Lauretta Ngconozi walks into the halls of Groote Schuur Hospital every day not just to treat patients, but to give care, offer a listening ear and restore their hope.
Cape Town, South Africa (25 March 2026) – When life took Lauretta Ngcobozi on an unexpected journey of grief after losing her husband just one year into their marriage, she never imagined she would find her healing through her patients.
Becoming a nurse happened by chance when she started her career training as a caregiver.
“I was able to go and do my practical at Booth Memorial Hospital. The ward I was sent to was for patients receiving palliative care. Because of this, you do end up counselling the patients and their family members,” Lauretta reflects.
It was through comforting and conversing with her patients that she discovered a connection that poured into her cup as well.
“The pain I went through just pushed me to be close to other people who were also experiencing pain – I was really able to connect with the pain that the patients and their families were feeling,” she says.
Lauretta’s passion for caring and helping others was evident, leading to her employment at Booth Memorial Hospital. She was then presented with the opportunity to study to become a nurse in 2015.
“After that, I applied for a position at Groote Schuur Hospital and started there in 2016. I began in the Outpatient Clinics. I really enjoyed it because it was a new environment in a large institution, and I was exposed to many new things and learning how to deal with different people.”
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic changed her work environment, as many of the hospital’s clinics became non-operational. She ended up working in Groote Schuur’s G8 department, caring for oncology patients.
“I really love working here. There are times when it is hectic, but because I do it with love and passion, it makes a difference. Often, we have to counsel family members when the patients are very ill, and we often cry together because we grow close to the patients,” says Lauretta.
Looking back on her journey and how naturally she connects with her patients, Lauretta feels certain she was destined to be a nurse.
“I really am drawn to counselling, giving prayers to families, giving them hope.”
Even families who have sadly lost loved ones affirm that she has given them hope during their difficult times.
“When I help, I am not expecting anything; I am just doing it from my heart. I’d like to continue doing this work forever.”
Lauretta considers herself fortunate to practice at Groote Schuur and to touch lives the way she does. Though we suspect her patients and colleagues feel even luckier to have her!
Thank you, Lauretta, for everything you do and for spreading hope to those who need it most.
Heroes of Groote Schuur is a Facebook page dedicated to highlighting the amazing people who work or visit the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.
The page is highlighting all the incredible working being done by the staff who keep everything running smoothly. Heroes featured on the page often have the most interesting jobs, especially now during the pandemic when so much was up in the air.
Sources: Heroes of Groote Schuur
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