The Free State Department of Health has commended the bravery of nurses and hospital staff who continued to prioritise patient care amidst the national strike of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).
“The department is encouraged by the bravery and determination of some nurses, household aides, kitchen staff, and security officers who have consistently braved the situation to help patients in ICU, paediatrics ICU, neo-natal high care, maternity, trauma, and casualty, with doctors who provided consistent care to patients,” read a statement from the department’s spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi.
According to Mvambi, the Matron’s Offices have done physical rounds at the different hospitals to ensure that all wards are properly staffed with nurses.
Nursing staff allegedly reported that “Pelonomi shop stewards are recruiting nurses on duty to join the strike and to picket”.
“The Department reiterates that the stipulation of the interdict must be respected and the Health Workers and Health Professionals must be granted their constitutional rights to choose to be at work, to save lives, to give care, food and dignity to patients, and for people to access health care without hindrance.”
The Labour Appeal Court of South Africa has since instructed workers to return to work after their week-long protest action, demanding a 10% wage hike.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
