GEORGETOWN Public Hospital Corporation on Thursday held a simple appreciation ceremony in the hospital compound in observance of International Nurses’ Week 2016, held under the theme: “Nurses: A Force For Change: Improving the Health System’s Resilience.”Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green; Chairman of the GPHC Board, Dr. Max Hanoman and Chief Nursing Officer – Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Tarmattie Barker, all gathered to celebrate with the nurses.

Public Health Minister, George Norton said that if we considered a world without nurses then we would realize how vital their services were in hospitals and health centers, both in urban and rural areas. “Wherever the need exists they are working diligently to serve and protect the health of our people.”

He went on to state that, “Every day, nurses provide leadership, innovation and advocacy to meet the health care needs of our citizens. I can also safely say that they also help in making the lives of our doctors easier.”

Minister Norton pointed out that in addition to their technical skills, nurses bring to their duty posts a generous dose of compassion in dealing with patients who are severely ill and in need of not only constant care but also of emotional support and encouragement.

He stated: “We have recognized that nurses are an essential part of the healthcare workforce, and as such we want to give our nurses attractive career opportunities and pathways, so that they can fulfill their aspirations. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to advance its training opportunities in the areas of professional nursing and midwifery.” He also encouraged them to follow up their careers.

Meanwhile, Director of Nursing Services at the GPHC, Ms. Collene Hicks stressed that nurses were a vital force for changes that the health system needed.

Ms. Hicks stressed on the growing pressure which nurses face, including coping with changes to service delivery and models of care, financial pressures and enhanced expectations.

According to her, nurses have the responsibility to look after themselves and develop strategies which will help them to recover from their own difficulties

Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Mr. Allan Johnson urged the nurses to use the occasion to do some introspection.

He applauded those who have been doing well and urged those who have not done so well to step up their game.