The DA have thanked nurses for their hard work during the COVID-19 crisis.
Photot: Adobe Stock
The DA have thanked nurses for their hard work during the COVID-19 crisis.
Photot: Adobe Stock
The Democratic Alliance (DA) have paid tribute to South Africa’s nurses and frontline staff who are currently tackling one of the greatest challenges of their careers during the COVID-19 crisis.
With the advent of a globally catastrophic event, heroes revealed themselves in scrubs and facemasks, and have been bolstered by an effort to ensure desperately needed provisions. They are being celebrated widely on International Nurses Day.
‘Heroes’ play ‘incredible role’
The DA’s spokesperson for Health, Wendy Philander, said that despite shortages of nurses in the country, the men and women who stand on the frontline of healthcare consistently went above and beyond to help people.
“As we commemorate International Nurses Day, let us remember the incredible role these heroes play as we combat COVID-19, and thank nurses for their invaluable contributions made to society every day,” she said.
“Nurses are known to work long, hard hours and take care of the most vulnerable in society. There are severe shortages of nurses in South Africa of which nurses themselves bear the brunt. Here in the Western Cape we are extremely grateful to have the highest number of nurses per capita.”
“On behalf of the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape, I wish to express my gratitude to every nurse in our province for their dedication and service and for the quality care patients receive.”
She said that the lockdown period had given the healthcare system a chance to prepare itself for its greatest battle yet, and noted that with the situation came great stress and pressure on nurses.
“The lockdown has given government time to build up the capacity of our healthcare system in dealing with the inevitable spread of COVID-19. As frontline workers, nurses rely on adequate protocol and distribution of personal protection equipment (PPE). Furthermore, every nurse endures additional pressure and has to cope with personal sacrifices as they are at the coalface of this pandemic. Their efforts and courage do not go unseen.”
Tribute to fallen nurses
Philander also paid tribute to a nurse who lost her life over the weekend due to COVID-19. She was the second nurse in the province to succumb to the virus. She added that retired nurses had returned to service during the crisis and thanked them for their sacrifices.
“We also welcome the contribution made by retired nurses during the pandemic, many of whom are returning to service in support of stopping the spread and treating patients. This is enabled by the South African Nursing Council which has removed the nursing registration fee.”
“Over the past weekend a second nurse lost her life, shortly after the burial of the 1st nurse who also passed away from COVID-19 in the Western Cape. Their service to the people in the province, especially during this unprecedented time, is highly esteemed.”
