Towards a national policy on nursing education and training: an imperative framework for integrating nursing education within South Africa's post-school education system.

The aim of this study article is to present an analysis of the first national policy framework, which provides a coherent approach to integrating nursing education into a newly defined band for higher education programmes in South Africa. The significance of this policy framework is ensuring the seamless transition from legacy nursing programmes to NQF-registered nursing programmes. It explores the agenda-setting process, analyses the prevailing context and outlines the rationale for the policy.

Experiences of Fast Queue health care users in primary health care facilities in eThekwini district, South Africa.

Background: Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC), based on the principles of accessibility, availability, affordability, equity and acceptability, was introduced in South Africa to address inequalities in health service provision. Whilst the Fast Queue was instrumental in the promotion of access to health care, a major goal of the PHC approach, facilities were not prepared for the sudden influx of clients. Increased access resulted in long waiting times and queues contributing to dissatisfaction with the service which could lead to missed appointments and non-compliance with established treatment plans.