Chief advises nurses

Nkoranza (B/A) May 21, GNA - Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom 1V, Omanhene of Nkoranza Traditional Area, has appealed to nurses to let strike actions be the last resort in their quest for better working conditions to avoid loss of innocent lives. He was addressing members of the Brong Ahafo Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GRNA) at the launch of this year's Nurses Week celebration programme at Nkoranza.

The Omanhene called on the general public to appreciate the good work and efforts of nurses, whom he also asked to exercise patience with patients. He recalled the exploits of the legendary nurse, Florence Nightingale and urged the nurses to emulate her to enhance nursing work in the country.

Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, District Chief Executive, commended nurses for their hard work in promoting the good health of the people and appealed to them to spearhead the campaign on the National Health Insurance Scheme to make health delivery affordable to all. "Nurses should help in promoting the education of the people on preventive health care issues such as the anti-malaria campaign, the six childhood killer diseases and the HIV/AIDS pandemic to save lives", he said.

Mr Eric Apperkon, Regional Chairman of the Association, appealed to his colleague nurses to work hard at all times to commensurate their demands for better working conditions. "As good health is a pre-condition for sustainable economic and social development, nurses should gear all their actions towards the promotion of health and the prevention of diseases", he said.

Mr Apperkon asked nurses to change any negative attitudes that could adversely affect patients and to do away with greed and selfishness and not to discriminate against patients. In a welcoming address, Ms Rebecca Domo, Acting Administrator of the St. Theresa's Hospital at Nkoranza, advised nurses to work as a team and share ideas in addressing health problems. She urged them to observe punctuality and report to work on time to be able to attend to emergency cases without delay, to save lives.

Mr Richard Hinneh, Nkoranza District Acting Director of Health Services, who presided, announced that the Ministry of Health was negotiating with the Government for improvement in their working conditions. He urged the nurses to seek the welfare and comfort of all persons who seek their attention to enhance the development of the communities.