Sister’s heart belongs to her patients

Although she started her nursing career over 35 years ago, Sister Marion Wing’s heart still belongs to her patients.

The NEWS caught up with Sister Wing in her Kloof Road-based baby clinic where she shared her story.

She said it was after working in many divisions of nursing at the then Johannesburg Hospital (now Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital) that she found her niche and decided to complete a diploma in paediatric nursing.

“After working in the hospital for 21 years, I decided to move on and join a colleague in her baby clinic, where I worked with moms and their babies. This was, and still is, my passion 15 years later,” said Sister Wing.

She added that she is always happy to assist and support mothers.

She said, “Many [new] parents do not have strong support systems and have no choice but to earn a living. Balancing parenting, work and being a spouse is not easy. Where I can, I hope to alleviate some stress by being supportive and offering advice and encouragement. Being a mother myself has taught me a multitude of things, like compassion and respect for all new mothers who are doing their best for their family unit. They brighten my day and I love to watch the growth and development of the babies; they are all so different and special in every way. It is never a chore for me, in fact it is a blessing.”

Asked if there was any advice she could give every new mother if she could, Sister Wing said, “Mothers need to trust their own instincts and believe in themselves. Make time for yourself because a happy mommy makes a happy family unit. Balance is the keyword. Enjoy this most wonderful time in your life, as it passes by all too fast.”

Sister Wing is also qualified as a personal trainer and exercise specialist.

“My speciality is pre- and post-natal exercise, which I taught for a long time. I firmly believe in keeping one’s body strong and healthy to take on the daily tasks. Running is another one of my passions, something I look forward to on a daily basis. I also commit myself to a full body workout three times a week and do a little boxing weekly. All this is done in the early hours of the morning or at night,” she added.

The mother of two daughters, Jessica (24) and Jenna (21), said despite having been in the industry from 1979, she does not see herself going on retirement any time soon.

“My dream has always been to open a centre for mothers and babies that offers many aspects of care such as a clinic, pre- and post-natal exercise and care for mothers, as well as various classes such as baby massage, breastfeeding classes, physio, and a meeting place for mothers, as a support system. Perhaps one day this dream will be reached,” she added.