Mokopane - Retired nurses in Limpopo have been invited to a two-day nursing indaba to help their active peers to improve the quality of healthcare in the province.
Spokesperson of the provincial Department of Health and Social Development, Selby Makgotho, said the indaba would draw in retired nurses and matrons to share their experiences and lessons of best practices with the new generation of nurses.
The indaba, which will take place on Thursday, is themed Back to Basics.
He said nurses formed the largest proportion of workers in the healthcare service and played an important role in the delivery of quality care to patients.
"Nurses are the backbone of the health services and the department has to ensure that they are developed and preserved to ensure quality healthcare for the entire province," Makgotho said.
Speakers at the indaba will include the retired vice-chancellor of the Medical University of South Africa, Professor Ephraim Mokgopong, and Professor Sophie Mogotlane, former head of the advanced nursing science department of the University of South Africa.
Makgotho said the discussions would focus on strategies and plans to improve the quality of nursing education and service delivery, with a clear focus on primary healthcare.
"The indaba is also expected to examine mechanisms to reduce the high rate of mother and child mortality, which has been on a steady increase in Limpopo," he said.
