Chief Medical Director of the Reference Hospital, Okene, Prof Solomon Avidime, has assured of continued support to the staff in the hospital for efficient service delivery.
Professor Avidime gave the assurance at an event put together by the nurses to mark this year’s International Nurses Week.
The CMD, who noted the critical role nurses play in the provision of healthcare to patients, said they should be celebrated and encouraged, urging them to sustain the teamwork and diligence in the discharge of their duties.
He maintained that the hospital was in partnership with the College of Nursing and Midwifery Obangede and training their student nurses with a view to supporting government efforts in healthcare and education.
While expressing appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support to the smooth running of the world class hospital, Prof Avidime paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Governor, Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello for establishing the medical facility and equipping it for the benefit of Kogites.
The CMD thanked the organizers for a job well done and the nurses for their commitment to duty, promising that efforts are ongoing to engage more hands to ease their work.
In a welcome address, the Matron, Mrs Comfort Anate, stated that the Day was set aside to remember the mother of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, who served humanity through hardwork and compassionate service.
Mrs Anate, who pointed out that nurses make up a large percentage of any hospital, stressed that they play intermediary role between doctors, patients and patient’s relatives.
She commended the CMD for his fatherly role and commitment to the progress of the hospital which has resulted in the achievements recorded so far and enjoined the nurses to double their efforts for more successes.
In a paper on the history of nursing, an Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Mrs Kenny Abu, said the profession started with the dedicated services of Florence Nightingale, who combined religious practices, strict discipline and a sense of mission to the job.
Also speaking, a State official of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Mr Alao Usman, urged the nurses to build on the good works of the founder of the profession and sustain its ethics.
The event featured drama, songs, special presentation and awards as well as certificates of appreciation to deserving nurses.
The program, which was well attended, was an opportunity for the nurses to showcase their unique features in their dutied as they care for patients.