Are Hospitals Now Safe for Examinations and Check-Ups?

Nowadays, when we step by step into the period defined as the "New Normal" in public opinion, one of the issues that many people are most curious about is whether it is safe to go to hospitals.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu stated that patients who want to be examined can now go to the hospital safely. “The important thing here is to act in accordance with the mask, gloves, and hygiene conditions in line with the ‘New Normal’ understanding. We must take all necessary measures wherever we go, every time we go out on the street. ”

Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu, in particular, said serious diseases such as heart, stomach, intestinal problems, and problems related to chronic diseases should be consulted with the doctor without delay.

Caution Must Be Taken

Special areas were opened in hospitals for people with different health problems. At this point, one can think, "Are these areas clean?". Pointing out that the hospitals were taken under control from the first day, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu remarks, “Such detailed measures are taken that sometimes patients or their relatives may not notice them all.”
“Regardless of the purpose of coming to the hospital, everyone is checked, their complaints are questioned and triage is carried out. The doors and sections where the patients enter are separated. The healthy patient and the patient with suspected coronavirus can distinguish very clearly. However, hygiene and cleaning rules are very crucial. In hospitals, regular cleaning is carried out in accordance with the rules of medical hygiene. ”

Health Personnel Work Under Very Strict Measures in Hospitals

One of the measures taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic was the postponement of selective health procedures. On the other hand, by paying attention to isolation and infection control measures, we continued to provide services to patients with chronic diseases.
Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu: “Since March, areas have been restricted in hospitals. The places where COVID-19 patients were cared for and the areas where patients with other health problems were treated were separated from each other. Hospitals have been well built both to diagnose the patient and to protect those who come to hospitals. Some of the COVID-19 patients were treated at home. The national guides suggested by the scientific committee showed us the way. The measures we have taken have enabled us to be in much better places than the US and European countries. ”

The World Will Not Be As Before

“COVID-19 patients will continue to come with different clinical cases. Therefore, door-to-triage and the use of masks by every employee will continue in all hospitals. It will not be exactly the old order, but life will start to return to normal with measures. ” Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu continued her words as follows:  “All hospitals, including public hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health, are now starting online procedures. So, we have to be prepared for a lot of changes in the coming days. ”