Sr Carmelita Kok is a beloved nurse in the community of Fish Hoek, on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. Sr Kok is described as a benevolent healthcare worker, thoroughly dedicated to her craft. She has been in service for 25 years. Throughout her career she has demonstrated extraordinary kindness to her patients and co-workers alike. In the event of her patients missing any of their appointments, she is known to call them to find out where they are or alternatively, physically go find them and bring them back to the clinic. This is especially significant as some of these patients are unsheltered and displaced persons. This illustrates the depth of the relationships she has built with her patients and her steadfast commitment to her work. With the new electronic system to book appointments that was rolled out across clinics, the new innovation presented a challenge to implement at the clinic as there is a limited number of computers but as a result, Sr Kok takes initiative to use her own personal device at her own expense to facilitate access to the booking system so that no patient is left behind. Even though the system facilitates the smoother operation of the clinic and sends automated SMSs to remind patients of their appointments, for the patients without ready access, it takes Sr Kok’s efforts to ensure that they receive the care that they need. She has a genuine desire to help all her patients to the absolute best of her ability, and always puts their needs as her top priority. ‘Integrity is doing the right thing whether or not someone is watching. In the workplace, employees that act with Integrity will always tell the truth, are accountable and treat co-workers, stakeholders and clients with respect.’
