Nurses in Berbice recognised for role in local health care
As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing International Nurses’ Day today, nurses in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), were honoured for their role in the public health system.
Nurses in Berbice paraded through the streets of New Amsterdam on Monday
The event is being observed under the theme ‘Nurses – A force for change, improving health system’s resilience’. The region has planned a week of activities in recognition of nurses’ contributions, which was kicked off with a parade in New Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Following the march, Director of regional health services in Berbice, Jevaughn Stephens, in addressing the nurses urged that they pay serious attention to their duties. While recognising the important role they play, Stephens called on all nurses to be resilient and true to the profession.
“We realise that nurses are the key element of any health facility for it to be successful. Nurses are an integral part of what we do on a daily basis. We want to acknowledge the great work of nurses in this region, working with the various constraints that they may face.”
Among the activities planned are community outreaches, home visits to geriatric patients, and a nurses’ exhibition. Stephens says every effort is being made during this week to give recognition to the contributions nurses make as a group.
International Nurses’ Day is being observed on May 12, the birth date of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale is the founder of the profession of nurses and so nurses’ week is held worldwide in recognition of her contributions through advocacy to have the actions of nurses recognised as a profession.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) took the opportunity to advocate for nurses’ rights, calling for more attention to be paid to the medical professionals. “It must be recognised that the welfare and well-being of this category of professionals must not only be left to representation but ought to be placed on the ‘front burner’ of decision-making bodies, where adequate resources are budgeted for and compensation packages are acceptable,” the Union stated.
According to the GPSU, the basic training and classroom facilities for nurses remain ancient. This, it was noted, must change in order for the recognition of this profession be returned to the level of eminence it once held in society.
The GPSU further pointed out that when persons are ill and require medical attention, the first point of contact are nurses, who are entrusted to take care of them. Therefore, it is only fitting and proper that they are equally treated and respected as well, the Union posited.
“Being the single largest healthcare workers, why is it that nurses receive so little and much is expected of them? However, care and commitment take precedence and the humane factor excels,” the GPSU outlined.
Moreover, it went on to highlight the many problems faced in this profession such as staffing, workplace violence, inadequate compensation packages, long hours and work place hazards, all of which can be addressed with proper attention.
It is therefore imperative, the Union stated, that nursing personnel within the healthcare system in Guyana be given priority attention and the Union calls on the Public Health Minister to make adequate provisions for improved delivery of healthcare and the corresponding compensatory benefits.
