GPHC’s Nursing Director calls for mandatory health checks for nurses

…after 30 nurses found with low blood count

Director of Nursing at the Georgetown Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr Leslyn Holder has called for mandatory health check-ups of nurses at the facility, emphasising the need for better care of this group of healthcare professionals.
During her address at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony held on Monday, Dr Holder congratulated the awardees and all nurses across Guyana for their commitment, especially during a time of healthcare transformation.
In fact, she drew attention to the occupational risks nurses are faced with on a daily basis, which ranges from musculoskeletal injuries, nutrition deficiency to burnout from working long hours, among others.
With this in mind, the nursing director issued a call to the management board of GPHC to implement strategies that cater for the mental and physical wellbeing of nurses.
“Understanding the common injuries that nurses face is crucial for promoting a safer work place environment. By identifying the issues that pose a higher risk healthcare institutions can implement targeted interventions to prevent injuries such as proper lifting equipment, offer training on safe people handling techniques and fostering a culture that prioritises,” Dr Holder said.

Moreover, she noted a concerning observation among the current nursing population at the hospital and urged management’s immediate intervention.
“On Thursday we had our blood drive where thankfully to our donours I think we had about 20 units of blood donated. Unfortunately, not all of our nurses who volunteered to give blood that day were able to and that is because at least 30 nurses were found to have a lower HB [hemoglobin]. They did not reach the criteria for donating blood. You know how many more of our nurses are like that and we know that these conditions can contribute to feeling tired on duty and also predisposes you to infection? So, I take this opportunity to ask management including HR to implement mandatory health checks for nurses that will provide an informed approach on how we can begin to care for our nurses,” the director revealed.
She also urged management to develop strategies to ensure nurses have enough rest periods while on the job.
“Ensure that nurses on duty have structured adequate mandatory breaks when they’re on duty. A 12-hour shift is a long day as nurses we understand the importance of good nutrition and having meals on time and you too all of you not just nurses ensure your own selfcare in is intact,” she urged.
The GPHC continues to grapple with a shortage of nurses. In fact, last year, it was reported at the GPHC is operating with a deficit of some 700 nurses.
Nevertheless, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran – also delivering remarks at the event – explained that the hospital is committed to improving the experience of nurses employed at the institution.
“You are the first to respond, last to leave and often the constant presence that brings reassurance to our patients and their families… We are making significant investment in nursing from empowering them to skilling, to meet the ever-changing evolutions and dynamic of healthcare. There is a need for increased mentorship and leadership in nursing and we are committed to addressing this need,” the CEO said.
This year International Nurses Week is being observed under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies”.
This theme emphasises the importance of promoting nurses’ health and well-being and highlights the crucial role of nurses in strengthening economies and the need to care for them.