Health: New nursing strategy for the next five years |06 March 2017
The Nurses Association of the Republic of Seychelles (Nars) is working on a new strategy which will define the future of nursing care in Seychelles.
During a first of its kind consultative forum which was held at the Constance Ephelia Resort and Spa on Saturday, nurses and midwives had the opportunity to voice their views and provide input for the new strategy.
The aim of the half-day forum which was guided by the theme ‘Listen, explore and inspire’ was to address current nursing issues affecting care and service delivery, in view of the elaboration of a strategic framework for the years 2018 to 2022.
The around two hundred nurses and midwives present – about have of the nursing family – reflected on issues such as the quality of nursing care, opportunities for nurses in the 21st century as well as the value of nurses in Seychelles.
Speakers included the head of the Health and Social Department of the University of Seychelles Beryl Camille, clinical male nurse Greg Vadivello and community nurse Gemma Barbier. The latter has over the years also amassed a wealth of experience in nursing education and management.
The forum was launched by the Minister for Health and Social Services Jean-Paul Adam, who described nursing as “one of the noblest professions, one of the most important in society and also one of the most difficult jobs in the world”.
Minister Adam, who touched on issues such as leadership and good practice, scheme of service, recruitment and retention and also staff morale, remarked that the people of Seychelles are immensely appreciative of the work done by nurses who are working hard during tough and challenging times and contributing much to society.
While he remarked that they had never shown a shortage of compassion, determination, devotion and care which is the human dimension of their practice and which should not be lost, he also commented that the level of care is higher where morale is high.
He asked them to take strength from their patients in order to go the extra mile.
The health minister added he was pleased that among the topics discussed were quality health and education, as he said that learning is now at the forefront of nursing and that all changes must come through education.
He however stressed that solutions to other issues like communication and the socio-economic needs of nurses had also to be found. On the last note, he noted that by maintaining the nation’s health, nursing provides services with economic value.
“Nurses are key actors in bringing about productivity,” he said.
Stressing on the importance for them to be implicated in their professional development, Minister Adam also promised that his ministry will do its best to support them and provide them with all the resources they need.
“We must also look at the broader picture and develop a better health system for Seychelles”, he concluded.
Nars chairperson Rosie Bistoquet commented that the recommendations from the forum and its general outcome will contribute to the development of the nursing profession in Seychelles.
By listening to her colleagues’ views she said, they will keep their values and integrity while avenues will be explored for better health, with weaknesses turned into strengths.
She added that the chosen theme came as a result of demand from patients as well as from the country’s current socio-political context and the change in the pattern of diseases.
She believed that it would help “bridge the gap between demand and health care and ensure we achieve the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals”.
Describing nurses as the backbone of the health system, Ms Bistoquet expressed confidence that this “first forum organised by nurses for nurses” will provide them with the necessary knowledge which will enhance the development of the nursing profession.
“Nurses are the backbone of the health system, treating and educating every portion of society and in different institutions such as schools and hotels,” emphasised the Nars chairperson, before concluding that “we are everywhere not only because we care, but because we have a civic responsibility”.
