A total of 492 students who recently graduated from four different health training institutions in Accra have been tasked to apply their knowledge and make valuable contributions in their respective fields.

They were asked, among other things, to ensure the safety of patients and adopt effective communication skills at  their workplace .

The trainees were from the Ophthalmic Nursing School, School of Peri-Operative and Critical Care Nursing, Public Health Nurses School, all  at Korle Bu, and the School of Anaesthesia and Critical Care (Ridge).

Dr. Asante-Krobea, Principal of the School of Peri-Operative and Critical Care Nursing, speaking at the ceremony, said the granduands must strive to make “a good impression on the professional front.”

Speaking on the theme “COVID-19: The Role of the Professional Nurse,” he stressed the need for government to “strengthen and invest” in specialised nursing education.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had reinforced the need to train and increase the number of health professionals available in the country, adding that nurses and midwives must be empowered to help achieve global health coverage and other national health goals.

“It is the responsibility of government to strengthen and invest in Specialised Nursing Education for the critical workforce to have a triple impact of promoting health, advancing gender parity and strengthening local economies.

“A long-term goal is to raise the profile of nursing and midwifery globally and any such positive action from government will engender public confidence in the slowly dying health system,” he noted.

Dr. Asante-Krobea further called for more collaboration from stakeholders to help the institution attain its vision of becoming a centre of excellence for health skill training and consultancy.

Mrs. Stella Antwi Boasiako, Principal of the School of Ophthalmic Nursing, also appealed for more classroom and hostel facilities to help the school increase enrolment while Mrs. Martin Agbemabiese- Danoo, Principal, Public Health Nurses’ School, expressed confidence in the ability of trainees in serving the public with dignity and respect.

Dr. Evans Atito-Narh, Ag. Director, School of Anaesthesia (Ridge) expressed appreciation to institutions and individuals who had contributed to the growth of the school, adding that it would soon introduce a Master of Philosophy in Anaesthesia.

Chief Programme Officer at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Dr BaffourAwuah, delivering a speech on behalf of the sector Minister, Mr. Kwaku Agyemang-Manu said government was committed  to  investing in human resource training to ensure quality health service delivery.

Students who excelled in their respective programmes were recognised.

By Lizzy Okai