Lawrence vows to reintroduce overtime pay for nurses

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence yesterday promised to reintroduce overtime payment for nurses and work to end the verbal and physical abuse suffered by health care workers.

“Nurses will be compensated for their hours of work even if it entails paying overtime,” Lawrence was quoted at an event held at the Guyana Public Service Union Hall, in observance of International Nurses Day.

According to a press release from the Public Health Ministry, although Lawrence provided no details of when and how this is to be facilitated, she offered the promise as part of a commitment to improving the working standards of nurses, especially when it comes to monetary compensation for hard work.

The release noted that the previous government’s decision to end overtime pay has long been a bone of contention among government workers and therefore the nurses greeted Lawrence’s announcement with applause.

Additionally, it said, the minister promised to see every hospital and health centre regarded as sacred ground.

This declaration was made in the light of the recent abuse of doctors and nurses at the West Demerara Regional Hospital which Lawrence has repeatedly condemned as “unacceptable.”

International Nurses Day was observed yesterday, under the theme ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.’ In Guyana, the activity culminated yesterday with a rally, which honoured the valuable contributions of nurses from Guyana.

According to the release, nurses were awarded for excellence and punctuality, excellence in patient care, years of service, willingness and dedication of service and for maintaining high standards of quality care in nursing.

Lawrence reportedly praised the local nurses for helping Guyana fulfil its part of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pact, particularly Goal Three, which advocates the strengthening and improvement in the quality of health care services.

The minister reminded those present that nurses are engaged at every level of the health care delivery system with the responsibility of improving the physical, social and mental health and well-being of our nation at every stage of their life, the release said. It added that Chief Nursing Officer Tarmattie Barker explained that nurses play a pivotal role in achieving the SDGs and in creating and sustaining healthier individuals, families, groups within the country.

“Each and every nurse has a vital voice to lead and make a difference. We are asking you to [use] that voice as a means to influence and persuade,” she was quoted as saying. She also reminded the nurses of the importance of professionalism and adherence to principles and protocols in the health system.

Nurses are the first point of contact for health services and she reminded them that their sphere of influence is extensive reaching individuals, families, groups, communities, managers, clinicians and governments. all ten administrative regions of