The Eastern Cape Department of Health hosted the launch of the Provincial Nurses Forum at Global Life, Bisho on the 02 September 2008 with the theme - “Let us get up and rise”.

The purpose of the launch was to give direction to all nurses and senior managers on how to deal with issues pertaining to the provision of the forum and that nurses of ECDOH should promote, maintain an image of professionalism and high standards.

The Superintendent General, Mr. L. Boya outlined concerns about the people who are perpetuating the siege mentality innovating distorted beliefs in the mind of the people and writing inaccurate stories in media. “More hands should assist in doing our jobs and things that require being addressed because public of the Eastern Cape rely on our public service” Boya said.

“Let’s strive for excellence towards promoting quality patient and care so that our selves can be users of our hospital and not go to private hospital. The June summit was deliberated looking at training, educating and clinical care. This nurse’s forum must assist to evaluate progress and ensure those discussions made in that summit are implemented” Boya said. Mr. Boya concluded that let us organise ourselves and advance nurses service and produce valuable contribution in improving quality care at the forefront.

Director Nursing Services, Mrs. M.D. Morapedi articulated the constitution of the forum objectives as to strengthen communication channels between institutions, directorates and all relevant stakeholders. “We also need to ensure the provision of high quality care on an ongoing basis in keeping with predetermined norms, ethics, standards, policies, protocols and create an environment that promotes professionalism in our nurses and student nurses

(mentorship) etc” said Morapedi.

The Honorable MEC for Health Ms P. Majodina outlined that poorest of the poor are looking at this Department and that the nurses should provide hope. “It is imperative to manage the forum and not get negative interpretation to our communities” Majodina said. Also she mentioned that facilities should inspire our health workers.” Face lifting is vital to the targeted areas in order to give hope to our communities as essential equipment is not enough let’s consider engagement with ourselves and commit to deal with issues and leadership” she added.

The programme was successfully effective and informative through strengthening primary health care. Malibongwe Mayo and Luthando Koncoshe.