Lagos State government has restated its commitment to train and support nurses, not only to ensure quality healthcare to residents, but also to strengthen their role as advocates for patients rights and safety.
The Director of Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Aketi made this known at a two-day Nurses Assembly with the theme, ‘Nursing: Leading with Purpose.’
The two-day event was organised by the Directorate of Nursing Services in Ikeja.
Aketi said the theme of the programme is “a call to action”, noting that nurses are central to the health sector and must remain compassionate, dogged and dedicated to delivering qualitative services through the knowledge they had gained.
“Nurses are very important in the scheme of things in the health sector. We must continue to be compassionate and dedicated, using our training and knowledge to deliver quality care, while leading with purpose,” she said.
She added that the ministry, in collaboration with professional associations, is intensifying efforts to curb quackery.
She urged nurses to be more committed to patient safety and rights.
“All associations of general practitioners, including nurses, are working together to ensure that quackery is checked.
“We must also lead with purpose in being advocates for patients safety and rights,” Aketi said.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health Services, Mrs Ololade Fadipe called on nurses to lead by example through advocacy, lifelong learning and collaboration to enhance their profession.
“Nurses should be compassionate, team leaders and purpose-driven. By learning continuously and collaborating, you can enhance the profession and strengthen patient care,” she said.
The annual Nurses Assembly was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health to build capacity, improve ethical standards and motivate nurses.
