A voice to lead – health for all” was the theme for this year’s International Nurses Day, which is observed annually on May 12 on Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
The Gugulethu Community Health Centre (CHC) nursing staff commemorated the day by honouring their very own “Nightingales” with a special lunch held in honour of the vital role they play in providing health-care services for their patients.
The lunch was held at the Thembalethu School Hall in Gugulethu on Wednesday May 22.
Addressing the staff, Dr Beth Engelbrecht, Head of Health
in the Western Cape, said: “I would like to celebrate nurses and
the caring, nurturing role you
fulfil.
“Long hours, family and personal sacrifices are made in serving the sick and vulnerable in our communities, leaving your families at home and putting your patients’ needs above your own,” she said
Communications officer for
the Western Cape health
department, Monique Johnstone added that this year’s theme focused on the need for nurses to become more active and vocal in policy development and implementation.
She added that evidence dealt with critical issues of the time and highlighted the many ways in which nurses were making an impact.
“For health for all to be achieved, there must be a transformation in the approach to health and well-being.
“Our nurses are committed to providing quality healthcare for all patients, and this year’s theme fits in perfectly with the Western Cape Government Health’s Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) project, which focuses on taking healthcare to the community,” said Ms Johnstone.
The celebrations at the hospital started with the renewal of the nurse’s pledge and lamp-lighting ceremony after which nurses were treated to lunch.