The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has issued a stern warning to nurses and other healthcare workers who exhibit unprofessional and rude behaviour toward patients.
Speaking at a cholera sensitisation programme at the Winneba Government Hospital, the minister expressed concern that such conduct discourages many people from seeking medical attention, even when critically ill.
According to the minister, while most healthcare workers are dedicated and compassionate, a few “bad nuts” tarnish the image of the profession with their poor attitudes, creating an environment of fear and mistrust among patients.
“We have fantastic and very professional health workers but there are a few bad nuts amongst them, especially the way some of you handle patients. Sometimes you will be surprised to hear that somebody may be sick, (especially the aged). If you ask him or her to go to the hospital, he will say the nurse will insult me or shout at me.
“Irrespective of the level of provocation, we expect you to be very professional, its an appeal to the few bad nuts that are amongst you. Some of these things I will take it seriously. It doesn’t mean that we are going to come after somebody but it’s important for us to protect our patients and also make them feel comfortable,” he said.
He emphasised the need for professionalism, urging healthcare workers to remain patient and courteous even in the face of extreme provocation.
The minister also argued that some health centres across the country have seen a sharp decline in attendance due to the treatment meted out to patients.
“And it is one of the reasons, why sometimes you go to some districts and the attendance or records at the government facility is lower than the private ones. It’s based on how you handle the patients. It’s a fact and we shouldn’t cover it. We must expose it to ensure the right thing is done.”
The minister hinted at stricter enforcement of disciplinary measures for those found guilty of misconduct while also pledging to improve working conditions to address the frustrations some nurses face.