DENOSA in the Eastern Cape is expressing its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Registered Nurse, Noluthando Xhotyeni-Sulo. She is the first practicing nurse who succumbed to the Coronavirus that is ravaging our province. She was working for a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).   

The numbers of the province are increasing at the alarming rate and the healthcare personnel are at the receiving end. The death of the nurse is a testimony that the healthcare workers are at high risk of the Coronavirus and their protection is paramount and it cannot be compromised. As the cases of Covid-19 are increasing, so are the numbers of infected healthcare personnel. The number of infected nurses are increasing on a daily basis.

The private sector is accounting for more than 70% of nurses who are infected. As much as the focus is on the public sector in the lack of PPEs for healthcare workers, the private sector is the biggest culprit of failing to protect its front liners. It was first reported in March that nurses in private facilities are highly infected and it is disappointing to see that in May nothing has changed. The ugly head of capitalism is showing where profits have been put before the lives of the front liners, in particular, the nurses. We are calling for the private sector and NGOs to protect healthcare workers against Coronavirus.

Professional Nurse Xhotyeni-Sulo fell in the line of duty. She passed on carrying thermometer and stethoscope. We need to take over where she left off and continue with the journey of nursing care. We need to do that without compromising our health and safety.

DENOSA in Eastern Cape still reiterates its call to nurses practicing in the province that they must not touch patients if they are working with potential COVID-19 cases and have they are not provided with PPE. No PPE, No Work!

May Her Soul Rest In Peace.

END

Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Eastern Cape

For more information, contact

Khaya Sodidi, Provincial Secretary

Mobile: 082 775 7734 / 072 573 3315

Land Line: 041 484 7323/4