WORKING IN THE FESTIVE SEASON

 I have been working in South Africa’s healthcare system for 9 years now, during all the festive seasons except for December 2022, when I was on maternity leave. I willingly made this choice, mostly because my family does not celebrate Christmas. I feel happy to know that my colleagues who celebrate during this time can spend time with their families. We know that we are part of a team and can support each other and fulfill our duties.

We have to take extra care and consideration for the patients who are also in the hospital during the festive season. Some patients might show up to casualty with vague complaints just because they didn’t want to be alone. We have even had women coming to maternity complaining of decreased fetal movement, and not initially disclosing to us that she has been a victim of gender-based violence. There are those patients who delay presenting to the hospital with their illness and they present very ill, in need of resuscitation, blood transfusion, or ICU admission.  

We have to bear in mind that being a doctor during the holidays means that we are working while other people are busy celebrating because illnesses and injuries and in my case childbirth does not take a break! When we are in medical school we tend to have a great break after the exams, but things start to get busy from internship when the interns learn that working on holidays is part of the medical work. They are still young and do not have committed relationships or children as yet which makes them adapt easily.

For those doctors who feel the tug of family, a virtual call can help them stay connected especially with little children who miss their parents. We must also remember to take care of ourselves and make sure we are eating right, taking breaks, and are able to manage stress. 


This is me and my Rahima Moosa registrars and interns on Christmas Day 2024




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