NURSES’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS PROVINCIALISATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CLINICS FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating nurses’ perceptions towards the Provincialisation project (centralisation) of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Local Government Region F in Johannesburg; in order to have one single Public Service and improve service delivery in communities. The main purpose of the research is to respond on nurses’ perceptions about the Provincialisation project being implemented by the Gauteng Department of Health and how any challenges that may emerge can be addressed or avoided. The interview questionnaire was utilised as a source of primary data to gather information from the respondents. The findings of the research indicate that nurses’ perceptions from the Local Authority are positive in relation to the Provincialisation project implementation. Nurses are ready for the project to be implemented but proper consultation needs to be done with the support of top management and unions. The conclusion is that both the Provincial Department of Health and the Local Authority must work together to effect change; in order to have the same benefits for all, improve quality of service delivery, and work to achieve the goals of the department. The study suggests that a feasibility study, proper planning and negotiations should be done before such a project can be implemented. This could all be done through clear political and legal mandates together with the development of a strategic directive for delivery of health services.