Morale boosted at CBD hospital, with anticipated third wave

Mediclinic has boosted the morale at the Pretoria hospital in Arcadia as it recognised one of its own on Wednesday.

This formed part of International Nurses’ Day.

Mediclinic Muelmed nurse Avhatondwi Tondi Mashele was awarded the annual Nursing Excellence Award, a symbol of appreciation and recognition for the care she delivered to her patients and for supporting her colleagues.

Speaking to Rekord, Mashele said she had been with Mediclinic for 12 years, and contrary to the meaning behind her name, she was very grateful to be servicing sick patients.

She currently serves in the Critical Care unit.

Mashele, who is originally from Limpopo, said before she was a nurse, she served in the South African National Defense Force for two years.

“I felt as though I was in the wrong profession, as I always had to be serious, yet I am jolly by nature.”

She said she applied to Mediclinic and was accepted and taken to school through the hospital.

“I wanted to be a nurse as I am compassionate and dedicated to assisting and supporting the sick. Even during the pandemic, I still have interest in my job.”

Mashele shared that she had also been a victim of Covid-19.

“When I contracted the disease during the first wave, I was scared. However, health workers, especially at this hospital, have been immensely supported.”

She said internationally and nationally nurses were feeling demotivated and overworked, due to work constraints and the pandemic.

Mashele said the award was a nice surprise on her day off, as acknowledgement for any work done, had helped her recognise her values and contributions in nursing.

“This award has motivated me to do more collectivity with a supportive team.”

Patient Experience Manager Sanet Dippenaar said the award was an annual recognition to Mediclinic nurses and their contribution within the hospital’s community.

Dippenaar said while the hospital acknowledged that 2020 had been a challenging year for all healthcare workers, internationally, “we are excited to take this opportunity to shine the light on the nursing teams within our hospitals”.

She said staff within each Mediclinic locality selected Mashele for the excellence award.

“Mashele was nominated by peers in recognition for the hard work she invested in caring for patients.”

Dippenaar said Mediclininc recognised that behind each excellent nurse was also a team of great nurses, making the nomination even more significant.

“Tondi is a team player who always puts her patients first. She is committed to her work and does it with passion. A real role model to each and every one in our team,” she said.

“Nurse Tondi Mashele is a well-deserved winner of this special award.”

Nursing manager Patricia Nyandoro said Muelmed was ready for the anticipated wave.

Nyandoro said the Covid-19 pandemic was a surprise to many South Africans, however, “Mediclinic in Arcadia was privileged to have had a concept as to what was happening at their other hospitals facing severe conditions”.

She said as nurses, they noted that one could not be fully ready for a pandemic.

She said the first surge was not bad, however, “it did take a toll on our staff, whereby we lost one staff member”.

Nyandoro further said staff were also sent on leave, but when the second wave commenced they had to quickly recall them due to a lack of staff.

“Those who had been home for a short while had to return as we were overloaded with patients and short of ICU beds. Ambulances were just dumping patients and it was hectic.

“We needed to choose who we also gave ICU support to and this was difficult, because as a nurse we took an oath to look after everybody, but due to resources, we had to choose who to give things, like ventilators, to.”

She said the hospital was now prepping for the third wave and was heading into it with a sharper mind.

“We take every day as a surge, not forgetting the other sick patients.”

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