The province has around 659 ICU nurses under the employ of Gauteng Health. The Department is currently increasing this number together with augmenting nurses in other specialties using the 317 vacant professional nurse grade 1 posts.

To further address the training of ICU nurses, the Department has applied for accreditation for the Higher Education Qualification Sub Framework Aligned Programme in Critical Nursing Post Graduate Diploma. This was accredited by the South African Nursing Council and is currently awaiting approval from the Council for Higher Education.

“The Covid-19 pandemic also took a toll on the profession since its outbreak in 2020 and has served as a reminder of the critical role nurses play in the health sector, however, the Department is working tirelessly to ensure that these posts are urgently filled to maintain and improve standards of care and patient safety,” explained MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Currently, the Department is developing a plan which will determine the number of posts needed to be filled per facility based on the number of people in the area who utilise public health facilities. And while drafting the plan, the Department is also taking into consideration the profile of the burden of diseases prevalent within our health districts.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko has emphasised the role of nurses stating that, “Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare sector and make up the largest group of healthcare providers in the province and the country. They offer a comprehensive service package in preventing diseases, promoting health, curing diseases and rehabilitative services, therefore, staff shortages in the nursing profession impact directly and negatively on the quality of nursing care and the delivery of quality healthcare services to patients.”

Ends

Issued by Gauteng Department of Health

For more information, contact Tshepo Shawa, MEC Spokesperson on 072 222 6333 or Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za

OR

Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication on 064 803 0808 or mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.gauteng.gov.za