Nurses Fight on Despite Difficulties
Communities mark Nabouwalu Hospital anniversary, raise funds to help patients and relatives.
Nurses at the Nabouwalu Hospital relived the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the only hospital in the Bua Province last Saturday.
The late Ms Nightingale, the ‘Lady of the Lamp’ sacrificed her life looking after wounded soldiers while being a trainer of nurses during the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856 between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, France, the U.K. and Sardinia-Piedmont (Italy).
Last Saturday amidst the anniversary celebrations at Nabouwalu, nurses and medical practitioners led a fundraising drive to help the sick and their relatives in the province.
They raised $14,085:89 with the support of members of the province, its business people and stakeholders.
The money would be used in projects that will benefit the hospital.
“Despite the pay issue and the difficulties related to resources and manpower that nurses face, Bua nurses and families are still trying to provide the best for our patients and for the people of Bua,” organising committee president and nurse in charge Sitiveni Lakolako said. Project
Mr Lakolako said the money would be used to build a shed where patients and their relatives could dry their laundry, and a rest room.
“They are trying to build a drying shed for our patients and their relatives and a rest room for relatives and a common room where they can enjoy a hot cup of tea.
“We thank the Fiji Nurses Association (FNA) reps for their attendance and support towards members at the Nabouwalu Hospital.” Mr Lakolako said.
The Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong said it was encouraging to see how FNA was supporting the staff at Nabouwalu. “We hope to keep working with FNA in achieving common goals,” Dr Fong said.
The celebration chief guest was retired nurse who was the hospital’s first nursing manager, Tulia Raisamu.
The celebration organising committee president, charge nurse Sitiveni Lakolako said they awarded their longest serving staff Ilimaina Nadore.
Ms Nadore has been employed at Nabouwalu Hospital since May 14, 1995.