By Emelia B. Addae
Larteh (E/R), Nov. 15, GNA – Dr. Kafui Searyoh, a renowned ENT Surgeon at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has underscored the urgent need for investment in the education of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) nurses to improve Ghana’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the fourth National Congress and Scientific Session organized by the Ears, Nose and Throat Nurses Society of Ghana, he highlighted the crucial role these nurses play in patient education, prevention, and early detection of health issues.
He pointed out that by equipping ENT nurses with the necessary knowledge and resources, the healthcare system could improve individual health outcomes and substantially reduce the incidence of severe ENT conditions requiring costly interventions.
The four-day national event is being held on the theme: “Our ENT nurses: Shaping a healthy future – The economic power of effective ENT care,” at Larteh in the Akuapem North Municipality of Eastern Region.
ENT nurses play a crucial role in managing common ear, nose, and throat conditions, such as ear discharge, allergic rhinitis, and impacted earwax.
They are also involved in diagnosing head and neck pathologies that may require further management by ENT consultants.
Additionally, ENT nurses provide postoperative care for complex ENT surgeries, including tonsillectomy, tracheostomy, and laryngectomy.
Dr. Searyoh indicated that the role of these nurses extended beyond clinical care to encompass significant economic benefits within the healthcare system.
According to him, ENT nurses are pivotal in-patient education and prevention strategies, guiding individuals on lifestyle changes and the early detection of symptoms.
He noted that this proactive approach not only improved health outcomes but also helped to lower the incidence of severe ear, nose, and throat conditions that may otherwise require expensive interventions.
Dr. Searyoh further called for increased recognition and support for ENT nurses, advocating that their contributions are crucial for both health improvement and economic stability within the country’s healthcare sector.
Dr. Searyoh, also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, stressed that the employment of specialist ENT nurses contributed to job creation within the health sector and that their presence supported a robust healthcare workforce and facilitated quicker access to care.
Squadron Leader Bismark Asare, the outgoing National Chairman of the ENT Nurses Society of Ghana, outlined the society’s accomplishments and objectives.
Established under the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and inaugurated in 2013, he said the society aims to raise awareness of the availability of ENT services nationwide.
It is also to enhance in-service training for ENT nurses to keep them informed on current trends, and foster unity among its members.
“Through our annual gatherings, we deliberate on pertinent issues affecting ENT nursing while also socializing and networking to strengthen our bonds as a distinct society within the GRNMA,” Mr. Asare stated.
Reflecting on his term, he noted a significant challenge in 2015 when ENT nurses lacked a job description.
The only documentation available was a one-page outline provided by the ENT Nursing School, which listed responsibilities without grade categorizations.
“Recognizing this issue, we initiated an effort in 2016 to develop a comprehensive job description for ENT nurses,” he said.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our members, along with support from the GRNMA and the Human Resource Division of the Ghana Health Service, we successfully finalized this document in 2020,” he recounted.
Mr. Asare also reported the advocacy for fluidity in the ranks of Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (DCNO) and Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), a change that has enabled many ENT nurses to achieve promotions to the grade of DCNOs.
“My administration initiated the celebration of World Hearing Day, and we have successfully commemorated it with certificates issued from 2020 to 2023,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Mr. Asare expressed optimism that addressing ongoing challenges in the ENT nursing field would reduce the exodus of experienced nurses seeking opportunities abroad.
During the congress, the ENT Nurses Society of Ghana honoured several individuals and sponsors with plaques in recognition of their support for the society.
GNA