Recognition for nurses

Life Healthcare hails the key role they play in hospitals across SA

THE Queenstown Life Healthcare Private Hospital recently celebrated International Nurses’ Day by paying tribute to those in the profession.

The annual day commemorates the life of Florence Nightingale.

Staff members were given recognition for their commitment and for the care shown to patients under the theme for the day: “A Force for Change: Improving the health system’s resilience”.

The group nursing executive at Life Healthcare, Dr Sharon Vasuthevan, said nurses were at the forefront of propelling the company’s vision of providing world class healthcare.

“We make use of our skills and resources to contribute to a resilient health system in each community where our hospitals are situated throughout South Africa.”

Life Healthcare Border-Kei and Port Elizabeth regional manager Bruce Janssen said: “We are proud of the dedication our nurses show to their patients and our hospitals every day. Their care is testament to the nursing profession. Today is about thanking all of our nurses for everything they do every day to make our patients better.”

He said Life Healthcare placed great value ensuring that people were treated with respect, dignity and empathy.

Guest speaker gynaecologist Dr Nopasika Pinzi said nurses faced a lot of challenges which were physical, emotional and mental.

Pinzi said medicine alone did not lead to a patient’s recovery, with the words of encouragement and care shown to patients contributing to their wellbeing.

A press release issued by the hospital group indicated that 24 000 Life Healthcare employees based at its hospitals would receive training by the end of the year.

The nursing staff each received a gift bag as a token of appreciation.