FNA questions MOH on why the Maternity Unit at Navua Hospital is still in operation under unsafe condition

The Fiji Nursing Association has raised questions with the Ministry of Health about why the maternity unit in Navua Hospital is still in operation, as it is not safe to accommodate any deliveries or ante-natal and post-natal care.

The FNA says the members were very reluctant to give any information on all that had transpired, for fear of being victimized by the Chief of Nursing and Midwifery Officer(CNMO) who continuously berates them for bringing any issues to FNA.

They say that whilst the nurses understood how they were working under duress given the unsafe structure of the building, they just could not do anything as they were just submitting instructions to relocate the delivery rooms to Post Natal ward one.

They add there is a shortage of nurses at the Navua Hospital and given the responsibilities the nurses have to carry out in their duty of care and having to worry about the unsafe wards they have to work in and the inadequate water supply, it is just totally uncalled for.

The Association is also calling out the Chief of Nursing to do what she is paid to do and stand up for her nursing subordinates as these nurses are working under duress.

We sent questions to the Minister of Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and his Permanent Secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu on the 24th of last month. They are yet to respond.