The office of the chief executive officer of Tshilidzini Hospital recognized staff members who came out tops during the Vhembe District Nursing Review and Vhembe District Excellence Awards.

The awards were exhibited and officially handed over to their recipients at a function that took place at the hospital’s recreational hall on Wednesday last week.

Under the leadership of the hardworking CEO, Magwedzha Mphaphuli, Tshilidzini Hospital made headlines when it scooped Gold Awards in the Intensive Care Unit, Maternity and Medical Ward Sections during the District Nursing Peer Review Awards held at Musina in September this year. In the same competition, the hospital went further to scoop Platinum Awards in Psychiatric Ward, Operation Theatre, Outpatient Department, Casualty Pediatric Ward, Disaster Management, Office Management and District Overall Winner in Nursing Directorate Sections.

The hospital continued its legacy during the Vhembe District Excellence Awards held at Makhado in August when she further scooped bronze awards in the Pediatric Unit and Nursing Sections, Silver Award in Operating Theatre, Gold Awards in Subacute Unit, Tshedza Care Centre, Intensive Care Unit and Maternity, Platinum Awards in Hospital Category, Physiotherapy Department and Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner. All the competitions were open to all the hospitals in the Vhembe District.

An excited CEO, Magwedzha Mpaphuli, said the ceremony was conceived to pay tribute to hospital workers who displayed dedication and motivation. "They have really made us proud and we decided to do something about it. It would not be good to keep quiet while there are people who went beyond their job descriptions to scoop awards for the hospital. This function is meant to motivate them to work harder in future, for the development of our communities. For awards to have an impact on staff morale and to strengthen a culture of caring, we need to spread the search for quality into every work place."

Mphaphuli added that the awards indicate that Tshilidzini Hospital is excelling at service delivery after outshining other hospitals in the competitions. "We are sure that we are on the right track – from the most experienced medical specialists to the newest cleaner. Quality of care has its roots in the attitudes we hold towards those who seek help. Good care starts with respect, good communication and an understanding of the individuality of our patients. A good practitioner also needs to have sound knowledge of his or her chosen field and a high level of practical skills."

When motivating the winners, Cllr Rembuluwani Ngwana of the Thulamela Municipality said their achievements is a true reflection of what the Batho Pele concept is all about.