Abstract
M.Cur.
The Government has committed itself to primary health care as the only way of
providing an affordable health service to all the Inhabitants of the Republic of South
Africa, namely by a partnership service between the State and the private sector. A
team approach In the provision of primary health care is essential to ensure Its success.
Eskom has a responsibility towards Its employees to ensure that the occupational
health nurse receives the necessary training to enable her to provide an effective health
service. Eskom has obtained permission to provide health services In accordance with
Section 38A of the Nursing Act, 1978 (Act No 50 of 1978) and has committed Itself to
give the occupational health nurse the necessary training for her extended role under
Section 38A of the Nursing Act, 1978 (Act No 50 of 1978). Section 38A of the Nursing
Act, 1978 (Act No 50 of 1978) authorises the occupational health nurse to do a physical
examination, diagnose a physical defect and identify an illness in any person. The
keeping of prescribed medicines and the supply and administering thereof by the
occupational health nurse, subject to the prescribed conditions, as well as the
promotion of family planning, are also authorised by the said Section 38A of the
Nursing Act, 1978 (Act No 50 of 1978).
An exploratory and descriptive study was done within a contextual framework, with the
occupational health nurse, In-service training and the syllabus asthe maln concepts.
The occurrence of health problems was thoroughly explored by means of statistics, a
literature study and discussions with a panel of experts In Eskom. The learning needs
of the occupational health nurses In Eskom were then investigated by means of a
questionnaire.
It was established that occupational health nurses In Eskom already possess sufficient
knowledge In respect of certain health problems. Knowledge of these problems was
made a prerequisite In the syllabus for In-service training for Section 38A of the Nursing
Act, 1978 (Act No 50 of 1978). A syllabus was designed for the In-service training of
the occupational health nurse in Eskom for Section 38A of the Nursing Act, 1978 (Act
No 50 of 1978).