Korle-Bu Nurses Threaten Strike Action

In spite of the fact that nurses render invaluable services to the general public under strenuous conditions, they are often subjected to harassments by some relatives of some patients.

Against this backdrop, nurses at both the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and the Teaching Hospital have threatened to lay down their tools if the issue is not properly addressed. Speaking to The Crusading Guide at Korle-Bu last Thursday, the nurses (some of whom declined to mention their names) said besides embarking on the intended strike action, the would leave the country and seek ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere – where they could discharge their professional duties in a more secure and peaceful atmosphere.

According to them, assaults on them and threats of assault by irate relatives – who refuse to understand the laid down procedures for medication – of patients had become a common phenomenon at the hospital. One of the assault victims, Ms Janet Afumwaa Aboagye, Staff Nurse at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic narrated her ordeal to this reporter and O.B. Safo-Kantanka (another reporter). She said at about 8.30 pm on March 2, 2003 as she was discharging her duties a man (who later gave his name as Godwin Cofie, an Accountant), rushed in his sister, Rebecca Cofie, an Accountant), rushed in his sister, Rebecca Cofie, who was said to be seriously ill, for treatment. Ms Janet Afumwaa Aboagye said she ordered Godwin to go for a card before the commencement of treatment but he (Godwin) refused and insisted that the nurse should start the treatment or direct him to a Doctor on duty.

When she told him (Godwin) that without the card no history of the patient could be written and also that the Doctor would have no card to write on, Godwin Cofie became offended and shouted on her (nurse) saying “Let me see the Doctor. If the patient were to be your mother would you ask her to go for a card”? “While I was heading for the Consulting Room, the man pounced on me, held my neck and violently pushed my head backward. I shouted for help and the Doctor on duty – Dr. David Nortey – came to my rescue”, she narrated. Asked whether other people were around at the time of the assault, Janet Afumwaa Aboagye said there were a few patients and people who were watching a television programme.

Continuing, she disclosed that Dr Nortey, who is the Principal Medical Officer in-charge of the Polyclinic, reported the incident to the Korle-Bu District Police who arrested him (Cofie). The Staff Nurse said Cofie was arraigned before Her Lordship, Mrs J.A. Dodoo, who sat as District Magistrate at the Community Centre at Accra. She expressed dissatisfaction about the court’s ruling.

According to her, Godwin Cofie, after pleading guilty to the offence with explanation, was cautioned and discharged without her being asked to give evidence, nor was she given any compensation. “In fact, all the nurses here are deeply annoyed. But for the timely intervention of the Doctors – whom we respect very much – we would have gone on strike already in protest”, Janet underscored. She intimated that she had to wear collar while undergoing medical treatment, and resumed duty only last week Monday, March 31.

Earlier, Dr Nortey had already given The Crusading Guide an insight into the occurrence. He was also not happy about the way the case was handled because according to him, attacks on medical staff had become too rampant. He said shortly before the change of government in 2000, a stoutly-built man (a.k.a “macho man”) attacked him but when he reported the matter to the Korle Bu Police, he was told that only two officers were on duty and so the case was left to die there and then.

On security, Dr Nortey said it used to be poor but with the deployment of some retired Army Officers to handle the security situation … the first batch of whom is out ….the question of security had improved considerably. He commended the police for their cooperation.