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Shot in the

arm for NWU health services

Harries Thaba, head nurse of the Student Health Centre on the campus in Mahikeng, says he joined the NWU as he saw it as an opportunity for growth. “Being in an academic environment stimulates one to continue with studying,” says the Limpopo-born manager.

The provision of health services to students of the NWU is being improved continually, with maternal health services now one of the specialised offerings available, particularly on the campus in Mahikeng.

This service was introduced by Harries Thaba, head nurse of the Student Health Centre, when he joined the NWU in October 2017.

 

Harries has the necessary qualifications, of course. He is a registered professional nurse in general nursing, psychiatry and midwifery and a clinical nurse specialist in primary health care and advanced midwifery.

 

“According to the Nursing Act only a registered or enrolled midwife is allowed to attend to pregnant women during antenatal care,” says Harries.

 

Keeping an eye on health services

 

Harries’ responsibilities include overall supervision of staff, administration and day-to-day running of the facility, stock procurement, budgeting, monitoring health risks and ensuring provision of comprehensive primary health services to students and staff.

 

He worries, though, about certain aspects of health that he feels need addressing. More emphasis should be placed on personal hygiene, for instance, as poor hygiene can contribute to minor ailments that could otherwise have been avoided.

 

Harries says given that many students share the same bathroom facilities, it’s strongly recommended that students wear slippers when using shower facilities to avoid skin infections.

 

The NWU also recently held a very successful male circumcision drive. Harries is quick to point out that while circumcision is important, it does not prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

 

Possible services added in future

 

Looking into the future, the university’s campus in Mahikeng is currently in negotiations with ambulance service providers to investigate the feasibility of having these on campus to provide more advanced medical healthcare as and when needed.

 

In conclusion, Harries is of the view that, given staffing constraints, an appointment-based service to students and staff needing medical care may be a viable option to reduce the long queues that clients often have to endure.

 

 

Head nurse Harries Thaba gives Onalenna Gracious Mosegedi, a BCom Administration student, a check-up.