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Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter

Nurses must keep abreast with new technology, knowledge and skills as today’s patients are techno-savy making them powerful to even challenge clinical processes, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Health Services Board (HSB) vice-chairperson Professor Auxillia Chideme-Munodawafa at a graduation ceremony of nearly 200 nurses from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals yesterday, Dr Moyo said this can only be achieved through continuous professional development.

“If you remain static, be careful your patients will be ahead of you and it becomes very difficult for you to execute your duties. Today’s patients are techno-savvy to the extent that before they go to a health institution, they would have already googled their condition and possible treatment,” said Dr Moyo.

He said diplomas were only a stepping stone for taking professionals to greater heights, including specialisation.

Dr Moyo said well-equipped cadres also enhance public confidence in the health delivery system.

“We therefore, expect you to distinguish yourselves in your various nursing specialties by delivering quality nursing care and embracing the principles of good customer care,” said Dr Moyo.

He said while Government appreciated the fact health workers were overwhelmed with work load, they should strive to protect patients from all forms of harm as Government continue working on improvement of their working conditions.

Presenting her 2019 report at the same occasion, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital’s principal nursing officer Ms Nomazulu Mpande urged Government to consider absorbing qualified but unemployed nurses in local authority facilities.

Ms Mpande said this will assist in decongesting central hospitals and enable them to focus on critical cases.

She said workload in central hospitals has increased by 32 percent compared to last year as patients defy the referral system.

Currently, she said there were about 1000 unemployed but qualified nurses.

The ceremony saw 31 midwives, 48 other nurses who were pursuing different post basic courses and 56 specialising in different areas of care graduating.

These areas of specialisation include ophthalmic, anaesthetists, intensive care, renal, oncology and mental health.

A further 57 cadres graduated in general nursing.