Accolades for eight of region’s top nurses
EIGHT exceptional Life Healthcare nurses from the Nelson Mandela Bay region have made it onto a list of the group’s top 100 nurses in the country.
“It is a great honour and a privilege to be recognised,” Life Health Care’s regional manager for Border-Kei and Port Elizabeth, Bruce Janssens, said.
The eight, who work at Life St George’s Hospital, Mercantile Hospital, Life’s frail care centres in Kirkwood and Port Elizabeth and Life Hunterscraig Psychiatric Hospital, received their awards this week.
Regional nursing manager for Life Healthcare, Jill Strydom, said she was very proud of the winners.
“As well as being an inspiration to everyone, they have done us proud.” The winners are: ý Sister Joy Gallant from Mercantile Hospital, who was cited for her clear passion for nursing.
“The doctors love doing rounds with her because of her efficiency and friendliness. She is always open to new ideas,” Strydom said.
ý Sister Patty Myburgh who works in infection control at Mercantile Hospital was described by Strydom as one of the most positive people around.
“She focuses on good experiences and always looks for solutions when faced with difficulties. She has the ability and maturity to manage any difficult situation or outcome.
ý Hendricka Brinkhuis, from the Life Esidimeni Frail Care Centre in Kirkwood was recognised for her excellent work ethic. “She demonstrates a caring and professional attitude.”
ý Yvonne Mboniswa, who works as a nurse at the Algoa Frail Care Centre, was cited for her passion in working with elderly and frail patients.
“She demonstrates compassion in whatever task she performs and for this she is admired,” Strydom said.
“She recently took on the challenge of teaching her colleagues how to use new equipment used by her unit.”
ý Life Hunterscraig nurse Christa Stow was singled out for her outstanding knowledge and insight in her field.
“Stow leads her shift in a very competent manner with excellent results. She is the first always to detect any threatening abnormalities in ill patients admitted into the unit.”
ý Theresa Draghoender, a nurse at Life Isivivana in Humansdorp, was described as a shining example of what a Life Healthcare-trained nurse should be. Strydom said when Draghoender finished her training she had to step into the role of scrub nurse at the hospital.
“She fulfilled this role with maturity and professionalism. Within a short period of six months she was able to scrub for most cases unassisted.”
ý Strydom described Leanthea du Plessis as the epitome of professionalism. “She is always beautifully presented. Her calm and reassuring manner always puts her patients at ease. She is punctual and will always go the extra mile. She is a very active mentor and loves teaching the students.”
ý Sister Joy van der Walt, who works in critical care at Life St George’s Hospital received acclaim for her skill and competence. Strydom said the doctors were full of praise for the way she cared for her patients.
Strydom said Van der Walt had an outstanding bedside manner and provided explanations and health education to patients and their families.