Saturday, 12 May 2018, marks the birth anniversary of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
This year, the International Council of Nurses will commemorate International Nurses Day with the theme “A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human Right".
The City of Joburg’s Health Department joins the world in celebrating the work and dedication of nurses to their profession, as well as the contribution they make to the societies they serve around the world. The City also aims to increase public awareness about the nursing profession, and the nurses’ contribution towards healthcare innovation.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, expressed her gratitude and utmost respect for nurses and said that they are the engine that keeps the healthcare system running.
Phalatse, a medical doctor by qualification, has always been involved in communities across the country and understands first-hand the challenges faced by health workers.
“Due to the scarcity of healthcare workers and the resource constraints our industry has had to adapt to, we do not have nearly enough doctors to attend to the needs of the many patients we see in our 81 clinics in the City of Johannesburg”.
She said had it not been for our nurses, who stepped up to the challenge of filling this human resource gap, often stretching themselves to hone their clinical skills to offer the best care money can buy in the most cost-effective manner, many ailments would be left untreated. Challenging boundaries, these healthcare workers consistently defy logic, demonstrating that if it can be taught they can learn it, and they can do it. They are the heartbeat of healthcare.
Nurses are the fast and first point of contact for healthcare services in the City of Johannesburg. They innovatively provide free health check-ups to various industries, indicating their willingness to improving the health of staff, to meet local needs and to improve the mental and physical well-being of the patients.
“Today in all our clinics, nurses are initiating HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a practice which in former years was restricted to doctors. This has afforded many who would not otherwise receive treatment the opportunity to reclaim their lives”.
The quadruple burden of disease in this country has challenged us all to consider investing more in this cadre which is often undermined, and the return on investment has far exceeded our expectations.
Phalatse said she was aware of the difficult working conditions nurses have to contend with, “But as we continue to work on these, our Florence Nightingales never cease to uphold their oath of office, preserving the very heart and soul of our city - its residents - in good health.” She said adding that serving such heroes is the greatest honour.
Media queries or interview opportunities, please contact:
Lesego Mathibela
Stakeholder Manager
Office of the MMC – Health and Social Development
Tel: (011) 4076725
Mobile: 061 497 8286
E-mail: LesegoMat@joburg.org.za
Or
Dominic Mahlangu
Strategic Advisor
Office of the MMC – Health and Social Development
Tel: (011) 407 6832
Mobile: 081 230 3299
Email: DominicM@joburg.org.za
