Attack on healthcare worker: GRNMA calls for national policy to protect nurses and midwives
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has condemned the physical assault of a senior staff midwife by relatives of a patient at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic, calling for immediate steps to protect nurses and midwives across the country.
In a statement signed by the President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and General Secretary, Dr David Tenkorang Twum,the Association said it received the reports with "grave concern" and described the attack as "uncultured, unacceptable, and criminal."
"No nurse, midwife, or healthcare worker should be subjected to intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical assault in the course of rendering essential services to the public," the statement read.
GRNMA stressed that healthcare facilities must remain places of healing, compassion and safety, not environments where nurses and midwives fear for their lives while performing their duties.
Demands for hospital management
The Association called on the management of the facility involved to immediately strengthen security measures. Specific demands include enhanced security presence at all critical service points, strict visitor management and access control systems, rapid response protocols for incidents involving violence against staff, installation and maintenance of surveillance systems, and regular security risk assessments and staff protection measures.
Call on Ministry of Health and agencies
With violence against nurses and midwives becoming an increasing threat requiring national attention, GRNMA called on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals and all health sector agencies to prioritise the safety and security of nurses and midwives.
The Association demanded the development and enforcement of a national policy on the prevention of workplace violence in healthcare settings, investment in security infrastructure across health facilities, establishment of reporting and support systems for victims of workplace violence, and strong sanctions against perpetrators.
Ratification of ILO Convention 190
The Association further appealed to the Government of Ghana to ratify and implement International Labour Organisation Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
The statement noted that Convention 190 provides a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing violence and harassment in workplaces, including healthcare settings. Its ratification, the Association argued, would demonstrate Ghana's commitment to protecting workers from violence, abuse, intimidation and harassment.
GRNMA urged the government, Parliament, employers, workers' organisations and all stakeholders to expedite efforts towards the ratification and implementation of this important international labour standard.
Call on Police Service
The Association called upon the Community 22 Police Station of the Ghana Police Service to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and expedite investigations to ensure that all persons responsible for the assault are identified, arrested, prosecuted and brought to justice.
"Swift action will not only provide justice for our colleague but also serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts," the statement said.
Appeal to the public
GRNMA also appealed to the public to desist from all forms of violence, threats and aggression against nurses and midwives.
"Nurses and midwives are not enemies of patients or their families. We work under extremely challenging conditions, often making personal sacrifices to save lives and provide quality care. Differences, frustrations, or misunderstandings should never be resolved through violence," the Association stated.
Members of the public were encouraged to use established complaint and grievance procedures where concerns arise.
Message to nursing fraternity
To all nurses and midwives across the country, the Association acknowledged the anger, disappointment and concern that the incident has generated within the profession.
GRNMA urged members of the nursing and midwifery fraternity to remain calm, professional and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities investigate the matter.
"An attack on one nurse or midwife is an attack on the entire nursing and midwifery profession. We will continue to stand united in defending the rights, safety, and dignity of every nurse and midwife in Ghana," the statement concluded.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for the assaulted midwife and advocating for concrete measures to guarantee the safety, dignity and security of nurses and midwives in every healthcare facility across Ghana.
