Local Nurse Receives Henrietta Stockdale Award

Anne-Mare Syfers from the paediatric unit at the George Hospital received the Henrietta Stockdale Award from the University of Cape Town(UCT), Division of Nursing and Midwifery. Students who have attained their Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing and who has displayed the highest standard of academic work, clinical ability, professional behavior, social responsibility, commitment and leadership are eligible for the award. She specialised in child nursing. 

Syfers was a frequent visitor to hospitals as a youngster and always wanted to deliver the same service that she had received while in hospital, so it is only natural that she completed a 4 year diploma at the Nico Malan Nursing College in Cape Town after matric. She has worked at numerous hospitals during her career and has been in the pediatric unit at the George Hospital for the past 13 years.

She strives to improve the lives of those she serves. When asked about the team she works with, she complimented them and the hospital for their team spirit. Her seniors at work, her mother and partner are on her list of mentors. Her future plans include more studies in pediatrics through a Clinical Masters Programme at UCT.

The Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha says, “Henrietta Stockdale was a nursing pioneer. Through her influence and pressure the first state registration of nurses and midwives in the world was brought about when the Cape of Good Hope Medical and Pharmacy Act 1891 passed into law. We congratulate Syfers on being awarded this prestigious achievement, whilst emulating the very values and work ethic that the Department strives for.”

 The George Hospital Nursing School, under the umbrella of the Western Cape College of Nursing (WCCN), enjoyed a 100% pass rate for enrolled nurses in 2013.   The George Hospital Nursing School re-opened in 2007, and provides training in various categories of nursing.  The four most popular basic nursing courses offered in South Africa, and currently accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), are a four year degree/diploma; the bridging course; the enrolled nursing and the enrolled auxiliary nursing courses.