We hear from the Netcare Umhlanga ladies about the remarkable things they are doing for representation in the healthcare industry.
The Netcare female leaders in KwaZulu-Natal recently established a forum advancing and empowering women in healthcare. It was created at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital with the founding concept of inspiring and being inspired.
The pandemic had left most healthcare workers emotionally drained and physically and mentally exhausted. Most of these were women who were too afraid to speak up or reach out for assistance. This forum created an arena to encourage and motivate the staff. It is a space for them to realise that they can conquer fears, know that others can relate to their story and offer advice, strength and inspiration so that each of them may realise their innate potential and that they too can be a source of inspiration to others.
The first forum was held in February 2022 with 20 ladies. It was a resounding success, with partners from a cross-section of the community pledging support to ensure that each event achieved the goal of uplifting women. Since its inception, the forum has grown exponentially in popularity. As we celebrate the month dedicated to women, the committee believe in “Empowered Women, Empower Women” and has invited 90 women to the event on 5 August 2022.
The forum hosts women of all walks of life, influential women, motivational speakers, women who tell their stories of overcoming challenges and women who can share a skill which leaves the audience (primarily Netcare staff) feeling encouraged and courageous.
The feedback from the attendees has been phenomenal thus far, as they speak of the positive impact and feeling of empowerment that they gain from attending. The organising committee are looking forward to growing this platform to touch more lives, inspire more women and share their unique female qualities of nurturing, caring and spreading love!
Two prime examples of these qualities of nurturing, caring and spreading love are the Mandela Day initiatives undertaken by the incredible staff of Netcare uMhlanga Hospital. The team rallied to extend acts of kindness and service to those in need in our communities in honour of Tata Madiba.
This great man left us with the profound words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This message resonated with the team who partnered with Clayhaven Primary School in Phoenix to revamp their school library and replenish it with much-needed books for their learners. After their term break, a delegation of representatives from the hospital met with learners and staff to hand over their newly revamped library along with some treats. They were truly overwhelmed and humbled to be greeted with so much love and gratitude.
The second act of kindness focused on spreading care and love to the persons in the hospital’s immediate vicinity. At Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, they acknowledge that staff, including those who the hospital employs and those who are located at the facility offering supportive services, are the heartbeat of the business.
The last two years have taken a significant toll on the lives of many due to the COVID pandemic and recent floods and that many of their family members and loved ones have sadly lost employment due to these unfortunate events. In an endeavour to try to relieve even only a small portion of this burden, they have opened up a shopping boutique where any staff members in need are afforded the opportunity to enjoy the experience of shopping at no cost.
The items within the boutique are pre-loved items that have been generously donated by the employees of Netcare uMhlanga Hospital and are intended to be given to someone who has a need but no means to procure the item conventionally. Furthermore, they aim to ensure that this is done in a beautifully arranged environment, offering convenience whilst ensuring that the patrons are treated in a manner that upholds the values of Care, Dignity and Compassion.
One Inspiring Woman
Rochelle started her career as a receptionist at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital in 2010, but her dream was to become a nurse. Despite her best endeavours, she could not study nursing after completing school and had all but given up on her dream.
Being informed on the day of closing by a colleague, she applied for the course offered at the hospital. Rochelle ran around that morning, getting all the required documents together and asking her manager to complete and sign off her application.
She was with the company for under a year and thought that while it was worth trying, her chances were very slim. To her surprise, she was called for an interview, and from that point on, doors opened for her.
The day she got accepted, she called her mother and was told that God has His plan and timing and that He will go before her. The course commenced in January 2012, and Rochelle was filled with doubts and fears regarding her new venture. Rochelle faced many challenges along the way. She constantly reminded herself that she could do it, her faith kept her going, and she passed both years with distinctions. Once qualified, she was placed in a surgical ward. She worked in the unit and enjoyed the experienced she gained.
In 2015, there was an opportunity to do a bridging course to become a Registered Nurse, which she was a little hesitant to do. Everyone who did it told her it was difficult and that her lifestyle would negatively change. Her unit manager, another inspiring and empowered woman, sat her down and spoke to her about her great potential. She had already obtained the form from HR, completed them on behalf of Rochelle and told her to ensure the rest of her documents were submitted. She was accepted into the course, persevered, and got through it despite her challenges. She passed the course, qualified and continued working in the surgical ward. She enjoyed her role as a Registered Nurse but always wanted to learn more.
Rochelle has worked hard, cried, and often doubted herself, but she made it through her courses with prayer and the support of the phenomenal women around her. She is currently doing the six-month course work in ICU and is loving every moment. The knowledge and experience she has gained are priceless, and she is grateful to Netcare uMhlanga Hospital for giving her the opportunity. She believes God has a plan for her and is glad that Netcare uMhlanga Hospital was part of it.