The Health and Social department’s “I serve with a smile” campaign aims to foster a positive working environment within the sector while improving employee morale.
The hashtag #JoburgCares is a call to action for health workers to act with passion and respond with compassion when dealing with patients.
The initiative was launched at the Glenanda Clinic south of Johannesburg by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Cllr Ashley Sauls I.
During the launch, the staff of Glenanda Clinic, alongside the management of the City’s Region F office, pledged in front of community members to serve with care, love, respect, and dignity.
Health workers also pledged to serve the community without discrimination and that they will uphold the privacy and rights of all patients.
Cllr Sauls I said the “I serve with a smile” initiative was designed to respond to patient dissatisfaction, complaints, and negative staff attitudes experienced at the City’s clinics.
The MMC said the campaign is tailored to foster public trust within the health profession.
“A smile is more than just an expression; it is a mindset, an attitude, and an invitation all rolled into one,” said Cllr Sauls about the initiative led by Dr A Mthunzi.
Dr Mthunzi established the movement in 2019 at Pholosong Hospital, which was later adopted as a quality improvement plan by the
Council Chief Whip, Cllr Tyrell Meyers, thanked the staff at Glenanda Clinic for their dedication amid the challenging work environment. Cllr Meyers said the Glenanda Clinic was one of the best performing clinics in the south of Johannesburg.
He emphasised that community members deserve to receive the best possible service and to be served with a smile. He also stated that front-line workers should be recognised for their dedication and the hours they devote to serving the community.
With a smile, MMC Sauls I thanked and appreciated community members for attending the launch.
“It is refreshing to hear that there are clinics that are properly functioning and expressing care. One of the Executive Mayor’s priorities is to make Johannesburg a caring City, and this priority is the primary focus of the health and social development department,” he said.
Cllr Sauls I said the City’s vision should not be centred on the philosophy of care, which people never experience. “Instead, we should show that we care.”
He said the nursing profession was a call to care for vulnerable and sick people.
“I serve with a smile is a call to action for health workers to act with passion, respond with compassion, and execute their duties with military precision through long-term technological innovation.”
As the saying goes, the care of patients is more than the science of medicine, said Cllr Sauls I.
Written by Lesego Lala
31/03/022