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English Nursing Care redefines home nursing

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Adults

– over the age of 60, are at a greater risk of serious illness when contracting COVID-19; as explained by an infectious diseases fellow at Stanford University in California. Cells begin an aging process called “inflamm-aging,” during which cells become locked in a state of inflammation. There is then a difference in cell quantity and how they react to triggers around age 50. This may prevent older adults from controlling the virus initially because of an overly aggressive inflammatory response to the system. Therefore, the prevention of COVID-19 protocol which involves social distancing and hygiene measures is more stringent in the presence of elderly patients. Does this compromise the care that home nurses could provide to the elderly?

 

The changes

The pandemic has compelled the world into taking extra effort to practise basic hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water. We are told right from childhood to always wash our hands after playing, before eating, after using the toilet, and as often as possible. However, the world had seemed to overlook the importance of it until COVID-19. It is not only for people working in laboratories or hospitals, it is for everybody; children at school, adults at work and home nurses who dedicate their days caring for the elderly, hygiene is important.

Similarly, COVID-19 lockdowns brought testing times. Mental health, physical fitness confined to homes, limited social interaction and even simple tasks such as purchasing groceries and paying bills became challenging. Elders and home nurses who are living in isolation and facing these life alterations found these circumstances very difficult.

 

How did home nurses at English Nursing do it?

Step 01 –

When a nurse arrives at the elderly’s house, they sanitize their hands and shoes and then enter.

Step 02 –

They go straight for a shower, after which they put on the new set of untouched uniform, socks and shoes, during this time they do not come in contact with the elder.

Step 03 – A fresh set of gloves, mask and apron are put on. They are now ready to begin their care.

Health experts have constantly reminded that the simple practice of taking a shower/hand washing with soap and clean water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A protocol followed by nurses at English Nursing before any task is performed.

Similarly, the task of purchasing daily groceries was also diligently taken up by the home nurses, with strict hygiene protocols involved.

“Once we arrive back at the patients home the sanitisation process is stringent, first we sanitise all items. We are to have zero contact with the patient until all grocery items were put away. We then shower, change and put on a new set of gloves, apron and mask to begin our tasks, during this time an emergency method of communication is always kept with the elderly to keep in contact with us” says Chathurika, a home nurse at English Nursing Care.

 

Emotional support

Nursing is not only about the physical care that is provided, the current times took a mental toll on most elders as their children could not visit them, those living in Sri Lanka and abroad. Loneliness, frustration and anxiety was on the rise. Nurses play a vital role to provide emotional support to the patient. Talking to them, discussing what they are feeling like helps a lot. A gentle smile, constant assurance that circumstances will improve and reminiscing their childhood and young days relieve them from the negative thoughts. Nurses need to understand what the elderly need without them saying it. Eldercare is not only for physical care and medication, but for companionship and compassion.

Nurses and Care staff play a crucial role in fostering better lives for elders.



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Pasans Rent a Car honoured at Iconic Awards 2025 in Thailand

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Managing Director Dr. Pasan Nalinda Hiripitiyage receiving the award

Pasans Rent a Car (Pvt) Ltd was recently honoured as The Excellent Car Rentals and Tour Service Provider of the Year at the Iconic Awards 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand. Managing Director, Dr. Pasan Nalinda Hiripitiyage received the award. Established in 2002 as a modest vehicle rental service, Pasans Rent a Car has today grown into a national name in travel and transport. Headquartered in Malabe, they cater to a wide range of clients such as private customers, tourists, and private and Government institutions including Ministries.

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Medihelp Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Group-India announce strategic clinical collaboration

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Exchanging of the MOU by Jithu Jose (Vice President - International Division of Apollo Hospitals) (Second from Right) and Nishantha Jayamanne (Chief Operating Officer - Medihelp Hospitals Group) (Extreme Right), Dr. Elankumaran K. (Head of the Liver Transplant Program - Apollo Hospitals - Chennai) (Extreme Left), Dr. Appaji Krishan (Senior Consultant Spine Surgeon - Apollo Hospitals - Chennai) (Second From Left)

Medihelp Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Group-India have announced a strategic clinical collaboration during a grand ceremony at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. The MOU outlines a framework for clinical collaboration, focusing on knowledge sharing, advanced specialty care, preventive health initiatives, and continuous professional development. This partnership aims to elevate clinical standards in Sri Lanka by introducing global best practices through joint programs, telemedicine, second-opinion services, and medical education.

The agreement was signed and exchanged by Nishantha Jayamanne, Chief Operating Officer of Medihelp Hospitals, and Jithu Jose, Vice President – International Division of Apollo Hospitals. Nishantha welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the importance of such collaborations in light of the escalating disease burden and changing disease patterns. Jithu Jose remarked, “At Apollo Hospitals, we are committed to the principle that access to high-quality healthcare should transcend geographical boundaries. We are proud to be part of this collaborative initiative to strengthen the ties between the medical communities of India and Sri Lanka.”

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Union Assurance leads fight against diabetes with nationwide ‘Suwamaga’ initiative

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Union Assurance, a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s private life insurance sector, is playing an increasingly proactive role in addressing the country’s rising diabetes crisis. As part of its commitment to corporate citizenship, the company has launched Suwamaga, an impactful CSR programme aimed at combating the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on diabetes.

Senath Jayatilake, Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance, explained that the company’s corporate responsibility approach stems from its new brand vision, which is centered around empowering human progress by protecting what matters most. He emphasized that this vision is aligned with the company’s dedication to strengthening not only financial stability but also the emotional, physical, and community well-being of Sri Lankans. “As part of our strategic direction, we recognized the severe impact of NCDs, particularly diabetes, on the nation’s social and economic progress,” Jayatilake noted.

The Suwamaga programme launched in 2024, under the Ministry of Health’s collaboration, includes a Mobile Screening Unit, which has already screened over 26,000 individuals across Sri Lanka, from urban centers to rural communities. The mobile unit offers free diabetes screenings, followed by personalized medical advice, empowering the public to take charge of their health. Mahen Gunarathna, Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance, shared, “The screenings have revealed alarming results. Approximately 15% of participants were recommended for further testing, with 12% diagnosed with diabetes for the first time. These screenings have proven essential for early intervention.”

The gravity of the diabetes crisis in Sri Lanka was further highlighted by Dhanya Wijesuriya, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Association. “Diabetes is a silent killer in Sri Lanka, affecting an alarming portion of the population,” she said, stressing that early detection is key to preventing the disease from progressing. “Pre-diabetes is reversible, but once diabetes is diagnosed, it’s a lifelong condition. Tragically, half of those affected remain unaware until complications arise.”

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