Diaspora nurses from UK set to train 200 indigenous nurses

The Nigerian Medical Practitioners in Diaspora and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, plan to train about 200 nurses in the area of capacity building, knowledge sharing and professionalism

President, Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association- UK, Wendy Olayiwola-Odutola, who announced the initiative in Abuja, said that without nurses and midwives there cannot be health, adding that the attitude of all health professional to service delivery is important in achieving the desired outcomes.

FG to commence mechanized agriculture in 632 LGs

She urged Nigerian nurses to speak out about their needs, adding that the association is ready and willing to work with the indigenous nurses.

 “We urge you to tap into lots of career development that can improve you in this profession,” she added.

Meanwhile, the federal government has charged nurses and midwives to be professional in their conduct and services.

Minister of State for Health, Olorunnibe Mamora gav e the charge at the flag -off of a capacity building programme for nurses and midwives with the theme: “Nigerian nurses and midwives: Time for turn-around” organized by the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association- UK in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health.

Mamora advised the nurses to live up to expectations and that members of the nursing profession need to carry out a detailed self-assessment and chart a more progressive path for the profession.

Represented by the Head of Public Private Partnership (PPP), Diaspora Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Omobolanle Olowu, the minister said that nurses and midwives should strive to live up to the ideals of Florence Nightingale, whose outstanding qualities made her a hero.

“Most of the criticisms against members of this profession have bordered on lack of professionalism. The rapidly changing healthcare system requires nurses to possess increasing knowledge, clinical competence, greater independence and autonomy in clinical judgment.

“In addition, sophisticated technologies and society’s orientation to healthcare are rapidly causing educational needs of nurses to grow.  This underscores the imperativeness for training and retraining. I am happy that part of the activities for this celebration is a capacity-building programme.

 “I urge members to take advantage of this capacity building programme to improve their skills,” Mamora stated.

The minister, who said he is aware of complaints by members of the nursing profession in Nigeria about the working conditions and remuneration, assured that the government is making efforts to provide the enabling environment for the members of the profession.