Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Brethren in Christ Church in Bulawayo women have donated a heavy-duty printer to Mpilo Central Hospital to enhance efficient data capturing and production of observation charts.
The charts generally use graphical recording including the use of symbols for core vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure. Some also use these for other parameters such as respiratory rate and oxygen saturation and are necessary both for theoretical and clinical purposes.
In an interview, Mpilo principal nursing officer Matron Phineas Sithole said the hospital used to face challenges due to inadequate supply of charts. He said that used to force doctors and nurses to do the drawing of graphs manually, which in turn took longer, disrupting service delivery in the process.
“This heavy-duty machine will go a long way in helping us come up with health charts, which are needed to improve our patient care and monitor them while they are at Mpilo.
“These graphs are also essential in helping us trace progress on our patients hence we are grateful to the church for this kind gesture,” said Matron Sithole.
“We will now be able to rightfully train our students based on what is available because many times they would use the charts while doing theory but not get the chance to use them when working in the wards.
“We are grateful as this will help us in enhancing studies at the school of nursing as the donation came at the right time when we were in dire need of these observation forms.”
Matron Sithole said the machine had already been put to use and doctors and nurses now have minimal challenges in documenting observations at the public institution.
Online Reporter