By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Bolgatanga, Nov. 10, GNA – Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil, the Medical Director of the Upper East Regional Hospital (UERH), Bolgatanga, has urged residents from the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives (GCNM) scheduled to undertake specialist training at the facility to prioritize quality patient care, demonstrate professionalism and help project a positive image of the hospital.
He emphasized that good patient relations, effective communication and respect for clients were essential to building public confidence in the hospital and complementing the technical skills of health professionals.
Dr Tambil who was addressing the first batch of the Well Woman Care residents of the GCNM, said the growing access to health information had resulted in patients arriving at health facilities with prior knowledge and expectations about their conditions and the services they should receive.
“Nowadays, patients sometimes come to the hospital having read one or two things about their conditions. There is a lot of information and a lot of expectations of health workers,” he observed.
The college residents would be placed at the Obstetrics and Gynacological ward, Family Planning Unit, Adolescent Clinic, female, medical and surgical and oncology units for a three-year period.
Dr Tambil challenged the residents to use their three-year period at the hospital to positively influence public perception, noting that although the facility had the essential services and resources expected of a regional hospital, its public image remained an area which required attention.
“In this hospital, we have almost everything you need in a regional hospital. I think the only thing that we have suffered from is the image. We want you, as you are here, to project a positive image,” he stated.
He encouraged the residents to treat patients with kindness, communicate respectfully and ensure that clients felt valued and comfortable throughout their interactions with the hospital.
Dr Tambil noted that technical competence alone was insufficient to guarantee quality healthcare delivery and explained that poor relationships with patients could undermine even the highest level of professional expertise.
“You may be technically very good. You may know how to do your work and all the procedures, but if you fail in your relationship with the client, all the good things that you know amount to nothing,” he cautioned.
The Medical Director urged the residents to familiarize themselves with the Patient’s Charter, particularly its provisions on customer care, as well as acquire additional knowledge on maintaining positive relationships with patients and clients.
He further reminded them that specialist training programmes were largely apprenticeship-based and required active participation, discipline and commitment to learning.
Using the apprenticeship model as an example, Dr Tambil explained that trainees could only acquire the necessary skills and experience if they made themselves available and took advantage of the learning opportunities provided by their trainers and supervisors.
He encouraged them to demonstrate discipline, respect their superiors and remain committed throughout their training.
Dr Tambil noted that the expectations applied to all specialist programmes, irrespective of whether the trainees were doctors, nurses or other health professionals, “Your success in the programme depends on how well you apply yourself,” he said.
He expressed the expectation that the residents would make meaningful contributions to patient care and the hospital’s reputation, and benefit fully from the specialist training opportunities available at the facility.
Madam Catherine Ayoka, the Chief Nursing Officer of the UERH, advised the residents to take their studies seriously to reap the desired results.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email:[email protected]