Nursing bill comes under the spotlight

By Bronwen Heather Dyke

The nursing profession has once again come under the spotlight. Parliaments portfolio committee on Health is currently engaged in hearings concerning the implementation of the Nursing Bill. The purpose of the hearings is to engage with the relevant stakeholders concerning certain provisions within the bill. The Bill’s objective is to serve and protect the public when accessing health services provided by the nursing profession as well as to make provision for acceptable nursing care. The Society of Nursing Practitioners has reportedly opposed the bill because of its proposed licencing fees as well as registration periods. There has also been dissatisfaction regarding the lack of reference made to Midwives, who are internationally recognized as a distinct profession.