At the end of February, Mediclinic bid farewell to its long serving Nursing Executive, Dr Estelle Coustas of Val de Vie, before she exited its Stellenbosch-based corporate office for the last time into a well-deserved retirement.
Joining Mediclinic in 2004, Coustas has been a driving force within the nursing environment, both within and outside Mediclinic, serving in various industry forums and committees, to ensure health care and nursing trends are challenged and constantly improving. Completing her PhD in 2015, she tackled the important topic of retaining skilled and valued registered nurses, a vital area in a country challenged by a shortage of experienced nurses.
Koert Pretorius, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa, explains Coustas’ unique contribution. “I salute Estelle for her leadership and service to Mediclinic and the nursing profession in South Africa,” he said. “She has always been loyal to her profession and has made many sacrifices to promote the nursing profession and support her colleagues – not only within Mediclinic, but also outside of our company. To her I say, ‘Thank you for remaining positive and committed over such an extended period.’”
Coustas is well known across the industry for having this passion for nursing. She practised for more than 40 years and has served critical-care units as well as maternity units of many of Cape Town’s leading hospitals. Coustas has advanced the role nursing plays within areas such as patient safety, quality improvement and access to nursing education.
Among industry colleagues this stalwart of the medical sphere is remembered for many things. “Our engagements and debates have always been stimulating, tinged with humour,” Dr Nelouise Geyer, CEO of the Nursing Education Association, points out. “How else does one survive the present-day challenges in health and nursing! What I will remember most about Estelle is the passion and commitment with which she approached everything that came her way to manage, never giving up and, like a flowing river, always calmly finding a way to move forward.”
“When we met I realised this lady is remarkable, a passionate nurse with a flair for the profession that is unique,” said Fasie Smith, Lenmed Group Nursing Services Manager. “Over the years she became a colleague, mentor, friend and example, not only to me, but many nurses of different categories in South Africa. We served together on internal and external committees and her extensive knowledge, gut feel and wisdom always stood all in good stead.”
Hendrica (Monyebodi) Ngoepe takes over as Nursing Executive role, and she is encouraged by the wealth of experience her predecessor leaves behind. “I am excited by the opportunity and look forward to pushing on with the initiatives started by Estelle, and creating a further legacy for the team of Mediclinic with my own.” Ngoepe has been promoted from her role as Regional Clinical Manager, bringing rich operational experience.
Pretorius concludes: “Estelle has that unique credibility to fulfil her role successfully because people trust and respect her.”
Mediclinic would like to thank Estelle for her passion and commitment to driving forward the quality of care we deliver on a daily basis. We wish you well on your retirement, with more than enough time to spend with friends, family and old colleagues.
