City commends nurses for crucial role
THE City has paid tribute to nurses as the world observed International Nurses Day yesterday, highlighting their crucial role in fighting the Covid19 pandemic.
The International Council of Nurses has since 1965 been celebrating this day, which coincides with the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. She was born in 1820 and died in 1910.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien saluted nurses for their bravery and hard work.
He said the theme for this year’s commemoration: “Nurses: a voice to lead”, could not be more appropriate.
“The past year has arguably been one of the most challenging for our nurses, and health services as a whole. They have lost colleagues, relatives and friends to the pandemic. It is not easy to keep going when the world is gripped by fear, yet, these extraordinary women and men press on.”
“As we pause to mark International Nurses Day, I want to extend the City’s gratitude to our nursing staff and encourage them to stay the course, difficult as it is,” Badroodien said
The City has vaccinated approximately 76% of its health workers against the coronavirus. Badroodien said there was a concern of a possible resurgence in cases, with an average of 160 new ones currently being reported daily.
It was likely for the case numbers to increase in weeks ahead, which would require great effort and strength from healthcare workers, he added.
“I, therefore, appeal to the public to help us honour our nurses on International Nurses Day by implementing Covid-19 health and safety protocols at all times.
The more we do to safeguard ourselves, the lighter the load that our health workers have to carry,” he said. |
THE grit, quick decision-making and compassion required to take care of patients in the face of a terrifying global pandemic has been highlighted in media stories the world over.
Notably, last year was a significant year for nurses. In addition to the year being the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, and the World Health Organization declaring 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, Covid-19 shed light on the crucial role of nurses in the face of extreme medical crises.
As the world observes International Nurses Day on May 12, the International Council of Nurses has given the event the theme of “A Vision for Future Healthcare”. The organisation says Covid-19 exposed weaknesses in global health-care systems around the world, compelling nurses to work under enormous pressure, and having to draw on their reserves of commitment and courage to do their jobs.
While the Covid-19 pandemic presented several challenges to the entire health-care sector, nurses, in particular, were hard hit. The challenges they face included the short supply of personal protective equipment, tedious 12-hour long shifts, not being able to see family, and, more importantly, the inability to mourn the loss of those close to them, including colleagues. Moreover, the pandemic and influx of ill patients meant higher levels of stress and an added sense of fear, greatly impacting their ability to work to the best of their abilities.
This is further exacerbated by a shortage of nurses. In South Africa, for example, there are a mere 1.3 nurses and midwives for every 1 000 people, well below the global average of 3.8 per 1 000 people. Covid-19 has made the situation worse, with nurses having to address the needs of an influx of even more patients, albeit already understaffed.
With more than 66% of South Africans living in urban areas and cities, the remaining 34% of the population in rural areas relies heavily on nurses as their first point of contact and care. Rural health-care facilities are often understaffed and patients face difficulties, such as transportation issues and vast distances to travel, all of which impact on their ability to access these facilities.
These challenges, combined with the need to reach far-reaching communities, and address the basic human right of suitable primary health care, have driven pharmaceutical companies to invest in and support ventures such as Unjani Clinic. Boasting a network of 81 black female professional nurse-owned clinics, the initiative provides quality, affordable and accessible primary health care to under-served communities in South Africa.
Each time a new facility is opened, the professional nurse is empowered not only to own the clinic but also to employ two members of staff. To date, the facilities have conducted as many as 1 684 230 consultations. Coupled with the fact that as much as 84% of the South African population is dependent on an already overburdened public health-care system, Unjani Clinics will have a resounding impact on communities in the country.
Nurses do more than care for patients; they advocate for health, educate, innovate and provide ongoing assessments of patients’ health. Nurses save lives, and as the largest profession in the sector, they will play a vital planning role for the future of the South African health-care system.