Issued by Ministry of Health
12 April 2005
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang welcomed the decision by the North-West Department of Health to take strict action against nurses who wear pyjamas and nightdresses at work as part of a protect against inadequate uniform allowances for nurses.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang said this type of protest by aggrieved nurses was not justifiable as it undermined the dignity of the profession, the health facilities and the right of patients to be treated with respect.
"The issue of the uniform allowances for nurses is of concern to us because we would like to support our nurses as much as we can to ensure that they present a particular image to patients and the general public. Patients should have some degree of confidence in the professional integrity of our nurses.
"The processes are underway to significantly raise the current uniform allowance and this matter is being discussed with nurses' organisations. Therefore, this type of protest is premature and unjustifiable," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang expressed her full support for the decision taken by the North-West Department of Health to reprimand and issue warnings to those nurses who may consider taking this type of action.
"The Public Service Code of Conduct requires that we present ourselves in a dignified manner as public servants. Any action that undermines the spirit of this code of conduct will not be tolerated," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
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