by Belinda Erasmus
Magalies’ resident Occupational Health Nurse, Sister Petro de Beer, has recently received a prestigious award from SASOHN for publishing the best article in the Journal of Occupational Health Southern Africa for 2016. Sister De Beer was presented with a beautiful trophy and certificate at their recent annual gala dinner held on the 3rd of November 2016 at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth.
Petro is a qualified Occupational Health Nurse, holding a Master’s degree in Nursing. She diligently operates the occupational health clinic of Magalies on a weekly basis to monitor the staff on occupational health and food handling requirements. As part of her Master’s degree she conducted a research study and published an article in the Journal of Occupational Health Southern Africa. The purpose of the research study was to determine the cause of the high rate of musculoskeletal related complaints and absenteeism at a foundry. Musculoskeletal disorders are a major health problem globally and a significant cause of disability in the workplace. She was honoured to be awarded the best journal article by the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner (SASOHN) in 2015/2016. The judges found the article, “Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and absenteeism”, relevant and significant to the current practice and changing dynamics of Occupational Health Nursing.
Congratulations Petro, Magalies is privileged and proud to have such a skilful and qualified nurse on our team!
