The Emergency Nurses Association of Nigeria (ENAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin offered free medical healthcare services and drugs to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Kwara.
The healthcare interventions by the association are part of their activities marking the 2022 International Emergency Nurses Week themed: “Standing Strong”.
The healthcare interventions includes free consultation services and drugs, health talk on drug abuse and simulation of emergency response to accident victims.
Speaking during the celebration, Mrs Bashirat Dere, the National Chairman of ENAN, explained that the day is marked to celebrate the contributions of the nurses to humanity and also address the challenges they face and their welfare.
Dere described the branch of Emergency nursing as a specialty within the field of professional nursing focusing on the care of patients who require prompt medical attention to avoid long-term disability or death.
According to her, emergency nurses treat patients who are suffering from trauma, injury or severe medical conditions and require urgent treatment.
The expert asserted that since these specialists work in crisis situations, they must be able to quickly identify the best way to stabilize patients and minimize pains.
She noted that the week is celebrated at a time when the association is at a crucial crossroad, when they are facing challenges including difficult working conditions and emotional patients who can be challenging.
Dere however reiterated commitment of the association to stand strong in the face of adversity and render their humanitarian responsibility to the nation.
She, therefore, appealed to government at all tiers to consider increase in members welfare.
Prof. Abdullahi Dasilva, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), appreciated the hard work and commitment of the emergency nurses to saving lives of people.
He urged them to stand strong despite odds and be professional in discharging their duties.
Dasilva pledged that the tertiary healthcare institution will continue to support the members through training and retraining of staff.
He appealed to them to always treat patients with care and empathy, saying that they are always the first point of contact in any hospital and as such the face of the institution.
Mrs Oluwakemi Ajide, the Director of Nursing Services of UITH, said the week is an avenue to create awareness on the importance of emergency nurses in Nigeria.
She disclosed that the branch of nursing is present in every hospital in the country, while reiterating commitment of members to strive and help in their role of saving lives.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Binta Oganija, the Kwara Chairman of ENAN, underscored the importance of emergency nurses, saying they utilise skills and knowledge to save lives of patients.
“There is therefore need to reflect on the accomplishment of members,” she said.
In his appreciative remark, Alhaji AbdulRazak Ariwola, the state Chairman of NURTW, commended the nurses for the free health intervention to his members.
Ariwola said the outreach has afforded the members with different health conditions to get free treatment, adding that the NURTW will continue to partner with the nurses to move the nation forward.