It was all about the nursing staff at Life Robinson Private Hospital when they celebrated International Nurses Day on Wednesday, 12 May.
Melanie van Staden, Life Robinson Private Hospital spokesperson explained that over 10 000 nurses are permanently employed by Life Healthcare.
She stated that among the challenges and stresses of the pandemic, this year they recognise and celebrate these dedicated and committed healthcare professionals for placing patients at the centre of care.
According to Melanie their nurses have united, not only to lead but also support each other as caregivers with heart as well as substance, and have continued to care for their patients compassionately and thoughtfully.
“This International Nurses Day Life Healthcare’s leaders and employees reflect on the remarkable individuals whose careers are founded on principals of care, and who have dedicated their lives to making a difference to people’s lives. Theirs are the faces of hope that every patient sees and the hands of compassion that every patient experiences, and we acknowledge and honour our nurses today and say thank you for your courage and commitment to patient-centred care amidst the Covid-19 pandemic,” said hospital manager, Dr Marinda Overbeek.
During International Nurses Day the nurses had numerous celebration sessions which included every person receiving a box with treats, special messages from Life Healthcare executives and hospital management, and the celebrations were concluded with the South African Nurses Pledge of Service.
She stated that Life Healthcare celebrates their nurses annually, for example with the Great 100 Nurses initiative, where nurses nominate their peers and award those nurses who epitomise efficiency, quality and compassion in their daily work, which contributes to the patients’ hospital experience.
Life Robinson Private Hospital’s Great 100 Nurses for 2021 were identified as Inge Kroon, Erica Pieterse and Christie van den Berg.
“Whether nominated as a Great 100 Nurse or not, we value all our nurses who are the carers of our community’s family, friends and loved ones, and we say thank you to our nurses for their sacrifices, hard work and commitment. Amidst a pandemic, we acknowledge the additional pressures and stress they have faced on a daily basis,” concluded Dr Overbeek.
Melanie explained that nurses remain the heartbeat of Life Healthcare hospitals and are not only trained to be the caregivers of patients, but also the counsellors, listeners, hand-holders, smile-makers, advocates, shoulders to cry on, the advisers and so much more.
“We hope this day continues to create more awareness around the role of nursing. Life Healthcare encourages communities and patients to thank a nurse via social media using #NursesForLife,” said Melanie.
