Life Suikerbosrand celebrates International Nurses’ Day
Nurses are the backbone of medical care, offering expertise, support, and a commitment to patient well-being. They go beyond their professional duties to provide skilled and compassionate care.
In honour of International Nurses’ Day (May 12), the Life Suikerbosrand Hospital recognised nursing professionals’ invaluable contributions.
This year’s global theme, Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies, resonates with Life Healthcare’s commitment to investing in, respecting, supporting, recognising and protecting our nurses.
“International Nurses’ Day is an important date on our hospital calendar because it allows us to honour and celebrate our nurses for their commitment to excellence in patient care. Our nurses work hard to provide quality care through their clinical expertise and go above and beyond to lend a listening ear and provide a compassionate touch, which often contributes significantly to a patient’s recovery. Their heartfelt care and dedication truly set them apart,” said hospital manager Ashraf Waja.
“At Life Healthcare, we understand that respecting, supporting, recognising and caring for our nurses is vital to ensuring they can perform their roles effectively. We value the person, not just the profession,” continued Waja.
“This year’s theme is a powerful reminder of the importance of appreciating our nurses. We take immense pride in being a patient- and people-centric organisation. By placing our nurses at the centre of care, we place our patients at the centre as well. When we empower our nurses and strengthen their well-being, we enable them to provide even better care for our patients.”
“Life Healthcare offers many initiatives that support our nurses beyond professional development. Health and well-being are key priorities, and we provide an Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) that offers free counselling services to support emotional and psychosocial health, which also extends to our nurses’ immediate family members.
“Our EWP also provides guidance on legal and financial matters, empowering nurses to thrive personally and professionally,” nurse manager Cathryn van Zuydam added.
Waja emphasised that additional initiatives, such as ensuring workplace safety, sponsoring nurses’ professional association fees, providing competitive salaries, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance against GBV, demonstrate how the organisation cares for our nurses.
“Caring for our nurses through these initiatives is important because they are the heart and backbone of our hospitals. They deserve support in what is often a demanding work environment.
“We frequently receive heartfelt thank-you notes and cards from patients and their families, thanking our nurses who stood by them in their times of illness and recovery,” Waja added.
“Today is an opportunity to thank the local community for trusting our nurses and hospital services. Let us continue to value and respect our nurses daily,” he said.
Recognition in any profession is crucial to uplifting individuals and boosting morale. In line with International Nurses’ Day, Life Suikerbosrand Hospital runs its annual Great 100 Nurses initiative, recognising the top 100 nurses chosen by their peers for their efficiency, quality, compassion and patient experience enhancement. This initiative celebrates nurses for their dedication to delivering exceptional care.
“We congratulate all of this year’s Great 100 Nurses nominees and winners,” Van Zuydam said.
As we celebrate International Nurses’ Day, let us all reflect on the contributions made by our nurses and commit to supporting them in their essential roles. Together, we can ensure a brighter and healthier future for our community and the world.
The nurses of Life Suikerbosrand Hospital were welcomed by management, each experiencing a special “red carpet moment”, to celebrate their contributions. The nurses will recite the Nurses’ Pledge in the hospital reception area. As a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication, they received a snack pack and a gift.
Londi Maphumulo, a registered nurse in the ICU, was selected as one of Life Healthcare’s Great 100 Nurses. Her compassion is her guiding principle. When Maphumulo is on duty, her patients are safe and in capable hands. She is knowledgeable and ensures everyone around knows what is happening. Maphumulo regularly checks on her colleagues and her patients.
As the world pauses to appreciate these healthcare heroes, let us thank the nurses who make a difference in our lives. Whether through words of thanks, acts of support, or efforts to strengthen the nursing profession, celebrating National Nurses’ Day means advocating for a better, healthier future for all.
