HONOURED:
NINE nurses from clinics and hospitals across the metro have received long-service awards for their dedication to the Florence Nightingale legacy and in commemoration of International Nurses Day today.
Collectively sharing 256 years of service, Glenda Wright, Louisette Mundy, Mirande Maree, Evelyn Tyutu, Marcelle Lakey, Judith Hendricks, Kamillah Majiet, Dianne Paulse and Amila Latief received certificates from the city yesterday.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security and social services Alderman JP Smith; s well as doctors Andile Zimba and Virginia De Azevedo and nursing sister Joy Kwini, who manage Chapel Road Clinic in Woodstock, where the celebrations took place, handed out the certificates.
Smith thanked the nurses and mentioned the challenges they face daily and the excellent work they do. “From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you very much,” he said.
Wright, who has 35 years] service, said she began working at Chapel Road Clinic in 1982, followed by stints at clinics in Maitland, Claremont, Spencer Road and Factreton, before she returned to Chapel Road Clinic.
“I’m honoured that we have been recognised and acknowledged for the work we do. We represent all the other nurses who are working just as hard as us. We have to honour and respect the tremendous amount of work professional nurses do, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.”
Her mother, who was a nurse for 29 years, was her role model and main inspiration, said Wright, a nurse for western sub-district area 1, which includes Langa, Green Point, Sea Point and Mamre.
Mundy, who has 32 years’ service, took up nursing to work with people and make a difference in their lives.
“It’s humbling to be acknowledged and appreciated for our years of service. Celebrating International Nurses Day is a good thing,” she said.