The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called for quick action to safeguard nurses and midwives around the nation and denounced the physical attack of a senior staff midwife at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic by a patient’s family.
In a statement signed by Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary, and Madam Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President, the Association expressed “grave concern” over the reports and called the attack “uncultured, unacceptable, and criminal.”
“No nurse, midwife, or healthcare worker should be subjected to intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical assault in the course of rendering essential services to the public,” the statement said.
GRNMA emphasised that healthcare facilities should continue to be places of safety, compassion, and healing rather than places where nurses and midwives are afraid for their lives while carrying out their jobs.
The Association urged the facility’s administration to bolster security measures right away. Increased security presence at all key service locations, stringent visitor management and access control systems, quick response procedures for staff violence incidents, surveillance system installation and upkeep, frequent security risk assessments, and staff protection measures are among the specific requirements.
GRNMA urged the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals, and all health sector organisations to give the safety and security of nurses and midwives top priority because violence against them is becoming a growing threat that needs national attention.
The Association called for the creation and implementation of a national policy on the prevention of workplace violence in healthcare settings, investments in security infrastructure throughout healthcare facilities, the creation of reporting and support systems for victims of workplace violence, and severe penalties for offenders.
The Association also urged Ghana’s government to ratify and put into effect International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 against Violence and Harassment in the Workplace.
Convention 190 offers a thorough framework for avoiding and dealing with workplace violence and harassment, particularly in healthcare settings, according to the statement. The Association contended that ratifying it would show Ghana’s dedication to shielding employees from harassment, assault, abuse, and intimidation.
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The government, Parliament, employers, workers’ unions, and all other relevant parties were asked by GRNMA to accelerate the ratification and implementation of this significant international labour norm.
“Swift action will not only provide justice for our colleague but also serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts,” the statement said.
The Association urged the Ghana Police Service’s Community 22 Police Station to handle the incident with the gravity it requires and to move quickly to identify, apprehend, prosecute, and convict all those guilty for the assault.
The Association urged the Ghana Police Service’s Community 22 Police Station to handle the incident with the gravity it requires and to move quickly to identify, apprehend, prosecute, and convict all those guilty for the assault.
Additionally, GRNMA urged the public to refrain from using violence, threats, or aggressiveness against midwives and nurses.
“Nurses and midwives are not enemies of patients or their families. We work under extremely challenging conditions, often making personal sacrifices to save lives and provide quality care. Differences, frustrations, or misunderstandings should never be resolved through violence,” the Association stated.
When issues come up, the public was urged to use the established grievance and complaint processes.
The Association admitted that the episode has caused anger, disappointment, and concern among nurses and midwives nationwide.
While the relevant authorities look into the situation, GRNMA asked members of the nursing and midwifery community to maintain composure, professionalism, and adherence to the law.
“An attack on one nurse or midwife is an attack on the entire nursing and midwifery profession. We will continue to stand united in defending the rights, safety, and dignity of every nurse and midwife in Ghana,” the statement concluded.
The Association reiterated its dedication to seeking justice for the assaulted midwife and pushing for practical steps to ensure the protection, safety, and dignity of nurses and midwives in all Ghanaian healthcare facilities.
Source: newsthemegh.com