Mediclinic Southern Africa

28/05/2026

Even when she was uncertain about the future, Maria Milne was always drawn to nursing. Now she’s a Senior Professional Nurse in the Cardiothoracic ICU at Mediclinic Panorama. Maria’s nursing journey began immediately after high school, at a time when her future felt uncertain. During this brief period of doubt, her passion for helping people was her north star, leading her to find her true calling as an ICU nurse. She completed her general nursing studies at the Mediclinic Learning Centre in Cape Town and obtained a postgraduate diploma in adult critical care from Stellenbosch University. She now works as a Senior Professional Nurse in the Cardiothoracic ICU at Mediclinic Panorama.

“I felt a strong connection to the ICU, as it demands constant mental strength, enabling me to anticipate and respond to patients’ needs and emergencies daily,” Maria says. The ICU, being a mentally and emotionally demanding environment, Maria relies on her favourite sport and her loved ones to cope with its intensity. “I have a supportive family and friends who understand the emotional toll nursing can impose. They are always available to listen when I require someone to talk to. Additionally, I play rugby after work, which serves as an effective outlet for my stress. Interacting with teammates and exerting physical effort resets my mind and prepares me for the challenges of the next day.”

Maria also draws strength from the fact that she’s part of an amazing team, and having colleagues who are always willing to help makes all the difference. “Teamwork is crucial. We must be able to rely on one another and always be willing to assist a colleague when they need help with a patient. Fortunately, I am blessed to work in a team that supports one another and celebrates each other’s personal and professional achievements.” Additionally, she relies on the resources provided by Mediclinic for ICU nurses.

“There is significant support within the hospital setting. We have social workers and a psychologist available to all staff for guidance. I am fortunate to have a supportive management team that assists where needed. They guide and support me in all situations to ensure the correct course of action is being followed.” Working in a cardiothoracic ICU involves supporting patients through some of the most threatening moments in their lives. For Maria, the most rewarding part is seeing her patients slowly but surely coming back to health. “Being able to support someone through their most challenging day and see them leave the hospital healthy and reunited with their family, that’s what makes this work so meaningful.” The ICU is also a tough place to be in for the patients and their families. Maria recognises that this means families are often navigating a period of unimaginable pain.

“I try to put myself in the family members’ shoes and remind myself that this is the most difficult time of their lives. Therefore, I always make time to listen to their concerns and questions and make an effort to explain the situation with their loved one and the plan for their treatment and recovery.” These tough moments are what make a patient’s recovery more satisfying for Maria. “Nothing compares to seeing former patients return to the hospital simply to say thank you. Seeing them well and smiling reminds me why I chose this profession,” she says.

27/05/2026

Salt, stress, and poor sleep can secretly raise your blood pressure. A Mediclinic expert reveals how these hidden factors create a harmful cycle that threatens your heart’s health. Click link in comments.

Discover how salt, stress, and poor sleep silently raise blood pressure. Learn simple lifestyle changes to protect your heart and reduce hypertension.

26/05/2026

The Da Vinci robotic system boasts advanced tech features that improve surgeons’ ability to perform partial nephrectomy – removal of a part of the kidney – successfully. A Mediclinic urologist explains how it benefits patients. Click link in the comments.

Learn how robotic partial nephrectomy improves kidney cancer treatment with less pain, faster recovery, and better surgical precision than traditional methods.

25/05/2026

“In many ways, a woman in labour is the most honest and vulnerable version of herself, and being able to support her during such a powerful moment in her life is incredibly meaningful.”

Originally, nursing wasn’t Bianca’s first career choice, but throughout her studies she found herself constantly drawn to it. Driven by her need to connect with other people, and a her passion for helping others, she eventually became a midwife. Years later, Bianca is now a midwife at Mediclinic Panorama, and she attributes her success to a career that’s been grounded in integrity. “For me, a successful midwife is someone who practices with integrity. Women come to us at one of the most significant moments of their lives. It’s miraculous and joyful, but it can also be vulnerable and sometimes overwhelming. Our role is to support them with compassion, humility, and respect, while advocating for them so their birth experience is safe, dignified, and as close to their ideal birth plan as possible.”

When mother’s go into labour, she’s aware of how taxing the the process is for them both physically and empotionally, and chooses a holistic approach to help them feel supported, when it’s time for delivery. “Labour is physically demanding, so we focus on keeping mothers well hydrated and nourished throughout the process. We also use a variety of non-pharmacological techniques to help with comfort, such as massage, counter-pressure, and relaxation methods. Breathing techniques can also make a big difference in helping women stay calm and feel more in control during labour. Involving the birthing partner is incredibly valuable too, their familiar presence offers comfort and reassurance, and emotional support can even help stimulate oxytocin, the hormone that helps labour progress,” Bianca explains. The b irth of a child being one of those moments where one has to balance urgency and care, Bianca makes it a point to prioritise empathy and dignity.

“In a hospital environment, situations can change quickly and sometimes become urgent. When that happens, a mother may suddenly find herself surrounded by unfamiliar staff, rapid assessments, and a lot of activity. That can feel overwhelming, especially when she has been focused on labour. In those moments, it’s so important that we continue to communicate clearly, explain what’s happening, obtain informed consent for procedures, and make sure she feels respected and supported. Maintaining her dignity and keeping her partner involved wherever possible makes a huge difference.” When asked what continues to inspire her, she singles out the appreciation and gratitude that patients express.

“Every time a baby cries after birth, there’s a shared moment in the room where everyone pauses and appreciates the miracle of new life. The simple “thank yous” from patients and the support from colleagues mean a lot too. Midwifery isn’t about being the hero, it’s about being part of a team that supports each other and cares for families at a very vulnerable and special time.” says Bianca.

When it comes to the future of healthcare, Bianca is mostly excited about technology that enables midwives to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork. “ I’m also passionate about supporting and mentoring new midwives so they can develop the same love for the profession that we have in our unit. Ultimately, I’d love to see safe, supportive, and gentle maternity care become the standard everywhere,” Bianca adds.

22/05/2026

Join us behind the scenes of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

As the official medical partner, Mediclinic and ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. are on the ground to keep every runner moving safely, from the start gun to the finish line. From emergency response to on-route medical support, we're here for every step of one of Africa's greatest road races.

Here's a look at the people behind the care, the commitment and the action. DARREN GREEN

21/05/2026

Discover the science-backed health benefits of regular sauna use – from heart health to brain protection. Link in comments for more.

Explore sauna health benefits for heart health, muscle recovery and stress relief, plus risks and who should avoid high-heat therapy sessions.

20/05/2026

Discover a minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis-damaged knees. Genicular artery embolisation (G*E) targets inflamed areas by reducing their blood supply – helping relieve pain and slow cartilage breakdown. Link in comments.

SA's first genicular artery embolisation at Mediclinic Constantiaberg: minimally invasive knee pain relief that delays surgery.

19/05/2026

“That moment the mother meets the baby for the first time, it's pure human magic”

Determined to become a nurse despite facing resistance from her family, Elsie Maname, Midwife and Unit Manager at Mediclinic Legae, began studying to become a nurse in 2004. Her journey with basic nursing training started at Healthnicon Nursing College, later qualifying as an Auxiliary Nurse through Thuto Bophelo Nursing College in 2007. The end goal was always working in the maternity ward.

Her love for midwifery began long before she qualified. As an auxiliary nurse, she would intentionally pass by the maternity unit just to witness births. “I had to rotate through different departments (Mental health clinic, Chronic, TB and HIV clinic, casualty and maternity), my interest has always been in maternity, and I eventually worked there after a year of rotation. Having been in maternity, I managed obstetric emergencies beyond measure to an extent that the new facility manager encouraged me to apply for study leave to study Post Basic Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science (Advanced Midwifery).”

Currently, Elsie is studying towards an Advanced Diploma in Health Service Management and Leadership with Mediclinic to grow further in management.

“I would describe my work as a calling, not just a job. I find meaning in supporting people during their most vulnerable and life-changing moments,” Elsie says.

For Elsie, being a successful midwife is about building a connection, a sense of trust and reaching patients at an emotional level. “You need to have clear communication skills, so mothers can relax when they are in your presence, so that families listen to your guidance, and you’re known as someone who makes others feel safe. Basically, your reputation speaks before you do.”

She knows it’s been a successful day at the maternity ward when she hears women say things like: “You made my birth experience better” or “You helped me when I was scared.”

“Supporting mothers both emotionally and physically, it’s all about your presence, your words, understanding and reassurance. A mother who feels emotionally safe will labour better, bond better with the baby and recover better. Building trust from the start, introducing yourself, and building that rapport allows the mother to express her fears and receive reassurance. Use simple language with her and do not forget to tell her that “you are doing well, I’m here with you.” Involve the mother in decision-making, respect her cultural and personal preferences, protect her privacy and dignity. Help her partner or chosen companion to be involved, guide them on how to support the mother, and she will feel that she is surrounded by care.”

To create an inclusive and calm environment in the moments leading up to the birth, Elsie knows that mothers and their families often look to her to gauge how calm or panicked they should feel; something she always keeps in mind when engaging with her patients. Knowing that a little reassurance can go a long way in a challenging situation.

“Balancing urgency with empathy during labour and delivery is one of the most important and hardest skills in midwifery. I prepare early so that an emergency feels less chaotic. Explain the procedure in advance: “If your baby shows distress, this is what we will do”. When the mother understands what to expect, she is less fearful, and when you need to move quickly, she trusts your guidance. Your body language as a midwife becomes her emotional barometer. I stay calm because it tells her she is not in danger, even though there are clinical difficulties. I maintain dignity even in emergencies. I speak to the mother, not about her, so that she feels like a person, not an object. I use a team approach to maintain balance and divide roles for a good outcome. After the emergency, I offer emotional closure for the mother and companion to explain what happened to prevent trauma and to build trust in the healthcare system.”

Early on in her career, Elsie recognised that the atmosphere in the room is often determined by the midwife, and she quickly developed a philosophy that still guides her to this day.

“A great midwife knows how to move fast without appearing rushed. How to act clinically without acting cold. How to protect life while protecting dignity, and I save the moment without losing the person. It’s a skill built from experience and heart.”

Particularly concerned about reducing trauma during and after pregnancy, Elsie is excited about how technology is shaping maternity care, from AI-driven tools that can predict complications such as preeclampsia to advanced perinatal monitoring systems that support early detection of foetal distress.

18/05/2026

In honour of our nurses, Mediclinic celebrates the compassion and skill nurses bring to our patients and families every day. We have selected the DAISY Awards programme to celebrate and recognise our nurses for the extraordinary, compassionate care displayed through-out the year.

15/05/2026

May is Burns Awareness Month, and as the country prepares for the cold weather and tries to keep warm, we highlight the vital role skin or tissue donation plays in the healing process. See more with the link in the comments.

Learn how skin grafts and donor skin play a critical role in burn treatment and recovery. Insights from a burns specialist on healing, myths, and how to become a skin donor in South Africa

14/05/2026

From unexplained fatigue to finding answers: One woman's journey with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Link in comments.

Learn about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, its symptoms, causes and diagnosis, plus one woman’s complex journey managing hypothyroidism and long-term care.