‘Nurses have rights to have their voices heard in policy’

KUCHING: Nurses play a major role in transforming healthcare in the country and thus, their voices must be heard when it comes to formulating health policies, planning and provisions.

According to State Matron of Sarawak Health Department Aieshah Zainudin, all nurses deserve this right.

“Nurses deserve the rights to have positive working environment, adequate remuneration and access to resources and education. At the same time, we want the voices of the nurses to be heard in decision- making, as well as development implementation of policies,” she spoke during the state- level ‘ International Nurses Day 2018’ celebration at the auditorium of Bangunan Sultan Iskandar at Jalan Simpang Tiga here yesterday, which also included a seminar for nurses.

Aieshah said in line with this year’s theme ‘A Voice to Lead, Health is A Human Right’, the focus was on current key issues.

“Issues such as healthcare management and leadership are great topics for discussions. Apart from that, we are also looking at issues such as challenges in providing care to patients in public health areas,” she added.

Aieshah pointed out that the seminar’s aim was to share with the participants the current insights and strategies in patient care and the ‘medic-legal’ aspects in nursing.

“A group of experts will address the integration of patient safety programmes, as well as clinical governance that promotes patient safety practices.”

Nurses deserve the rights to have positive working environment, adequate remuneration and access to resources and education. At the same time, we want the voices of the nurses to be heard in decision-making, as well as development implementation of policies. Aieshah Zainudin, State Matron of Sarawak Health Department