Circular 12/2020: South African Nursing Council Year-end closure
30 November 2020
TO:
National Department of Health
Provincial Departments of Health
Nursing Education Institutions
All Stakeholders
South African Nursing Council – Year-end closure
The South African Nursing Council offices will be closed for the year-end from Thursday, 24 December 2020 at 12:00 midday, and re-open on Monday, 04 January 2021 at 08:00 am. Kindly note that on 24 December, for operational reasons the gates will be closed at 11: 00 am already.
Annual fees must be paid into the Council’s bank account on or before 31 December 2020 to avoid restoration fees – note that banks take up to three (3) days to clear payments and thus all bank electronic transfers need to be made by 24 December to ensure it reaches the SANC by 31 December 2020.
The SANC banking details are:
Name of bank : First National Bank
Account number : 514 211 86 193
Branch code : 253145
Reference : Person’s own SANC Reference Number followed by ANLFEES
Whilst waiting for the Annual Practising Certificate to be posted by the SANC, the employer can verify the registration status of the practitioner through the SANC website by logging into the SANC eRegister at https://www.sanc.co.za/eregister/ To do this, they will require the practitioner’s SANC reference number or Identity Number (ID No).
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO South African Nursing Council
Circular 11/2020: Extension of Education and Training to meet outstanding clinical requirements
6 November 2020
TO:
National Department of Health
Provincial Departments of Health
Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs)
All Stakeholders
Extension of Education and Training to meet outstanding clinical requirements
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this circular is to notify the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders about the Council’s resolution regarding extension of education and training to meet outstanding clinical requirements resulting from an interruption in clinical education and training during national lockdown.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. The effect of measures which were instituted to limit the spread of Corona Virus resulted in limited clinical placement for students. NEIs have indicated that to a certain degree online facilitation of theoretical learning was possible though some challenges were also experienced. The main challenge that was highlighted was regarding clinical placement of students in order to meet the clinical requirements during the current academic year especially during level 5 lockdown. Some of the challenges included the following:
Some Nurse Educators and students tested positive and had to self-isolate;
Close contact of the Nurse Educators and students who tested positive had to be on quarantine;
Some units/wards were turned into COVID-19 facilities leading to reduction of platforms for clinical learning experiences that were planned;
Limited access to clinical facilities by students created by a need to observe social distancing; and
Other facilities allowed students to be placed during the week but not during weekends and holidays.
2.2. In the light of the above, the Council at its virtual meeting of 21-22 October 2020, resolved that in order to ensure that all the clinical requirements are met for the different nursing programmes, NEIs should consider extending the period of training to 31 March 2021. The Council further resolved that where simulation is used, it should be well structured and should not be more than 20% of the total clinical hours / work-integrated learning (WIL) per programme. This is to ensure that most clinical hours/WIL credits are acquired in the real life situation.
3. IMPLICATION
The NEIs that have already assessed their needs and made a determination should not be affected by this circular.
In line with this circular, records of extended training and declarations for students who will complete in March 2021 must be submitted to the SANC in May 2021.
4. IMPLEMENTATION This Circular becomes implementable and valid on the date of issue.
For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo, SANC Senior Manager: Education & Training at (012) 420 1022 or on e-mail at: [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO South African Nursing Council
Kindly take note of the following requirements applicable to the SANC examinations:
The closing date for the examinations should be strictly adhered to and no exceptions or allowances will be made to extend these dates.
Only registered learners will be eligible for an examination: The Head of the Nursing Education Institution (NEI) must ensure that all learners are registered with the SANC within the prescribed period. Foreign applicants apply as individuals but will have to adhere to the prescribed period.
Candidates will not be registered for an examination with only an identity number. SANC reference numbers are needed in all cases. Please follow up with the SANC Registration Section first, if learners are registered for the course before registering them for an examination.
The SANC will only process applications for entry into the South African Nursing Council examination that meet the following requirements:
a) The Examination Application Form is completed in full, accurately and signed by the relevant person/s. The surname and given names must be those appearing in the identity document.
b) All the required documentation to be included.
c) There is proof of payment of prescribed examination fees into the SANC bank account, such payment must be done by the NEI (group payment) and not by learners, except for foreign candidates.
Banking details are as follows:
Name of Bank: First National Bank Account number: 51425166282 (Current Account) Branch: Corporate Core Banking – Pretoria Branch code: 210-554 Reference: NEI S-number followed by the type of fee code ‘EXAMFEE’
The correct reference must appear on all deposits to expedite the processing of your payment. The code ‘EXAMFEE’ must only be used for payment in respect of examination fee. This code must not be used for any other types of payment. Here is an example of what a correct reference will look like for an NEI with S-number S12345:
S12345EXAMFEE
NB: The Head of the NEI must ensure that payment of fees by their Provincial Department of Health or Head Office is made separately for each NEI and for each specific examination.
Provincial bulk payments without specifications create administrative challenges and cause a delay in processing of the applications.
Only those candidates that have been issued an examination timetable/number will be eligible to write the SANC examination.
All practical MARK SHEETS must be submitted to the SANC by registered mail/courier by the end of the month in which the examination is written. If the PRACTICAL MARK SHEETS in a SANC format are not submitted on time, the examination results will be published without the practical marks, hence qualification certificate will not be issued to the affected candidates.
The SANC requests invigilators not to enclose the practical mark sheet or any other documents with the examination package.
The SANC reserves the right to cancel an examination reflected on the schedule if there are insufficient candidates for such an examination.
The SANC requests the NEIs to inform all their candidates of the outcome of the examination results once published. No examination results will be given out telephonically by the office of the SANC. However, candidates will receive results via text messages (SMS).
NB: Examination fees are non-refundable according to Regulations regarding fees and fines payable to the South African Nursing Council (Government Notice No.R.170 of 8 March 2013)
(Signed)
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO South African Nursing Council
The SANC – Appreciating the value of nurses and midwives especially during the Covid-19 pandemic
The world is experiencing its biggest crisis in more than a hundred years, with the saving of lives at the forefront of every thought and action.
In the midst of this pandemic is healthcare workers and more specifically, nurses and midwives. Often the sacrifices that they make are done under impossible conditions, at the cost of their own health and safety, and at the cost of time not spent with their loved ones.
Although the SANC is not an employer or a union, and thus cannot interfere in employer-employee matters, it appreciates the nurses’ and midwives’ commitment and sacrifice and thus supports a call to provide them with personal protective equipment, ensuring their safety at all times. As regulator of the profession the SANC also supports the need for as many nurses as possible to assist during the pandemic.
The Council of the SANC resolved at its meeting in July 2020, that an increase in the annual fees for the year 2021/2022 (normally payable from July –December 2021 for 2022), will be waivered. The annual fees for the next payment cycle (2021/22) will therefore be the same as this current cycle.
This could not be implemented during the current payment cycle due to a legislated process and timeframe for the SANC budget. The SANC budget is drawn and submitted to the Minister of Health at least three months before the beginning of the following financial year. The current budget was submitted by the end of December 2019 already.
This waiver is introduced to pledge its solidarity with nurses and midwives who are at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council acknowledges that nurses and midwives render services at great sacrifice to themselves and families, and expresses its condolences to families, friends and employers who have experienced the loss of their loved ones.
Says Sizo Mchunu, SANC Registrar and CEO: “We express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of those nurses who have succumbed during the fight against Covid-19. You are the true heroes of the pandemic, with sacrifices made to the end. We salute you and we honour you. To this end, the SANC would like to announce its plans for a Wall of Remembrance in the internal garden at the SANC premises. The wall will contain the names of those nurses who have succumbed during the Covid-19 pandemic. What better way to honour these heroes than in a peaceful garden at the headquarters of the regulating body for nurses. Details will be provided to nurses as soon as possible.”
During the months of this pandemic in South Africa, we have seen nurses become the eyes and ears of patients’ family and in many instances the only ‘family’ the patients under isolation had. We cannot begin to fathom the emotional impact this has had on the nurses, while at the same time also seeing their friends and colleagues succumb to the virus. “The SANC calls on Employers to ensure that trauma counselling is readily available and Post Traumatic Stress addressed in its infancy”, says Ms Mchunu.
Nurses of South Africa, we salute you. We honour you. You have proved yourself not only worthy but exceptional. You truly are the embodiment of the SANC slogan for nurses: #bethatnurse.
ENDS
Issued by: Mrs. Adri van Eeden Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication South African Nursing Council E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sanc.co.za Tel: 012 426-9542
Official Spokesperson and person to be quoted: Ms. S Mchunu Registrar and CEO: SA Nursing Council
For more information or to arrange for an interview with the Spokesperson, please contact Mrs. Adri van Eeden on Tel. (012) 426-9542 or email: [email protected]
Press Release 6/2020: The SANC – Appreciating the value of nurses and midwives especially during the Covid-19 pandemic
25 August 2020
TO:
News Editor
FROM:
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO
The SANC – Appreciating the value of nurses and midwives especially during the Covid-19 pandemic
The world is experiencing its biggest crisis in more than a hundred years, with the saving of lives at the forefront of every thought and action.
In the midst of this pandemic is healthcare workers and more specifically, nurses and midwives. Often the sacrifices that they make are done under impossible conditions, at the cost of their own health and safety, and at the cost of time not spent with their loved ones.
Although the SANC is not an employer or a union, and thus cannot interfere in employer-employee matters, it appreciates the nurses’ and midwives’ commitment and sacrifice and thus supports a call to provide them with personal protective equipment, ensuring their safety at all times. As regulator of the profession the SANC also supports the need for as many nurses as possible to assist during the pandemic.
The Council of the SANC resolved at its meeting in July 2020, that an increase in the annual fees for the year 2021/2022 (normally payable from July –December 2021 for 2022), will be waivered. The annual fees for the next payment cycle (2021/22) will therefore be the same as this current cycle.
This could not be implemented during the current payment cycle due to a legislated process and timeframe for the SANC budget. The SANC budget is drawn and submitted to the Minister of Health at least three months before the beginning of the following financial year. The current budget was submitted by the end of December 2019 already.
This waiver is introduced to pledge its solidarity with nurses and midwives who are at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council acknowledges that nurses and midwives render services at great sacrifice to themselves and families, and expresses its condolences to families, friends and employers who have experienced the loss of their loved ones.
Says Sizo Mchunu, SANC Registrar and CEO: “We express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of those nurses who have succumbed during the fight against Covid-19. You are the true heroes of the pandemic, with sacrifices made to the end. We salute you and we honour you. To this end, the SANC would like to announce its plans for a Wall of Remembrance in the internal garden at the SANC premises. The wall will contain the names of those nurses who have succumbed during the Covid-19 pandemic. What better way to honour these heroes than in a peaceful garden at the headquarters of the regulating body for nurses. Details will be provided to nurses as soon as possible.”
During the months of this pandemic in South Africa, we have seen nurses become the eyes and ears of patients’ family and in many instances the only ‘family’ the patients under isolation had. We cannot begin to fathom the emotional impact this has had on the nurses, while at the same time also seeing their friends and colleagues succumb to the virus. “The SANC calls on Employers to ensure that trauma counselling is readily available and Post Traumatic Stress addressed in its infancy”, says Ms Mchunu.
Nurses of South Africa, we salute you. We honour you. You have proved yourself not only worthy but exceptional. You truly are the embodiment of the SANC slogan for nurses: #bethatnurse.
ENDS
Issued by: Mrs. Adri van Eeden Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication South African Nursing Council E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sanc.co.za Tel: 012 426-9542
Official Spokesperson and person to be quoted: Ms. S Mchunu Registrar and CEO: SA Nursing Council
For more information or to arrange for an interview with the Spokesperson, please contact Mrs. Adri van Eeden on Tel. (012) 426-9542 or email: [email protected]
Circular 9/2020: Rescheduling of postponed May 2020 examinations conducted by the South African Nursing Council
13 August 2020
TO:
National Department of Health
Provincial Departments of Health
Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs)
All Stakeholders
Rescheduling of postponed May 2020 examinations conducted by the South African Nursing Council
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Circular is to:
1.1 Inform the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and relevant stakeholders about the resolution of the Council regarding the re-scheduling of the previously postponed May 2020 SANC- conducted examinations;
1.2 Inform the Heads of the NEIs on the amendment of Circular 9/2019; and
1.3 Provide NEIs with a revised schedule for the next examinations.
2. BACKGROUND
The SANC published Circular 9 of 2019 on the 11th of December 2019, to which a schedule of examinations for 2020 was attached. The SANC later communicated a postponement of examinations that were to be conducted in May 2020. This was subsequent to the pronouncement by the State President, of an extension of the national lockdown to the end of April. The lockdown was further extended beyond April 2020.
The SANC has always acted strictly in compliance with the Government’s regulations and directives published under the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002. It needs to be noted that, it was through these regulations that sectors and services were classified as essential services. It was through the same regulations that the implementation of the Risk Adjusted Strategy was implemented, gradually allowing controlled reopening of the country’s activities. It is regrettable that a few of our own professionals may have misread and/or misunderstood the Government’s legislation and guidelines, the SANC could not deliberately disregard Government’s legislation and thus it is in compliance with same that the current situation has unfolded and herewith further addressed.
The South African Nursing Council (SANC) had initially scheduled its national examinations for May and November 2020. Upon the pronouncement of the National State of Disaster by the President, and subsequently national lockdown on the 23rd of March 2020, the SANC was compelled to postpone the May examinations. Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) as well as affected student nurses and student midwives were informed. Further, SANC Circular 6/2020 on postponement of examinations was sent to all stakeholders in April 2020.
Observing the Risk-adjusted Strategy on management of the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with regulations that provide for restrictions on gatherings (including academic) in the country as published under the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002 from time to time, the SANC has re-assessed the conducting of national examinations.
Other factors that were considered included the following:
•
The SANC has between eighty-one (81) and ninety-three (93) approved examination centres throughout the country (depending on the qualification);
•
Most of these centres accommodate more than fifty (50) students at a time, with a current maximum of two hundred and sixty-six (266) students. This exceeds the prescribed number of people in any gathering under Alert level 3 Risk-Adjusted Strategy;
•
Re-opening of additional examination centres;
•
Possible risk of the spread of infection especially during this period; and
•
Safety of the Nurse Educators and students.
3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION
The Council deliberated on the matter at its virtual meeting held on 29-30 July 2020 and resolved as follows:
•
The postponed May 2020 SANC examinations are to be rescheduled for October 2020.
This will give ample time to NEIs and students to adequately prepare for the examination.
4. DATES FOR THE FORTHCOMING EXAMINATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
4.1 First Year Examination for the Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses leading to Registration as General Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse- Government Notice No. R.683 of 14 April 1989 (as amended)
Paper 1
07/10/2020
Paper 2
09/10/2020
4.2 Final Examinations for the course leading to Registration as Midwife- Government Notice No. R.254 of 14 February 1975 (as amended)
Paper 1
05/10/2020
Paper 2
07/10/2020
Paper 3
09/10/2020
4.3 Final Examination for the course leading to Registration as Psychiatric Nurse: One-year course – Government Notice No.R.880 of 2 May 1975 (as amended)
Paper 1
05/10/2020
Paper 2
07/10/2020
Paper 3
09/10/2020
4.4 Final Examination for the Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses leading to Registration as General Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse- Government Notice No. R.683 of 14 April 1989 (as amended)
Paper 1
21/10/2020
Paper 2
23/10/2020
4.5 Examinations for the course for the Diploma in Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care- Government Notice No. R.48 of 22 January 1982 (as amended)
Paper 1
21/10/2020
Paper 2
23/10/2020
4.6 Admission Examination for Foreign Applicants for registration as a Nurse
23/10/2020
5. IMPLICATIONS
Conducting national examinations during this period will require, among others the following:
•
NEIs must comply with all relevant COVID-19 Regulations in respect of the examination venues in order to ensure that students and invigilators are protected from possible COVID-19 infection. This requires preparation and procurement of essentials that may be additional for most NEIs;
•
NEIs to submit evidence of how they ensured teaching during lockdown especially during April and May 2020;
•
Examination centres with larger numbers of students are specifically instructed to ensure that all social distancing, ventilation and any other regulations and directives are complied with at the examination facility and during the exam; and
•
The examination dates for November 2020 examination remains the same as communicated as per circular 9/2019
6. ENQUIRIES
For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo, SANC Senior Manager: Education & Training at (012) 420 1022 or on e-mail at: [email protected] OR Ms E Magagula, Manager: Assessment at (012) 426 9596 or on email at: [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO South African Nursing Council
Circular 8/2020: Submission of applications by NEIs for accreditation of post-graduate diploma programmes
6 August 2020
TO:
National Department of Health
Provincial Departments of Health
Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs)
All Stakeholders
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS BY NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR ACCREDITATION OF POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES LEADING TO REGISTRATION AS A NURSE OR MIDWIFE SPECIALIST
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this circular is to:
1.1 Remind/alert Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) of the promulgation of regulations relating to the above-mentioned nursing programmes, thus enabling them to submit applications for accreditation of the said programmes to the South African Nursing Council (SANC); and
1.2 Notify the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions and other relevant stakeholders of the availability of education and training guidelines for the programmes.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 Promulgation of the Regulations Relating to the Approval of and the Minimum Requirements for the Education and Training of a Student Leading to Registration as a Nurse Specialist or Midwife Specialist by the Minister of Health, on 5 June 2020 (Government Notice No. R. 635 of 5 June 2020) enables Nursing Education Institutions to design and submit the applications, for accreditation of programmes, mentioned above.
2.2 The Council has approved education and training guidelines for the said programmes, in order to provide further guidance and facilitate the accreditation process. The guidelines are already posted on the SANC website: www.sanc.co.za
3. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
3.1 Nursing Education Institutions that have completed the design of their programmes should submit their applications for accreditation of programmes to the SANC as soon as possible, as the SANC is expecting an influx of applications, considering urgent need for Nurse Specialists and Midwife Specialists in the country;
3.2 NEIs are implored to submit complete documents at the outset in order to avoid delays caused by sending the documents back to the NEIs, sometimes more than once;
3.3 Only hard copies shall be accepted;
3.4 The application(s) should be accompanied by proof of payment in terms of the Board Notice regarding the fees and fines payable to SANC for year 2021 as no programme will be evaluated without such proof of payment. (Find attached for ease of reference); and
3.5 NEIs are reminded of the content of the collaborative agreement between the SANC and the Council on Higher Education (CHE), sent to the NEIs on 26 August 2019. One specific provision indicated that the CHE will no longer accept any applications from nursing education providers that do not have a letter of approval from the SANC.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
This circular becomes implementable and valid on the date of issue.
5. FURTHER ENQUIRIES
For further information in respect of this circular, you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo, SANC Senior Manager: Education &Training at (012) 420 1022 or on e-mail at: [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO South African Nursing Council
The annual fees for the calendar year 2021 for different categories of practitioners are provided in the table below:
CATEGORY
ANNUAL FEE FOR 2021
Registered Nurses and Midwives
R700.00
Enrolled Nurses and Midwives
R418.00
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries
R293.00
1.2 REDUCTIONS IN ANNUAL FEES FOR AGE 60 AND OVER
The Council has resolved to introduce reduced fees for nurses 60 years of age and over as per the table below:
1.2.1 60 TO 64 YEARS OF AGE ON 1 JANUARY 2021 (25% REDUCTION)
CATEGORY
ANNUAL FEE FOR 2021
Registered Nurses and Midwives
R525.00
Enrolled Nurses and Midwives
R314.00
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries
R220.00
1.2.2 65 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER ON 01 JANUARY 2021 (50% REDUCTION)
CATEGORY
ANNUAL FEE FOR 2021
Registered Nurses and Midwives
R350.00
Enrolled Nurses and Midwives
R209.00
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries
R157.00
NB: To qualify for the discount amounts, practitioners may be required to submit a certified copy of their identity document in order to confirm their age.
Notes:
The annual fees for 2021 must be received by the SANC on or before 31 December 2020.
The amounts in the tables above all include 15% VAT.
2. RESTORATION FEES FOR 2021 The restoration fees for different categories applicable from 1 January 2021 are shown in the following table.
CATEGORY
NORMAL RESTORATION FEE
REDUCED RESTORATION FEE
Registered Nurses and Midwives
R2 100.00
R146.00
Enrolled Nurses and Midwives
R1 254.00
R146.00
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries
R878.00
R146.00
Retired Nurses
R146.00
R146.00
Notes:
The reduced restoration fee only applies to a practitioner:
•
Who must have been removed from the register at his/her own request; or
•
Who must be 60 years of age or older on 1 January 2021. However, this must be confirmed with the Council before paying the reduced amount.
3. VOLUNTARY REMOVAL
A Nurse Practitioner who no longer wishes to practise in South Africa or who is unemployed, may request, in writing, a voluntary removal of his/her name from the register, by completing the form available from the SANC. If a voluntary removal is granted by the SANC, the nurse practitioner’s name will be removed accordingly on the 31 December of the year in which the application is received. Once removed, the nurse practitioner will no longer be required to pay annual fees while he/she is removed from the register.
If the nurse practitioner requires reinstatement onto the register, he/she will, in addition to paying the reduced restoration fee, be required to complete a Restoration Form. It must be noted that practising while not being registered is illegal.
4. CLOSING DATE FOR PAYMENT OF ANNUAL FEES
Please note that for the calendar year 2021, the closing date for the payment of annual fees is 31 December 2020. Payments must reach the SANC bank account on or before the closing date. You are, therefore, urged not to leave payment for the last minute to avoid problems associated with making payments at year end. Remember: Bank transfers from non-FNB banks may take up to 3 working days and you are therefore advised to pay well in advance to meet 31 December 2020 deadline.
5. OTHER FEES
Please note that other fees and fees payable by institutions will be applicable with effect from 01 January 2021.
6. PERSAL DEDUCTIONS
The signing of Resolution 3 of 2019 in September 2019 by the National Department of Health together with major trade unions in Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC) brought into effect the implementation of Persal deductions in 2020 for all employees falling under the scope of the PHSDSBC.
As a result of this agreement, affected nurse practitioners are urged not to pay the annual fees on their own as the employers are required to pay on their behalf in terms of Resolution 3 of 2019.
7. eREGISTER
The SANC has made an eRegister facility available on the SANC website which can be utilised by employers to verify the registration status of all nurse practitioners in their employment. Employers are urged to utilise this facility in the absence of a physical Annual Practising Certificate (APC). Visit: https://www.sanc.co.za/eRegister.aspx for more details.
8. COMMUNITY SERVICE PRACTITIONERS
Community Service Practitioners are not eligible to be issued with an APC and therefore should NOT pay annual fees. They MUST pay a conversion fee on completion of their Community Service in order to be registered as Nurse Practitioners using the REGFPRA registration fee code instead of ANLFEES (e.g. 12345678REGFPRA).
Press Release 5/2020: Delayed registrations of nurses are resulting from late submissions of applications to the SANC
12 June 2020
TO:
News Editor
FROM:
Ms SA Mchunu Registrar and CEO
Delayed registrations of nurses are resulting from late submissions of applications to the SANC
During a time when the world is facing one of its worst crisis, especially in the area of healthcare, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has continued its commitment towards the nursing profession and the registration of nurses to enable them to practice.
The SANC recognises and understands the need for as many registered nurses as possible to assist with the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result has also offered free restoration into the Nursing Register to nurses who want to assist for the period of the COVID-19 National State of Disaster.
It is disheartening in the midst of a crisis of this magnitude to find that there is still misinformation causing misperceptions that ultimately result in damaging the SANC’s image and work.
In one such instance, the SANC was requested for more information regarding the registration of nurses, especially during the Covid period and during lock-down. The SANC responded in writing with full facts, background and relevant legislative provisions but the final article that was published and aired by ENCA did not reflect the facts provided. It is unfortunate that ENCA chose not to disclose full and accurate information and also provided some factually incorrect information in its report, which has unfortunately caused immense confusion and unjustly placed the SANC in a very bad light.
In the light of the information generated by ENCA, it is in the public interest for the SANC to provide the public with the correct facts:
Nursing Education Institutions legally have 30 days to submit applications for registration of Community Service Practitioners following completion of a nursing programme. The same applies to the Provincial Departments of Health in respect of registration of Professional Nurses following completion of Community Service. Legally, the SANC then has 60 days to process and issue certificates.
It is factually and grossly incorrect that “many graduate nurses who would like to help, can’t do so because of registration delays at the SA Nursing Council”. Applications received on time and even those received a month after deadline, were processed by the SANC and certificates were duly issued to all provinces during the lockdown. The 1000 outstanding applications referred to in the report are as a result of very late submissions to the SANC.
One case in point is the “257 of those awaiting registration are in the Western Cape.” The applications were delayed by the Provincial Department of Health and unfortunately submitted only approximately two months after completion of Community Service which was in contravention of the prescribed period. It is regrettable that the correct information provided to ENCA was withheld, resulting in misinformation and confusion to the public. It is also unfortunate that graduates are being confused by this misinformation.
The public is further misled by the statement “Council’s offices were closed at the beginning of lockdown and only opened again this week”. In compliance with the regulations published under the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002 the Council was compelled to close its offices due to the pandemic but the SANC continued to render offsite critical services, hence registrations and certificates were issued to all provinces during lockdown. It is further factually incorrect that the SANC office opened this week only.
Says Ms Sizo Mchunu, SANC Registrar & CEO: “The SANC would like to reiterate its commitment to the nursing profession and the registration of nurses, thus enabling them to practice especially during a time like this. As regulator of the profession we support the need for as many nurses as possible to assist during the pandemic and thereafter, and we applaud nurses for the sacrifices they make during the pandemic, often at the cost of themselves and their families. Our hearts go out to the nurses who are inconvenienced by these unnecessary delays and are further misinformed regarding due processes”.
ENDS
Issued by: Mrs. Adri van Eeden Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication South African Nursing Council E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sanc.co.za Tel: 012 426-9542
Official Spokesperson and person to be quoted: Ms. S Mchunu Registrar and CEO: SA Nursing Council
For more information or to arrange for an interview with the Spokesperson, please contact Mrs. Adri van Eeden on Tel. (012) 426-9542 or email: [email protected]
Following the pronouncement of Alert Level 3 by the President of South Africa, the SANC Senior Management team has been working on site since Monday, 1 June to ensure a safe SANC environment for the return of staff to the office and for access by the SANC clients and stakeholders.
The SANC office will therefore be open to the public as of Monday, 8 June with strict measures to protect both clients and staff.
The following will be effected:
Everyone visiting the office must wear a face mask;
The required social distancing will be duly applied in and outside the building;
Temperature screening at the entrance by Security guards;
Assessment questionnaire will be provided to be completed by all visitors;
Sanitizer will be made available at the entrance; and
Only 10 people at a time will enter the building. This is in compliance with requirements as informed by the building size.
We are looking forward to seeing you again and be of assistance.
