October 2009 - Western Cape Government

reflection
INSIDE:
Cosnurse event
Lodging facility
opened
FAREWELL, MS THORPE
After 44 years in nursing, Ms CJ Thorpe, our
Head of Nursing, is retiring.
Ms Thorpe started in nursing as a student nurse
at Victoria Hospital in 1965. She joined Groote
Schuur Hospital in 1972 when she was
appointed as professional nurse in various
intensive care units. She then covered other
portfolios in the hospital until in March 1999
she was appointed as the Head of Nursing.
She is passionate about her career and always
concerned about both the patients and staff.
She ensured that nurses were afforded the
opportunity for basic and post basic studies
and to attend congresses, workshops,
seminars and symposia. Exhibits strong
leadership skills and interacts well on
professional and personal levels.
Ms Thorpe ensured that she kept abreast of
technological, professional and social
developments. This equipped her to manage
the wide spectrum of challenges and
opportunities which confronted the nursing
profession. Always available and willing to
assist whenever the needs arose. Her
knowledge, skills and expertise will be sorely
missed by all.
Ms Thorpe: loving her job
WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW
PRINCIPAL COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICER - ALARIC JACOBS
We wish her only the very best in her
retirement and thank her for her loyalty,
commitment, dedication and endurance.
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COSNURSE DAY 2009 CELEBRATION
Staff in Kleinschuur Exhibition Area
Mr Mabuda presents certificate
Cosnurse Day was celebrated on14 October An exhibition was also held in Kleinschuur
2009 at the hospital. A small event was held where the nurses could see displays of the
to show appreciation to the 29 nurses who different departments.
were at the hospital this year.
We thank the nurses for being at the
hospital this year and hope they enjoyed
Mr Tendani Mabuda, Director: Nursing,
the experience.
was present to hand over certificates to
the nurses and Ms Volene Werely, Deputy
Director: Nursing, was the guest speaker.
SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT EXHIBITION
Carla and Lindsay at exhibition
The Social Work Department held a poster
exhibition from 21 to 23 October 2009 on
E-floor NMB. The purpose was to highlight
some of the issues that they encounter
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Belinda making some notes at exhibition
in their work and the role of the social
worker in the hospital. There was a very
good response to the posters.
LODGING FACILITY OPENED
A new 8-bedded lodging facility opened
early in October in C9. This will initially be
used to accommodate Oncology patients
who are not in need of nursing care e.g.
awaiting radiotherapy or transport home,
etc. The idea is to relieve pressure on the
G7/G8 beds. The facility will be trialled for
3-6 months, and if successful, will be
expanded to include more beds and
possibly shifted off site
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Hospital restored my faith in health
system
Adelaide Stoffberg, Colorado Park
When I heard that I had to have an
operation at Groote Schuur Hospital more
than a month ago, I was so scared. I had
heard so many horror stories about Groote
Schuur.
But boy, did the staff at the hospital prove
me wrong. What a pleasant bunch. They
gave me first class service. They have such
positive attitudes.
The lodging facility in C9
READY STEADY GO TEAM
Patients from Red Cross War Memorial
Hospital who have reached adolescence
are welcomed at Groote Schuur.
I wish I could mention all their names but
I cannot remember them. The professor
that worked with me is so wonderful. The
nurses and staff all cuddled and hugged
me before I went in for the operation. Even
the receptionist was great.
Like any state hospital you have to wait
long to be helped but in the end you get
quality service. You just need to stay
relaxed. Everytime I go back to the
hospital it feels like I am going back to
family and old friends.
Thank you so much to the staff of Groote
Schuur Hospital. You have restored my
faith in the Health Department.
Note from Editor:
Ms Stoffberg was a patient in ward
D6 – Arthritis Clinic.Well done to the staff
who provided her with such excellent
service.
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PSA OPEN DAY
The PSA union , Public Servants
Association,hosted an Open Day at Klein
Schuur, on Wednesday 21 October 2009.
The day started with a closed
session for members, with special
addresses from PSA members, including
Red Williams, the President of PSA.
Other highlights included the
presentations from different companies,
who informed the audience about their
products.This included MTN and ABSA.
Mr Red Williams accompanied by the PSA GSH Shop
Stewards and Chairperson, Faldela Martin
A lucky draw for prizes took place and a
red rose was presented to Charles
Bhawuti who will be retiring.
All in all, the day was a huge success and
enjoyed by everybody who participated.
PSA celebrates their 90th birthday in 2010
and we wish them well with their plans
for next year.
PSA Shop Stewards present the GSH volunteers with
their gifts.
EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1) QUALITY ASSURANCE MONTH
November is Quality Assurance Month
and some of the highlights are:
• 18 November : visit from SAPS to
present safety tips
• 23 November : Motivational Talk
For more information contact Tracey
Douglas at 021 404 2311.
2) Sports and social club
Presents Children’s Party on 5th
December.
Contact Carol Daniels on 021 404 4087
3) AIDS Day - 1 December 2009
Wear your red ribbon on the day
(available in Hospital Street)
Activities for AIDS Day include:
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Tin and Toiletries Campaign
Kidzpositive beadwork for sale
Create a Card competion
And many more
For more information contact Beth
Adams - [email protected] or (021)
404 3261
Please feel free to forward your comments or news to the editor,Alaric
Jacobs, at Alajacob@pgwc or at (021) 404 2188
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