Mental Health In South African Healthcare

Dr. Saeeda Paruk, a psychiatry lecturer at the University of KwaZulu Natal, revealed that healthcare professionals are experiencing alarmingly high burnout rates. In 2019, 46% of nurses nationwide were reported to have suffered from burnout. During the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Dr. Paruk, new surveys reported an increase in burnout rates across all healthcare professionals within South Africa with burnout having a prevalence rate of around 40% which is significantly high. 

Despite high levels of anxiety and depression, most healthcare workers are not seeking assistance or do not know where to find help.  Because of this, AQuaH Training School (ATS) decided to launch a mental health campaign focused on educating and incentivizing self-care within the healthcare community. We identified local clinics operating in our area and approached them by briefing them on mental health and its importance and then gave away free full body massage vouchers to those that signed up to get more information on mental health. Beyond the local clinics, We offered spa vouchers to some of our existing students to help them distress from the pressures of balancing school and work, which they loved.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought forward the importance of good mental health practices and as an organisation, we truly believe in having competent, healthy healthcare professionals serving their communities. We would like to thank all participants who took the time to attend our briefings and who are now mental health advocates practicing good exercise, getting enough sleep and taking breaks during work. 

For more information on AQuaH Training School visit our website here 

Release date: 01 November 2021

(1) Comment

  • Emelio Phekula March 10, 2022 @ 2:28 pm

    I’d like to join the Platform where Registered Nurses like myself are always updated.

    I’m in Rehab/Psychiatry and would love more courses in that line being available as well.

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