STRATEGIES to revitalise nursing education in South Africa was put in the spotlight at a recent Nursing Education conference.

STRATEGIES to revitalise nursing education in South Africa was put in the spotlight at a recent Nursing Education conference.

Issues were debated around the number of nurses produced in the country and the quality of the healthcare they provide to communities.

Solutions were sought to improve the situation.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi shared his concerns and visions on nursing education with delegates at the three-day conference at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

One of his suggestions concerned the provision of quality healthcare. Motsoaledi said nurses should be empowered to do more in terms of their work.

He referred to the example of how nurses used to be on the forefront in delivering babies, a role that has now been taken over by doctors.

Motsoaledi challenged the Nursing Education Association (NEA) on the role it sees itself playing in developing practical solutions to concerns raised in the maternal death reports.

NEA president Sharon Vasuthevan said: "The transformation of nursing education will mean the transformation of health services.

"The establishment of a coordinated nursing education system, based on best practices, will enable nurse educators to deliver services that respond to the needs of South African society and communities."