International Nurses' Day - Bursaries For Nurses

Today, on International Nurses' Day, the Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, visited the step-down facility for chronically ill children, the St Joseph's Home, in Montana. Minister Botha spent time with 63 nurses and thanked them for their commitment and caring.

Minister Botha told the nurses at St Joseph's that the Department will subsidise bursaries for nurses who complete their studies through St Joseph's Home.

This year's theme for International Nurses' Day is "Closing the Gap: Increasing Access and Equity". In line with this message, Minister Botha said, "almost half of the health workforce of the Western Cape are nurses, and the delivery of quality health services is heavily dependent on them. This is why, in the past year, the Provincial Government has focused on improving the environment in which nurses work through interventions to reduce the patient numbers at health facilities, upgrading infrastructure and equipment and improving the safety and security at all facilities".

"At the same time, I would like to stress the importance of the empathetic role that nurses play. You are the face of public health; patience, empathy and caring is the core of your work. Always remember: every single patient, no matter their situation in life, is entitled to professional and respectful care."