Robin Muchetu-Bulawayo Bureau
PATIENTS requiring urgent medical attention are set to benefit from improved specialised care following the graduation of the first cohort of nurses trained under Mpilo Central Hospital’s Advanced Diploma in Emergency Nursing programme.
The nurses were among 179 graduates who received advanced diplomas in Neonatal Intensive Care and Paediatric Nursing, Emergency Nursing and Midwifery at a ceremony held at the hospital yesterday.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary for Health in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the graduating specialists would play an important role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system, particularly in emergencies.
“I am particularly pleased to note the graduation of the first cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Emergency Nursing at Mpilo Central Hospital. Introduced in September 2024, this two-year programme represents an important investment in specialist nursing skills. Emergency nursing requires the ability to assess patients rapidly, make sound clinical decisions and provide timely interventions in situations where every minute matters.
“The knowledge and skills acquired through this programme will strengthen the hospital’s capacity to manage emergencies, trauma and critically ill patients, while also contributing to improved emergency care beyond this institution,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The introduction of the programme comes at a time when the health sector is seeking to strengthen emergency response services, where rapid assessment and timely intervention can determine patient outcomes.
The concept of the “golden hour” in trauma care underscores the importance of prompt medical attention, particularly during the first hour after a serious injury.
Dr Mombeshora said the training of specialist emergency nurses was timely as Government moves to strengthen emergency medical services through the establishment of a dedicated Division of Emergency Medical Services within the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“This initiative is particularly timely as Government strengthens emergency medical services through the establishment of a dedicated Division of Emergency Medical Services within the Ministry. These specialist nurses will contribute to strengthening the capacity of this Division and improving the coordination and delivery of emergency care across the country,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said the graduation celebrated the achievements, commitment and contribution of nurses to the health and well-being of the nation.
“Your success reflects years of hard work, discipline and determination. To your families, tutors and clinical instructors, thank you for the support and guidance that have brought these graduates to this milestone.
“The theme, ‘Compassionate Nurses for a Resilient and Healthy Zimbabwe,’ speaks directly to the kind of health workforce our country needs.
“Nursing is not simply a profession defined by technical knowledge and clinical skills. It is also a calling that demands compassion, integrity, patience and a deep respect for human dignity,” added Dr Mombeshora.
He said Government remained committed to building a strong, capable and adequately supported health workforce in line with the national development aspirations outlined in Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and the National Health Strategy 2026-2030.
Dr Mombeshora added that Government was strengthening the health workforce through recruitment, training and the development of specialist skills.
“This includes expanding opportunities for nurses and midwives to advance their professional competencies and respond to the changing needs of our health system. Our ambition is to grow the health workforce, improve its distribution and ensure that communities across the country have access to quality services.
“These efforts are part of our broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage and to ensuring that no one is left behind. A resilient health system depends not only on infrastructure and equipment, but above all on skilled, motivated and compassionate health professionals,” he said.
The Minister said nurses were often the first point of contact for patients and remained central to their care throughout the treatment journey.
“The manner in which a patient is received, listened to and cared for can make a lasting difference. We therefore expect our nurses to combine professional competence with kindness, empathy and respect,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora urged the graduates to uphold professionalism and integrity, compassion and a commitment to continuous learning, saying these values were essential in delivering quality healthcare.
“First, professionalism and integrity. Be accountable for your decisions, maintain high standards and always place the interests and safety of patients first. Second, compassion. Remember that behind every patient is a person, a family and a community.
“Treat every individual with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. Third, continuous learning. Healthcare is constantly evolving.
“Remain curious, embrace new knowledge and be prepared to adapt to emerging challenges and technologies,” emphasised Dr Mombeshora.
Mpilo Central Hospital chief executive Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said the institution was one of the biggest referral hospitals in Southern Africa and remained a strategic Government institution.
“It saves thousands of lives, and I am proud that you trained in such an institution and helped us in saving so many lives during your training at Mpilo. Our aim is that we serve the community and save lives with pride,” he said.
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