Nurses and work are in the spotlight

WITH International Nurses Day being commemorated on Sunday, 12 May, the Life Westville Hospital celebrated its nurses with a delicious lunch and fun games.

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year all around the world on 12 May to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Florence Nightingale.

Addressing the nurses on Friday, 10 May, the hospital’s nursing manager, Melody Jansen van Rensburg, said nursing is the oldest profession and nurses should be proud of that.

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“We should celebrate each other and the job that we do, this is the day where we can reflect on nursing globally and and reflect on where we are as a country,” she said.

She also thanked all the nurses in their effort and dedication in serving the people from all walks of life. “We are one big family and once you have worked here for a number of years, the staff becomes your second family.”

PSA highlight issues faced by nurses

The Public Servants Association (PSA) that represents thousands of Health Sector employees said South African Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, with a known global reputation for the outstanding quality of nursing professional produced in South Africa.

Yet, despite international recognition, this vital group of public servants continues to be plagued by challenges including understaffing and hospital overcrowding, lack of resources and equipment, abuse from patients and poor compensation for long working hours.

“These circumstances are further aggravated by challenges in providing effective nursing education, as Departments of Health struggle with budgetary constraints. Poor working conditions and environments are also driving hordes of healthcare workers to leave the public health for better opportunities in the private sector or abroad,” said PSA general manager, Ivan Fredericks.

“The association is distressed that these issues, mostly brought about by poor management and corruption, have a direct impact on nurses’ ability to perform their duties, are not treated by government as a priority. Instead, nurses’ are being blamed by politicians and even the public for all the ills in the system,” he said.

Despite circumstances and criticism, Fredericks said nurses continue doing their work with compassion.

“The PSA, on Nurses’ Day, and every other day for that matter, assures nurses that the Union of Choice is there to support them and is actively working towards improving all aspects of their work environment.”

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