Nurses encouraged, thanked for service

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Hospital and clinic nursing staff in the Mossel Bay sub-district enjoyed a Nurses' Day event on Friday, 12 May.

It was held at Doxa Deo Church in Da Nova, Mossel Bay, according to Nadia Ferreira, Health spokesperson for the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts.

PHOTO GALLERY: Nurses' Day celebrated

Staff were treated to refreshments and entertainment to show appreciation for the work they do.

"A health facility without a nurse is like a building without a foundation. From cradle to grave, nurses are always there for our patients. Let us spend today giving them the recognition they deserve," said Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape minister of Health and Wellness in a statement.

District director of Health Services, Zee Brickles.

According to the provincial health media statement, in the public health sector, 13 403 nurses continue to provide quality care to those in need – be it in a health facility, in someone's home, or in a mobile clinic.

The statement noted: "We celebrate these heroes as we continue our commitment to the development of the next generation of nurses.

"The theme for International Nurses' Day this year was Our Nurses, Our Future.

The guest speaker at the event, Pastor Gerhard van Rensburg, of Doxa Deo Church.

"We are pleased this year's theme for International Nurses' Day directly links with the plans we have started to put in place that ensure the continued development and upskilling of our nurses as they are our future. A skilled workforce is a cornerstone of our journey towards universal health coverage."

Zee Brickles, Health district director: Garden Route and Central Karoo, said: "There exists no doubt that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and nurses are accordingly called upon to portray this in everything they do."

The organisers thanked everyone who contributed to the special day, in particular Pastor Van Rensburg from Doxa Deo Church and Mossel Bay mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé, who attended the event.