By Kingsley Mamore
Accra, May 15, GNA-Dr Christian Owoo, the Director of the Medical Training and Simulation Centre at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), has called on members of the Critical Care Nurses Society – Ghana (CCNSG), to prioritise unity, hardwork and collaboration in the delivery of critical care services.
Dr Owoo made the call on Thursday during the launch of the Society’s Critical Care Awareness Month at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The event, held under the theme: “Beyond the Bedside: Courage, Care and Compassion,” celebrated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses, described as the silent and unseen heroes of the health system.
He said unity and teamwork were essential for effective patient management in high-pressure environments such as ICUs and urged nurses to support one another through continuous learning and professional collaboration.
Dr Owoo also appealed to the authorities of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to clear outstanding arrears owed to health facilities for 2025, saying the settlement of the debts would improve the financial stability of hospitals and strengthen the health system to deliver quality care.
The launch brought together health professionals, educators and policymakers to highlight the role of critical care nurses and advocate improved training, working conditions and recognition for the specialty.
Mrs Faustina Excel Adipa, Principal of the Post-Nursing/Critical Care Nursing School at Korle Bu, stressed that sustaining improvements in critical care services required continued collaboration among hospital management, staff and the public.
Addressing participants, she said effective critical care depended not only on the expertise of nurses but also on strong support systems involving administrators, clinicians and community members working together.
“Sustaining the momentum will require continued collaboration between management, staff and the public to ensure that services remain responsive to community needs,” Mrs Adipa Added.
She noted that the Post-Nursing/Critical Care Nursing School remained committed to training nurses equipped with the skills and professionalism needed to meet the growing demands of intensive care units across the country.
Mrs Adipa urged stakeholders to invest in continuous professional development and provide the necessary resources to support frontline health workers.
She commended the Critical Care Nurses Society – Ghana, for initiating the awareness campaign, describing it as an important platform to highlight the role of critical care nurses and foster partnerships to improve patient outcomes.
Some nurses and union members, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the programme, pledged their continued dedication to the profession.
They said the event had renewed their commitment to serve with sacrifice, compassion and professionalism despite the demanding nature of critical care work.
“The work is challenging, but saving lives gives it meaning, we are committed to giving our best to patients and to the health system,” they added.
The month-long campaign, launched on Thursday, May 14, 2026, seeks to highlight the critical role of nurses in Ghana’s intensive care system and advocate improved support, training and recognition for professionals in the field.
Activities lined up for the awareness month include public education campaigns, professional development programmes and stakeholder engagements on policies to strengthen intensive care services in Ghana.
The Critical Care Nurses Society – Ghana, is a professional body committed to advancing critical care nursing practice through education, advocacy and collaboration.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah