Heideveld Community Day Clinic honours nurses

Heideveld Community Day Clinic paid tribute to their nurses earlier this month.

International Nurses Day was commemorated on Monday May 12 under this year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.”

Klipfontein Mitchell's Plain Sub-structure spokeswoman Samantha Lee-Jacobs said the provincial Department of Health and Wellness focused on gratitude for nurses and the support needed for healthier nurses.

She said nurses were the foundation of the healthcare system; are often the first point of contact with patients; and become the most consistent form of contact throughout a patient’s healthcare journey. She said with such unwavering commitment, nurses experienced strain - physically, mentally and emotionally, which is why the day also served as one to advocate for the empowerment and well-being of nurses.

Klipfontein Mitchell's Plain Sub-structure director Patti Olckers, a nurse, said nursing had changed tremendously over the years, but what remained constant was respect.

She encouraged nurses to look after themselves.

“We, as nurses play a role in the health and wellbeing of the communities. But, if you are not well, you cannot care for others. Nurses need to look after themselves first, they need to strengthen themselves first. You can only care for others when you are healthy enough yourself.”

Heideveld CDC facility manager, Sister Rene Bantam, reiterated these sentiments.

“This facility cannot do without nurses, doctors cannot do without nurses. Nurses are really the backbone of healthcare,” she says.

Retired nurse and former facility manager Sofia Greeff, said nurses made a powerful difference. She also encouraged nurses to look after themselves first in order to care for the community. 

“We salute you. You are special and you are called to serve. When people are in pain, you treat them. You care for the whole person as the backbone of health. You can be the example to the world," she said.