International Nurses Day - Celebrate our hardworking heroes | Western Cape Government

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International Nurses Day - Celebrate our hardworking heroes

12 May 2020

When the World Health Organisation declared 2020 the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” we did not anticipate the pandemic the world currently finds itself in.

 

It gives us immense pride to celebrate our hardworking nurses on this auspicious occasion. Together with National Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, MEC Nomafrench Mbombo and Director: Nursing Directorate, Dr Tendani Mabuda will be participating in lighting the Florence Nightingale Lamp and a reading of the Nurses Pledge of Service (between 11:00 and 12:15pm on Tuesday, 12 May). The candlelight and reading will be taking place at the same time in all provinces.

 

The theme for this year’s International Nurses Day, “Nurses A voice to lead - Nursing the World to Health”, as truly been a living experience as we have witnessed our nurses being at the forefront in the battle against COVID-19 in their quest to “nurse the world to health.

 

Since the Western Cape reported its first case of COVID-19, these nurses have been tirelessly fighting the virus on the forefront. Without blinking, they have heeded the call to protect their fellow citizens.

 

Sadly, their brave fight has also come at a cost. As at 10 May, we mourned the loss of two brave heroes who passed away after contracting the Coronavirus. We honour these fallen heroes for the sacrifices they have made for the betterment of fellow citizens. We also had 66 nurses who tested positive for the virus and wish those currently affected well during this very challenging time on the road to recovery.

 

As we find ourselves in unprecedented times we once again look to our 13 000 nurses who serve our communities across the different platforms. Our communities greatly rely on nurses at clinical facilities around the world, as they give hope to the sick and injured in hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Our Department is committed to support all frontline staff and their families during this pandemic to ensure their safety and well-being.

 

In celebrating the day, the Department of Health wishes to draw attention to the invaluable role nurses play in delivering quality healthcare to the Western Cape community. We salute the nurses of the Western Cape and celebrate those who contribute so much of themselves to improve the health and lives of others in need.

 

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