The Ministry of Health is working to address vacancies at Regional Health Authorities across the country.
The assurance came from the Minister of Health, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, while delivering the feature address at the University of the West Indies Oath Taking and Pinning Ceremony for the latest cohort of nurses.
Highlighting the crucial role that nurses play in healthcare, he said his Ministry is working to fill over 1,800 nursing vacancies in the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).
“Currently, at the NWRHA, there’s 625 vacancies. At the NCRHA, there were 143 vacancies. At the SWRHA, there’s 719 vacancies. At the ERHA, there are 381 vacancies. So that’s currently just over 1,800 vacancies. So there is opportunity, and of course, as the Minister of Health and as the government, we have to find a way to ensure that you access those opportunities.”
Dr. Bodoe urged collaboration from nurses and the Nursing Council as the Ministry works to expand services.
“We are trying as a government to expand services, and we need the cooperation of nurses. We need you to work with us. We need the Council to work with us. We need the Association to work with us. It is not a perfect situation, but we are all working for the same cause, and we are working for the patients. We are working for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
President of the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago, Corey George, advised the graduates to be guided by their commitment and dedication to the profession.
“You have been given the knowledge and taught the skills needed to provide high-quality care to the people of this nation. But more than that, you must let your commitment and dedication flow from a place of true care and compassion. Let that be the foundation of your practice.”
The Oath Taking and Pinning Ceremony saw 80 nursing students from UWI pledge to uphold the ethical principles and professional standards of the nursing profession.