Gov’t will continue to invest in nurses

THE GOVERNMENT will continue to invest in the professional development of nurses, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Sancia Bennett-Templer.

Addressing an International Nurses Day ceremony at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on Friday, Bennett-Templer said their role in maintaining a healthy society is widely acknowledged.

“The Ministry will continue its thrust to improve the working conditions of all healthcare professionals as well as providing opportunities for professional advancement and development,” she said.

Bennett Templer said the move to have 300 specialist nurses given permanent positions in the system “is a beginning, and we will continue to do more” as security of tenure is recognised as a crucial factor for motivation on the job.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT

Infrastructural improvement of health facilities will be given increased attention, she said, stressing that working in better facilities is another means to encourage satisfaction on the job.

“We will be putting a lot of emphasis on ensuring that we work to upgrade the facilities in which you work,” Bennett-Templer said, adding that partnership will continue with the Nurses Association of Jamaica to advance their interest. International Nurses Day is celebrated around on May 12 in commemoration of the birth of the late English social reformer and founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.