Paper for the Workshop on
‘Disaster Management for the Health Sector in Indonesia’,
Bali Padma Hotel, Kuta, 11-13 Juni 2003
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE AT SANGLAH HOSPITAL
AFTER THE KUTA BLAST (12-10-2002)
Sita T. van Bemmelen1
Housekeeping
Both in the morgue, the corridors and other spaces used
temporarily due to the large number of people going to
and fro, cleanliness and hygiene can become a problem.
As the hospital staff had to do their regular job, volunteers
were instrumental in keeping both the morgue, the ward
and other places cleaned. Some private individuals devoted
their energy solely to this task. At one point a squad
of young boys from the school for tourism was set on this
task in the hospital and worked in shifts. Tools and detergents
were bought with private or community organisations money
(perhaps also provided by the hospital).
Hotels and individuals brought in large amounts of cloth,
sarongs, sheets and towels. Towels were used to keep the
floor as dry as possible in the morgue.
Notes. Western hospitals are often run as 'hotels
for the sick and ill', with specialized housekeeping departments.
In view of this, any Indonesian hospital can expect criticism
from foreign observers regarding standards of hygiene
and maintenance. And indeed many foreigners were
appalled by the conditions at Sanglah. To improve such
conditions is not so much 'disaster-related', but upgrading
of housekeeping capacity may be considered as a form of
future assistance to Sanglah.
With regard to old and perhaps wanting facilities,
it is fruitful to point out in advance to volunteer organisations,
that government hospitals have to work with tights budgets.
One volunteer took the message and even went so far as
organizing replacement of the - indeed nearly 20 year
old - toilet facilities at the Melati ward!13
Recommendations:
include the board of tourism to put a representative
of a 5/4 star hotel with housekeeping background
on the volunteers emergency team to take the responsibility
for hospital cleaning and provision of
necessary materials in the emergency plan.
Upgrade housekeeping department and hygiene
standards (general).
