17 critical care nurses complete training
-to augment care countrywide
Seventeen nurses have completed the Critical Care Nursing training programme as the Ministry of Health seeks to enhance the capacities of healthcare workers countrywide.
The nine-month training featured both theoretical and practical training for the first six months, followed by three months of internship. The sessions, which started on June 3, 2019, were conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital, New Amsterdam Hospital and the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Malcom Watkins said nurses are the “backbone of the health care system.”
“Your service cannot be overstated enough…This must be a role that is driven by purpose because you took on the challenge of becoming critical care nurses and are now on the frontline of saving lives.”
Mr. Watkins charged the graduating nurses to become mentors to their colleagues in their respective regions and to prioritise patient care.
“You’re now in a position of leadership. You are no longer just following and that role. We cannot pay you for it; you have to do it out of your sense of commitment and compassion for health care.”
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh said the completion of the training programme signifies the country’s commitment to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Three, improving access to quality essential health-care services.
“The need for critical care nurses is much more important now, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, you are coming at a very important point in our history to add to the qualified and quality care we provide to our patients,” he said.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information, Ms. Janette Thomas, a Registered Nurse from Mahdia District Hospital, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) lauded the programme. She pledged to share her knowledge with her colleagues.
“I’ve learned a lot, and when I go back, I would encourage my colleagues to pursue the programme,” she said.
Just recently, Health Minister, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony announced plans to continue healthcare training in several disciplines to ensure that the public has access to quality health services.