In a vibrant Mexican-themed ceremony at the Somerset West facility, 10 exceptional Mediclinic Vergelegen nurses received prestigious DAISY Awards on International Nurses’ Day (Monday 12 May).
The celebration honoured these healthcare professionals for their extraordinary compassionate care, with four receiving special recognition.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses found its origin in a deeply moving story. In 1999, 33-year-old Patrick Barnes lost his battle with an autoimmune disease after eight weeks of hospitalisation at the University of Washington Medical Center.
At this difficult time his family was profoundly touched by the exceptional care provided by his nurses. To honour Barnes’ memory and express their gratitude, his family established the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation.
What began with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has now evolved into a global-recognition programme embraced by thousands of healthcare organisations worldwide, including Mediclinic South Africa.
This year Mediclinic commemorated International Nurses’ Day – on the birthday of Florence Nightingale – on the theme “How nursing builds a better tomorrow”, for patients, families and communities.
The organisation emphasised the crucial dual role nurses play in delivering both clinical expertise and emotional support.
The DAISY was awarded to those recipients who reflect Mediclinic’s comprehensive evaluation criteria: demonstrating genuine empathy toward patients and colleagues, exhibiting exceptional interpersonal skills in patient care, making significant positive impacts in the work environment, building meaningful connections with team members, collaborating effectively with the broader healthcare team and maintaining professionalism with a positive attitude.
For recipients this recognition brings substantial prestige. Beyond receiving the coveted DAISY pin and a special stone sculpture, their stories will be shared internationally online, and they are celebrated throughout the Mediclinic network.
They will compete with others of the Mediclinic group’s 53 facilities so honoured, with six ultimate winners enjoying an MSC cruise after outstanding service and dedication.
