Lock down activities at Aravind-Tirupati

As the printers are not functioning due to lock down restrictions, the MLOPs got together to make a series of seven colourful, bilingual sign boards to educate patients on protecting themselves and in preventing the spread of the corona virus infection. These seven tips are placed along the walkway to the hospital. These serve as gentle reminders to the patients to wash their hands, use handrub, have attenders only when necessary, give correct information on wearing mask and maintain social distance at all times.

Various changes were made in patient flow to ensure less spread of any infection. Having a spacious building and a central courtyard has been a boonat these times. A brief questionnaire and thermal scanning are done before patients enter the hospital. To limit crowding, attenders are allowed only for vulnerable patients. All persons wash hands at the main gate and use hand sanitizer before entering the main building. Signs have been posted on the floor and chairs have been cordoned off to maintain social distancing at all times.

Vision testing and slit-lamp evaluation by doctor is done in the lobby area where there is adequate ventilation. Patients are sent to unit-1 and Retina clinic when there is a need for detailed evaluation. Staff have been provided with personal protective equipment according to their proximity to patients.

Awareness programmes on COVID are regularly being conducted for MLOPsso that they understand the situation better. They have played a major role in creating protocols for each of their departments. PowerPoint presentations were made and presented by the senior MLOPs from each department explaining the various precautions to be followed in theirrespective work area.

NABH classes are also being arranged weekly in batches, all these while maintaining social distancing. To make learning fun, a quiz programme is also being planned.

The MLOPs are given a well-defined routine to engage themselves in the best possible way. It is their responsibility to ensure that their rooms and corridors are maintained clean as well as social distancing at all times. Spoken English and Telugu classes are also conducted daily. They have been enjoying the morning yoga classes, taken by one of the doctors’ wife.  A group of MLOPs have been involved in gardening – removing weeds, watering, decorating the garden and setting up a herbal garden.  A few have opted to spend their time with art and crafts and have created amazing art from hospital waste and even a chess set out of bottle caps. A special thanks goes to the outsourced canteen staff forproviding healthy and tasty food and snacks at the hostel.