* DENOSA DENOSA Media Statement, 28 August 2012*
*DENOSA Central Executive Committee Speaks!* **The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa held it inaugural Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting from the 23-25 August 2012 at the Premier Hotel OR Tambo in Kempton Park under the theme *"Nurses building a sustainable organization to advance equity and access to quality care"*.
The CEC meeting was attended by DENOSA national, provincial, regional and learner movement leadership. The meeting was also addressed by DENOSA President Dorothy Matebeni, Health Deputy Minister Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and Acting Chief Nursing Officer Khanyisa Nevhutalo.
After intense deliberations the CEC pronounced on the following: *Political landscape* **The CEC took place at the profoundly significant time in our country's politics. This is underlined by the growing realization among all progressive forces that we have reached a turning point in our movements and the broader society. The current onslaught on the working class particularly on our giant federation, COSATU by some makeshift formations is but one example of such. DENOSA should therefore play its role to guard against this enemy of the working class.
The CEC noted that this year alone is characterized by critical political events which include the African National Congress (ANC) conference, COSATU National Congress and the SACP National Congress. Significantly, the outcome of these events will determine the direction our country is taking in addressing the adverse indicators which include unemployment, poverty and inequality. It also highlighted that the three, have a direct impact on the pattern of diseases health professionals deal with.
The CEC expressed concern at the growing incidents of corruption characterized by increasing maladministration and mismanagement and the slow pace in addressing this cancer that has bedevilled our country. For this reason, DENOSA shop stewards will continue to guard against corruption by, amongst others things, reporting such incidences to the Corruption Watch.
Slow service delivery which the country has seen in the last 18 years of the democratic dispensation was also key in the deliberations. As such, the CEC resolved to advance any course that seeks to correct this anomaly.
The organization will continue to intensify the political and class consciousness of its leaders through the Chris Hani brigade programme spearheaded by COSATU, SACP and through its own political programmes. The CEC further reiterated the need to build working class unity and decisively deal with any narrow divisive interests within the organization.
*Organisational development* **The CEC critically assessed progress made and shortfalls of the organization in the last 16 years of its existence and resolved to increase its visibility, improve member service and communication, have functional structures and champion effective campaigns.
*Nursing education and practice* **The status of the nursing profession and regulation and how the two can intervene to bring about change were evaluated. The leadership also reviewed the state of nursing in particular in the midst of growing reports on deteriorating professionalism and the state of nursing education.
The CEC therefore resolved that:The South African Nursing Council (SANC) should speed up the model of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
The decision taken by the National Nursing Summit on PERSAL as an ideal funding model for nursing education be implemented without any further delay.
Nursing colleges, residences and schools be revitalized to meet acceptable standards and increase human resources to staff them.
Nursing Colleges should be declared as institutions of higher learning as per the resolution of the National Nursing Summit.
*DENOSA Professional Institute (DPI)* **The DPI is part of the organisation's response to growing concerns on deterioration of professionalism in health. The institute is rolling out various courses to nurses to empower them to improve the quality of care delivered to our people.
The CEC agreed that there is a strong need to strengthen DPI's efforts and welcomed the support pledged by Health Deputy Minister Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa.
*Universal Health Coverage* **Accessibility of healthcare for all in South Africa is a fundamental right. As such, the CEC supports and endorses endeavors by government in realizing the ANC Polokwane decisions on improving the quality and access to healthcare including the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).
The CEC called on the National Department of Health to strengthen health centres in order to ensure and fast-track implementation of NHI.
*Safety and Security in the workplace* **South African health institutions have become a battleground where holigaans roam, threatening lives of health professionals and patients on daily basis. To remove this foreign trend in health, the CEC resolved that:
The Department of Health must employ credible people to render security services
DENOSA to partner with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) in developing effective national campaigns that will incorporate measures to improve safety and security in all health institutions across the country.
All hospitals should have staff clinics for the utilization of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
*End* ** *_Issued by_:* *Asanda Fongqo* *Communications Manager* *012 343 2315* *079 875 2663* -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] .
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