Last Updated on May 14, 2020, 6:38 AM AST by Anthony Morris
In a salute to mark International Nurses Day, National Political Leader of the opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNL), The Right Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas has given an assurance that the incoming NextGen SKN Labour administration will provide all that is necessary to improve the lives of local nightingales.
In a televised broadcast, the former prime minister noted that in this year of the Nurse and the Midwife, it is essential now more than ever that nurses receive the support and investment that they need and that they deserve.
“Our nurses are first human beings with families of their own and they must be provided with the supports required to perform at their jobs. Happy and satisfied nurses make for happy and satisfied patients, which for the sick, can make all the difference in their path to healing,” he said.
He honoured and thanked retired nurses for their years of dedicated service, especially those who continue to serve their communities and country by mentoring and inspiring new generations of nurses.
“Today on this International Nurses Day we stand in solidarity with our nurses. Your commendable service during this global pandemic reflects the essence of the theme “A Choice to Lead, Nursing our World to Health.” Thank you to our amazing nurses. Thank you for going beyond the call of duty during this very difficult time. As the political leader of the NextGen SKN Labour Party, I reaffirm our commitment to restoring the respectability and stature of our nurses. We salute you,” said Dr Douglas.
In outlining the several initiatives, Dr Douglas gave the assurance that in a post-COVID environment, the NextGen SKN Labour Administration will:
(i) – Support and invest in our nurses by working diligently to improve working conditions and terms of work partly achieved through the construction of a brand new Joseph N. France Hospital and upgraded health centres;
(ii) – Provide our nurses with the materials and equipment needed to perform and the training as to how to use them,
(iii) – Improve the level of accountability and responsiveness of the nursing leadership that would have a positive impact on the work culture and quality of patient care.
(iv) – Reintroduce the nursing stipend for students enrolled in the Nursing Programme and engage in an extensive recruitment drive that would also target men;
(v) – Negotiate an appropriate remuneration package that takes into consideration overtime pay.
(vi) – Offer scholarship opportunities for further professional development and specialization.
This year’s International Nurses Day also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale and he said it is an honour for his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party to join with the international community to honour the service and sacrifice of nurses serving across the Federation.
“Nursing is one of the noblest callings among the diverse range of professions that exist today. Along with doctors, teachers, sanitation officers and police officers, they provide an essential service that no society can afford to do without. Nurses are the ones who open the eyes of our newborns and gently close the eyes of the dying.
They are often the very first and last point of contact for the populations they serve and the quality of the initial assessment, care and treatment is absolutely vital. The love, attention and high-quality treatment and care that our nurses put into caring for and assisting patients is just as critical, is just as important as the life-saving procedure or operation that is undertaken by the doctor or surgeon,” said the former prime minister.
He further noted that the skill, work ethic and value of nurses have become even more apparent today in the global battle to eradicate the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
