The Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi today saluted all the nurses in the province, stating that “the nursing profession is a cornerstone of healthcare provision”.
This year’s International Nurses Day is celebrated today. It marks an annual remembrance of Florence Nightingale’s birthday. A pioneer considered as “the mother of nursing”, as described Mokgethi.
The Nurse’s Day theme for this year was, “A voice to lead – invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health.”
The objective remains focusing on the necessity to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health systems around the world.
Mokgethi mentioned that the nurses were more often the first point of contact in the healthcare services and health education to the public.
“We can never over emphasis the key role of nurses in healthcare provision. The past two years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated this,” she said.
“Despite fear and anxiety which was brought about by the new virus, and excessive workload, many nurses continued to show resilience as they went about their daily responsibility.”
A special tribute was also paid to the nurses who contracted the virus whilst in the pursuit to save the lives of others.
“As we mark the birth of Florence Nightingale, we wish to thank all nurses for your dedication and commitment. We salute you,” Mokgethi said.
“Many patients are forever grateful to you for the care during their illness and hospital stay.”
She also urged the public to express more compassion when interacting with nurses and not lash out their frustrations on them.
