PAID CONTENT: Mediclinic Newcastle
Nursing remains one of the most demanding and deeply human professions within healthcare, requiring clinical skill, emotional steadiness, compassion, and a daily commitment to patients often facing vulnerable and uncertain moments.
Recognising this contribution, Mediclinic Newcastle commemorated International Nurses Day on 12 May with its annual DAISY Awards ceremony, paying tribute to nurses whose work reflects both professional excellence and genuine human care.
The DAISY Awards were founded internationally in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away in 1999 due to complications linked to an autoimmune disease. During his hospitalisation, Barnes’s family witnessed the impact nurses had, not only through medical care, but through dignity, kindness, reassurance, and emotional support during an exceptionally difficult time.
This experience led the family to establish the DAISY Award, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, as a formal way of honouring nurses who leave a lasting impression on patients and their families.
At Mediclinic Newcastle, Tuesday’s ceremony carried a tone of gratitude and reflection as hospital leadership, nursing staff, and the three nominated nurses gathered to mark the occasion.
Addressing those in attendance, Hospital General Manager Japie Greyling acknowledged the contribution made by nurses within the hospital environment.
“Nurses are extremely important for any hospital, and we would not be here if it were not for our amazing nurses, all of whom are truly special people,” Greyling said.
He further noted that while doctors direct clinical treatment, it is often nurses who shape the patient’s day-to-day experience of care, comfort, and recovery.
Opening the awards segment, Nursing Manager Belinda Naudé explained that the DAISY Awards are not simply about professional recognition, but about pausing to acknowledge the personal impact nurses have through ordinary moments that become extraordinary to patients and their loved ones.
“It is a moment where we pause and share real stories of compassion, skill, and human connection. Each Honouree we celebrate today has been nominated because they touched someone’s life in a meaningful and lasting way – often in moments that mattered most.”
Naudé also reflected on how many nurses often regard their acts of care as merely part of the job, without always recognising the depth of their influence.
“What we must realise as nurses, when we are just doing our job, you have an important and meaningful impact on the lives of our patients, and we are very proud to partner with DAISY Foundation to recognise the extraordinary nurses here with us today,” she noted.
This year’s nominations reflected different areas of nursing care, each showing the balance between clinical responsibility and emotional support during important stages of treatment and recovery.
Sinegugu Ngcobo, who works in the maternity ward, was nominated for the care she provided to a patient following an emergency caesarean section.
With the patient’s newborn admitted to NICU shortly after birth, the mother described feeling overwhelmed while struggling with breastfeeding and the emotional pressure of the situation.
“I was feeling very dejected and stressed. Then this wonderful woman asked me how I was feeling, and after hearing that I was battling with expressing, she offered to help me. That’s when she went to her knees, on the floor, and massaged my breast, and collected every drop in a syringe,” the patient said, adding that Sister Ngcobo continued assisting her later that night and offered practical guidance on how to manage the process herself.
Mona Duvenhage was nominated for the calm, reassuring, and professional manner in which she supported a patient throughout a surgical journey.
From admission through to recovery, her care was described as attentive, composed, and deeply empathetic.
“She also took the time to explain everything clearly to my husband and aunt, ensuring my family felt informed and at ease. Mona changed my perception of Newcastle Mediclinic entirely, and she is a great asset to the hospital,” the patient said.
Phethile Mkhonza was recognised for the support she provided during a labour induction, with the patient highlighting her patience, composure, and emotional presence throughout a physically demanding delivery.
“She treated my daughter, and I like royalty. She was so patient with my daughter, even when she was screaming because of pain. She was patient with her, even when it was her time to push the baby out. I can safely say this young lady was called for this job, and she is very passionate about it.”
Following the nominations, Sister Sinegugu Ngcobo was announced as this year’s DAISY Award recipient.
Her recognition reflected the exceptional care described in her nomination, while the ceremony also highlighted the high standard demonstrated by all three nominees.
Naudé explained that the award carries several symbolic elements.
The certificate formally acknowledges exceptional patient care, while the DAISY pin represents continued excellence and dedication within the nursing profession. Sister Ngcobo also received The Healer’s Touch sculpture, a hand-carved serpentine stone artwork signed by a Shona artist.
“The sculpture represents the unique bond between a nurse and their patient. It reminds us that nursing is not only about clinical care, but about connection, compassion, and healing in its truest sense,” Naudé said.
Accepting the award, Sister Ngcobo said the recognition was both unexpected and deeply moving.
“I am so happy. I have never won anything in my life, and then winning an award for what I do, means so much to me. Working in the maternity ward, I have always loved babies, even as child myself, and winning this award is truly something special for me, as I have only been at Mediclinic Newcastle since 2023, after transferring here from Cape Town, where I had worked at Mediclinic from 2018.”
For Sister Duvenhage, being nominated held deep personal meaning after 18 years at Mediclinic Newcastle.
“I have been a nurse at Mediclinic Newcastle for 18 years, and before that I worked at the Provincial Hospital and La Gratitude, and for me, my career has always been about the patients, and I intend to continue on the same path.”
Sister Mkhonza expressed similar pride in the nomination, saying, “I am extremely passionate about my career, as it is something I have always wanted to pursue, so being nominated is an honour.”
At Mediclinic Newcastle, this year’s ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the standard of care being delivered across its wards. While Sister Ngcobo was named the award recipient, the nominations collectively reflected a broader culture of professionalism, kindness, and commitment among the hospital’s nursing staff.
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Do not forget to read, Mediclinic Newcastle Rated Better Than Expected by Discovery in National Hospital Care Assessment.
