Nursing Director calls for mandatory health check-ups of nurses at GPHC

Director of Nursing at the Georgetown Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr Leslyn Holder has called for mandatory health check-ups of nurses at the facility, emphasising the need for better care of this group of healthcare professionals.

She made the call during her address at the GPHC’s Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony held on Monday. The ceremony was held in observance of International Nurses Week held annually from May 6th to May 12^th.

In delivering remarks, Dr Holder drew attention to the occupational risks nurses are faced with on a daily basis.

Such risks include musculoskeletal injuries, nutrition deficiency and burnout from working long hours.

With this in mind, the nursing director issued a call to the management board of GPHC to implement strategies that cater for the mental and physical wellbeing of nurses.

Moreover, she noted a concerning observation among the current nursing population at the hospital and urged management’s immediate intervention.

“On Thursday, we had our blood drive where thankfully to our donors, I think we had about 20 units of blood donated. Unfortunately, not all of our nurses who volunteered to give blood that day were able to…”

“…and that is because at least 30 nurses were found to have a lower HB ( Hemoglobin – a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body), they did not reach the criteria for donating blood. You know how many more of our nurses are like that, and we know that these conditions can contribute to feeling tired on duty and also predisposes you to infections so, I take this opportunity to ask management including HR to implement mandatory health checks for nurses that will provide an informed approach on how we can care for our nurses,” the nursing director expressed.

She also urged management to develop strategies to ensure nurses have enough rest periods while on the job.

“Ensure that nurses on duty have structured adequate mandatory breaks when they’re on duty. A 12-hour shift is a long day. As nurses, we understand the importance of good nutrition and having meals on time and you too, all of you, not just nurses, ensure your own selfcare in is intact,” she added.

The GPHC continues to grapple with a shortage of nurses. In fact, last year, it was reported at the GPHC is operating with a deficit of some 700 nurses.

Nevertheless, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran – also delivering remarks at the event – explained that the hospital is committed to improving the experience of nurses employed at the institution.

“We are making significant investment in nursing from empowering them to skilling, to meet the ever-changing evolutions and dynamics of healthcare,” he said, adding that “there is a need for increased mentorship and leadership in nursing and we are committed to addressing this need.”