100 Nurse Anaesthetists deployed country wide in Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone Association of Nurse Anaesthetists [SLANA] on Monday, 23rd September, 2013 commenced a four day training of their fourth annual update in anaesthesia. (Photo: Dr Juan Shepherd, President SLANA)
The forum which attracted huge numbers of attendees, including members of the Sierra Leone Midwifery Association, Sierra Leone Nurses Association, and medical practitioners from various fields of practice, was held at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium in Freetown.
The theme of the celebration was, ‘’Enhancing safe anaesthesia practice in Sierra Leone.’’
Chairing the meeting was the President of the Sierra Leone Nursing Association, Dr Juan Shepherd, who expressed her appreciation to the organizers of the programme.
She also said she recognized the great role played by nurses in the health care delivery system in the country. She described the theme as more than appropriate as saving lives was of great importance in the health care delivery system.
She confessed that professional education is an integral part of anaesthetic practice and emphasized the need for Nurse Anaesthetists to get the knowledge of the human body as it serves as an eye opener to the great work they do.
Dr Juan Shepherd mentioned that in 1980, there were few Anaesthetist Nurses but with effective training, Nurse Anaesthetists have brought progress in the health care system and presently they have deployed about one hundred Anaesthetist Nurses around the country.
She acknowledged the contribution of UNFPA for playing the leading role in this development.
In his statement, the President of the Sierra Leone Anaesthetic Nurses Association, Mr. Fasluke Mansaray, reiterated that patient safety in anaesthetic is paramount and emphasized the significance of monitoring Nurse Anaesthetists if they were to achieve their goals. He lamented that they were constrained by inadequate supply of anaesthetic drugs, non availability of monitors in the theatres, lack of access to accommodation for district personnel among others. He also stated that the number of students entering for anaesthetic training continues to decline. He urged nurses to understand that they are valuable partners in promoting health, encouraging them to team up in their entire endeavours to increase productivity.
In his statement, Dr. Michael Koroma, from the Department of Anaesthesia, disclosed that his department has a huge challenge in delivering safe anaesthesia. He said he was happy for the deployment of the one hundred Nurse Anaesthetists in the country.
By Abdulai Mento Kamara
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