A total of 72 nursing staff were recognised for their clinical contributions in the health service at the 30th Hartman Ceremony Awards, hosted by Tygerberg Hospital. The annual award presentation is named after Maria Hartman, the first Chief Matron of Tygerberg Hospital, to commemorate her remarkable contribution to professional nursing in the Western Cape.
Candidates were selected according to strict clinical criteria of the Western Cape Government Health. On the day, Assistant Director Nursing Raymond Visagie, Enrolled Nurse Maria Oortman, Professional Nurse Zurina Williams, Nursing Auxiliary Charlene Geduldt, and Assistant Director Nursing Mandy Nel were winners from the various nursing modules, namely a Professional Nurse, an Enrolled Nurse, and an Enrolled Nurse Auxiliary. The Infection Control Award went to Professional Nurse Patricia Khafagy, and the Elsa Reiner Award Professional Nurse to Petronella Blanckenberg.
Nurses in South Africa, as elsewhere, make up the largest single group of health service providers and their role in promoting health and providing essential health services is undisputed. At Tygerberg Hospital, nurses are committed to providing excellent quality nursing care, and promoting the goals of the nursing profession as a whole.
According to Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, provincial Minister of Health, it is a well-known fact that nurses are the backbone of the health system. “We need to support and appreciate them for their hard work and the role that they fulfil in ensuring that our residents and visitors are served with dignity. Being a nurse is not just a job, but a vocation that requires complete commitment and dedication. All of this year’s recipients have demonstrated that and I congratulate them.”
Professional Nurse Noxolo Kalipa (27) from Philippi East has been working at the hospital for three years. She is happy to be an award recipient. “It just shows that if you put the patient first, then you will reap the rewards,” said Kalipa.
Enrolled Nurse Althea-Lynn Hattingh (44) from Elsies River has been working at the hospital for four years. Initially, Hattingh was taken aback by her nomination for this prestigious award. She is delighted that colleagues have noticed her contribution in the workplace. “I feel blessed for the opportunity,” said Hattingh.
