The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos State chapter, on Wednesday decried the continuous dearth of nurses and midwives in the state government-owned hospitals.

The Chairman of the association in the state, Mrs. Olatunde Olusola said this at the 3rd Scientific Conference of the association in Lagos.

The conference was organised by the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the Nursing Services, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.

Olusola said there was the need to make nursing profession more responsive to the health needs of individuals, families and communities.

“All stakeholders in the healthcare services should be allowed to participate in the healthcare administration in Nigeria.”

She said the state government-owned hospitals should provide an encouraging working environment to reduce workplace hazard for nurses.

Olusola called for the provision of modern infrastructure and equipment to make the working environment more favourable for nursing practices.

In her speech, the Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Mrs. Jumoke Sonaike urged nurses to articulate and demonstrate the value and cost-effectiveness of nursing at all levels.

“Nursing process is whereby the care for our clients start immediately they enter the hospital, throughout their stay in the hospital and after their discharge by follow up.

“It involves diagnosing the patient's problems after collecting the data, prioritising the care, make plans to care and need, view the objectives and how to make corrections where there is need.

“We have Nursing Process and Audit Committee that goes to the wards periodically to oversee the activities of our nurses in the wards/units.

“It inspires nurses to work harder and ultimately improve the care on patients physically, psychologically and emotionally.” (NAN)

•Photo shows LUTH