The Minister of Health Mr. Selibe Mochobrane commended all nurses for the crucial work they do for patients.

This he said during the commemoration of International Nurses Day in remembrance of the Founder of Modern Nursing, Florence Nightingale under the theme ”Our Nurses, Our Future”, the event was held in Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) on Friday.

Mr. Mochoboroane said nursing is a calling, not just a job for people to get paid at the end of the month, adding that with a lack of resources in all health facilities, nurses and all other supporting staff are doing a great job.

He said the government is working tirelessly to resolve some of the issues that have been put before his table and are hopeful that with the 2023/2024 budget, they will win.

While giving the purpose of the day, the Deputy Managing Director Nursing Services, Mrs. Mathebe Raseleso noted that it is important for them as nurses to commemorate the day to reflect on what they have been doing in the past.

She said the day is also meant for them as nurses to renew their pledge for the improvement of the services that they offer the public.

She highlighted the importance of their work, saying they are entrusted to give back life to patients regardless of lack of resources.

Mrs. Raseleso has pleaded with the public not to lose hope but rather should support the staff.

The Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Cecelia Khachane said this always reminds them of their obligation to make patients their priority.

She mentioned that since they had a challenge of hiring enough personnel, the hospital performance has been affected because members of the staff quit silently.

However, she said that has never stopped them from doing their best.

Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820. She was an English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War in which she organised care for wounded soldiers at Constantinople.

She significantly reduced death rates by improving hygiene and living standards. Nightingale gave nursing a favourable reputation and became an icon of Victorian culture, especially in the persona of “The Lady with the Lamp” making rounds of wounded soldiers at night.

Source: LENA 09/06/2023