Why the Sister is Inviting You To Be Tested
Diabetics require specialised care, something one Namibian, Sister Hileni Samuel, knows well through her 23 years of experience in the nursing fraternity. As such she has established, a first in Namibia, a Diabetic and Wound Care Clinic. The Hileni Wound and Diabetic Clinic has now opened its doors in the capital. The clinic offer services Diabetes management and wound care. 99FM’s MYD Heart spoke to Sister Hileni about why there is a need for such a clinic in Namibia.
99FM’s MYD Heart asked:
Why you have opened a Diabetes and Wound Care Clinic?
“Diabetes and wounds goes hand in hand. 10% of Diabetes patients develop wounds in their lifetime, especially on the feet. Foot ulceration is the common serious chronic Diabetes complication, affecting people with Diabetes. The ultimate consequence of ulceration, which is amputation, occurs as either major (above the ankle), or minor (partial foot) in 20% of ulcers.
“Around 50% of all lower limb amputations in Namibia are due to Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial disease.”
“Amputations remain 15-times more common in people with Diabetes. Around 50% of all lower limb amputations in Namibia are due to Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial disease. Effective foot care can reduce this by at least a half. This is the typical reduction reported by diabetes multidisciplinary clinics across the world and this is why Hileni Wound and Diabetes clinic was established to assist diabetes patients to prevent complications of the feet and other organs.”
“This is why the Hileni Wound and Diabetes clinic was established to assist diabetes patients to prevent complications of the feet and other organs.”
Why did you feel there was a need to open such a clinic in Namibia?
“I realised that there is a gap and Diabetes is not well managed in Namibia. Diabetes management needs a team approach and does not work in silos. Diabetes management is more than just educating people on diet. At the Hileni Wound and Diabetic clinic, we ensure that foot examination is done, we check that annual base line examinations are up to date etc.”
“Diabetes is one of the common and neglected non-communicable conditions globally and most of the people are not aware that they have the condition until presented with a complication.”
“On the other hand wounds need proper management to avoid infections which can lead to complications and death. The clinic offers advanced technologies in wound care.”
Who will this clinic be supporting and assisting?
“The clinic is catering for all people in Namibia, private or those with medical aids. Every body is welcome to be assisted. We also do screening for diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.”
Do you feel there is misinformation about Diabetes in Namibia?
“Diabetes is one of the common and neglected non-communicable conditions globally and most of the people are not aware that they have the condition until presented with a complication.”
“Not much awareness is created or is in place to educate the population. Diabetes, especially Type 2 Diabetes, is a life style condition, which is costly and preventable.”
What prevention steps would you say every Namibian should consider?
“I would like to invite the community to come visit the clinic and get tested before it’s too late. Prevention is better than cure.”
Prevention of Diabetes includes:
- Eat a healthy diet (Half the plate vegetables, quarter plate protein, another quarter carbohydrates)
- Exercise 30 minutes daily
- Drink plenty of water, at least 2 L per day
- Get tested for diabetes twice a year
- Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol
- Avoid fast food take-aways and rather cook home
- Do not smoke –do not even start
“I would like to invite the community to come visit the clinic and get tested before it’s too late. Prevention is better than cure. All people with Diabetes and wounds are most welcome to see me for a consultation and better management.”
What other type of services will you be offering at this clinic?
“Even though the clinic specialises in Wound and Diabetic Care it offers amongst others the following services:
- Family Planning
- Flu Vaccination
- Cervarix Vaccination
- Pap smear
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Wellness Screening
- General Nursing Services
Get in touch with the Hileni Wound and Diabetic Clinic by emailing diabeticclinic01@gmail.com or calling 081 541 5660. You’ll find the clinic at Erf 7296 Rhino street, Rhino Park in Windhoek.
Article written by Kirsty Watermeyer