly and provide the quality care it offers today.

While the end of year is always somewhat hectic at the Clinic, the health situation and the numerous daily cases have not made things easier! Yet, despite the uncertainties, an atmosphere of celebration and sharing is surrounding the great family of the Clinique Bon Pasteur. We are taking a look back at this particularly intense season with Sheela Kamayah and Rajesh Beeyafan, both Nursing Supervisors at the Clinic.

In the medical field, the end of the year always brings its share of extra work: small accidents, falls, injuries, firework-related casualties… This year, COVID-19 is adding another layer. ‘We have had a lot of work since new tasks have been added to our workload: each patient must, for example, do a PCR test before undergoing any operation. We also need to spot suspected cases – patients with flu, headaches, etc. – and submit them to an antigen test,’ explains Sheela.

‘Fortunately, things have calmed down a bit. A few weeks back, we were seeing positive patients every day,’ adds Rajesh. While the Clinic can provide first-aid treatment to people with COVID, it generally redirects them to care structures, which are more adapted and better equipped to treat the disease. Beyond the somehow disrupted daily routine, the loss of colleagues and patients also remains on the staff’s mind. ‘We all feel a twinge of sadness, especially at the close of the year, for our colleagues, who work at the hospital, and for those who passed away,’ Sheela says sorrowfully.

Despite the surrounding situation, a festive atmosphere is prevailing all the same in the Clinic. Tiny Christmas trees and other ornaments are out to set a discreet and warm decoration. ‘Since the beginning of the crisis, we have not been able to organise any usual end-of-year festivities; however, the Clinic has indulged its employees with kind attentions,’ says Rajesh. End-of-year bonuses and a quarter of a fourteenth month payment, gift cards, boxes of treats, Christmas cake… ‘There is a human touch, which cannot be found anywhere else. Here, we work in a family atmosphere,’ continues Rajesh.

While employees are encouraged to organise festive get-togethers in small groups, patients also receive special meals to mark the end of the year. Still, for Sheela and Rajesh, the year ends on a hopeful note. ‘Fortunately, the number of cases has declined, which allows us to welcome 2022 with optimism,’ says Sheela. For Rajesh, it is the teamwork at the Clinic that warms his heart. ‘Our teams are great and supportive, and this has allowed us to end the year in a good way. The Clinic’s new projects, with the expansion of the operating theatre and a new intensive care room, are spirit-lifting, as the Clinic aims continuously to provide better service,’ he concludes.

The year ends on a renewal commitment, which offers the prospect of a new year built on hope and confidence.