ONGWEDIVA – The Health Professions Councils of Nambia (HPCNA) has announced it is investigating the conduct of nurses who were filmed abusing an elderly patient at Oshakati last month.
“The council will investigate the conduct of the practitioners concerned and take appropriate action in line with due processes,” HPCNA registrar Cornelius Weyulu said in a press statement. The nurses were caught on camera using cruel language, with one seen slapping the elderly patient.
In the widely circulated video on social media platforms, the patient was also observed lying on the floor in the room. Weyulu said the council is empowered by the Nursing Act 8 of 2004 to take appropriate action against any registered or enrolled, midwife or accoucheur who contravenes the codes of conduct as set by the law.
According to Weyulu, the nurses fall below the expected professional standard. He said nurses are expected to uphold the professional standard of care when managing and treating patients – and as such, it must be done with respect, aimed at upholding the rights and dignity of patients.
The council, thus, advise all nurses, midwives and accoucheurs to act professionally at all times and to render the required assistance to patients in a dignified manner.
Executive director in the health ministry Ben Nangombe last week also denounced the nurses’ conduct and removed them from patient care.