A Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre (CHC) nurse was acknowledged for providing effective and qualitative school health services.
Sister Valerie Kruger, a clinical nurse practitioner (CNP), was one of 12 nurses nominated for the prestigious Cecilia Makiwane Nurses’ Recognition Award on Friday November 9.
Ms Makiwane was the first black African registered professional nurse in South Africa and an early activist in the struggle for women’s rights.
Sister Kruger has been working in the school health component for about 12 years.
The awards recognised, celebrated and valued the province’s 13 000 nurses for their unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to the nursing profession and exceptional work in making a lasting contribution in improving the quality of life and the well-being of patients.
Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said the awards recognised men and women who went beyond the call of duty to serve their community.
“Men and women who were innovative within the constraints of the system to ensure they provide quality care to our communities,” she said.
Sister Kruger started working at the CHC in 2006 and has since improved her qualifications, moving from a registered nurse to becoming a CNP three years later.
She completed a Nursing Education Diploma eight years ago, and in 2013 completed her postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Administration.
In 2016, she managed the school health services, and has developed a clear referral path in Mitchell’s Plain for school health services in compliance with ideal clinic standards and ensures that she is available and contactable via her personal cellphone.
Sister Kruger said health promotion was an important part of the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP)
“I have over the years ensured the link between the provincial departments of Health and Education are strengthened through the Health Promoting Schools (HPS) initiative,” she said.
She serves as the chairperson of the Metro Health Promoting Schools (HPS) executive team and is the coordinator of the Mitchell’s Plain HPS cluster group.
“We have many ‘Cecilias’ working for the department, and we should all be able to recognise our own ability and worth” said Sister Kruger.