Address problems affecting nurses—says GPSU head

May 13, 2016 News

Inadequate staffing, work-place violence, poor compensation packages, long hours and work place hazards have been listed as some of the problems associated with the nursing profession in Guyana.

GPSU’s Mortimer Livan

But the problems of the nursing profession can be addressed with proper attention.
This was emphasized by President (ag) of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Mr. Mortimer Livan, in a message to mark International Nurses’ Day.
International Nurses’ Day is celebrated annually on May 12, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale who is said to be a model nurse and pioneer of the nursing profession.
Even as the day was commemorated yesterday, Livan said that the GPSU is calling on Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, to make adequate provisions for improved delivery of healthcare and the corresponding compensatory.
“It is time,” said Livan, “that nursing personnel within the healthcare system in Guyana be given priority attention.”
He noted that the GPSU “stands solidly behind the nurses of Guyana in their effort to improve the profession and the quality of lives as we salute them on their day in recognition of the invaluable contributions made to the well being of the citizenry of this beloved country.”
International Nurses’ Day 2016 was celebrated under the theme – ‘Nurses: A force for Change: Improving Health Systems’ Resilience.”
And Livan noted, “(Yesterday), people, the world over, recognize the valuable contribution and sacrifices being made by nurses, driving health care forward.”
He said that it must be recognized 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.
Livan said that it is of utmost concern to the union that the basic training/classroom facilities continue to be ancient and efforts must therefore be made to return to these to a level of eminence once held in the society.
“When our families and friends require medical attention, the first point of contact are the nurses who are the ones entrusted to take care of the ill. Therefore it is only fitting and proper that the nurses are equally treated and respected as well,” asserted Livan.
He questioned why nurses, the single largest healthcare workers, receive so little and much is expected of them.
Livan is of the firm belief that the care and commitment of the nurses have taken precedence and the humane factor excels.
“While each area of specialty has its own risks, we encourage healthcare workers to be cognizant of these challenges and develop better ways to ensure that best practices are advanced in such risky environments,” Livan urged.

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