Nurses were also charged to uphold the professional values of their profession so as to keep in tune with global best practices in healthcare delivery.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, gave the advice at the opening ceremony of the Year 2020 Nurses Assembly held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, urging nurses and midwives to always display professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He advised them to ensure that observance of universal safety precautions and compliance with infection prevention and control measures when dealing with patients, stressing that appropriate personal protective equipment like hand gloves, facemasks, goggles and overalls must be worn during treatment of clients.

Declaring the conference open, the Commissioner observed that the year 2020 theme “The Future of Nursing and Healthcare: A Global Perspective for Expanded Role” was well thought out, noting that global health issues require a high level of preparedness and care.

“Expanded roles in healthcare practice is a welcome development in an environment of harmony and team spirit by all stakeholders who are professionals in the healthcare industry for improved quality and safety with evidence for money spent. Health is wealth; quality healthcare remains a potent determinant of economic growth and development of a nation. It is, therefore, pertinent to maintain a qualitative nursing practice in order to overcome the prevailing healthcare challenges”, he remarked.

The Commissioner tasked the participants to be more committed in the discharge of their duties to promote qualitative nurse-patient relationship, patients-client safety and also take cognisance and optimally utilise the various innovations and advanced global technology for the advancement of the profession.

“There is need for Nurses to be prepared for any emerging infectious diseases, have a positive attitude and mindset towards clients and be well equipped to be productive in the discharge of their responsibilities. You should take cognisance and optimally utilise the various innovations and advanced global technology for the advancement of the profession”, he advised.

Prof. Abayomi stated that government on its part remains committed to ensuring best practices in healthcare delivery across the State, maintaining that quality medicare remains a potent determinant of economic growth and development of any nation.

Earlier in her welcome address, Director, Nursing Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare advocated for a strong global health platform to meet the extreme demands of Lagos State by bringing together not only nurses, doctors, pharmacists and dentists, but also other professionals such as economists, engineers and lawyers.

While appreciating the Lagos State Government for supporting the yearly event, Shonibare admitted that the programme would go a long way in keeping nurses and midwives across the State abreast of developments in the profession as well as enhance their knowledge on the policies, programmes and activities of the State Government in the health sector.

She tasked them to improve on their attitude and shun acts that could tarnish the image of the profession, noting that patients feel very comfortable when they receive adequate care, love and kindness from health workers, especially nurses.

Highlights of the event were presentations by Barrister Harrietta Fagbo on Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare Delivery; Mr. Olufemi Alo on Arts for Life while Professor Omolola Irinoye made a presentation on the Role of Technology in Modern Nursing.