Nurses in the province were celebrated for their dedication and commitment to their patients and the health sector on International Nurses Day commemorated today (Thursday 12 May).
The provincial commemoration event took place at Groote Schuur Hospital, where nurses were treated to a morning of fun and entertainment to mark the day.
The theme for this is “Nurses: A voice to lead- Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health.”
The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness department says it has 13 823 nurses employed.
Addressing the scores and nurses and health practitioners at the hospital, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Provincial Health Minister, says: Nurses are not only the heart of the healthcare system, but they are also the backbone of the healthcare system. Today, I thank all nurses in the province for their compassion and care. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.”
Keith Cloete, Head of the Western Cape department of health and Wellness, says: “I would like to celebrate nurses and the caring, nurturing role they fulfil. They sacrifice long hours, family and personal time in serving the sick and vulnerable in our communities.”
Cloete also thanked and hailed the heroic act of Sr Diane Seale from New Somerset hospital who managed to calm down and disarm a patient who had taken a police officer’s firearm and used it to kill three people at the hospital’s surgical ward on Saturday 7 May.
Cloete says: “The heroic action of a team at New Somerset Hospital embodies the real spirit of a dedicated, selfless nurse, true to the nursing pledge and serves as a reminder that our nurses, and all health care workers, will go beyond the call to ensure we are safe and cared for.”
Nurse Lizeka Dana, Advanced Midwife at Groote Schuur hospital, has been in the nursing field for the past 12 years and says she still has a passion for her job.
“I love nursing. This is what I live for, I love caring for the sick and seeing them get well. And the gratitude you get from the patient, that is the most rewarding.”
