Minister stands by suspension

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 06 August 2017, 12:00AM

The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, says the National Health Service does not tolerate insubordination.

Tuitama made the point referring to the nine midwifery nurses who have been suspended by the Samoa Nurses Council.

The suspension came after the nurses failed to sit the biannual midwifery renewal of credentials exam.

According to the Minister a special meeting was held on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

“It was uncovered by the National Health Service Management these nine nurses were instructed to attend the bi annual credential course,” said the Minister. 

“Again, they were being reckless and because of their actions, we have been meeting to try and come up with a solution to assure the service is provided to the public in a safe way.” 

The Minister added that if this was him and if nursing was his bread and butter, he would never forget to sit the text.

To assure this does not happen again, Tuitama said the decision has been made to discipline the nurses.

 “This will set an example to all the nurses that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Ministry.” 

According to Tuitama, the nurses took advantage of the fact the hospital needs their services. 

“The reality is they should be disciplined, if your boss tells you to do something you do it. If they did not do it, that is insubordination and it should be dealt with accordingly." 

“We are doing everything for them because we want their service and they are talking advantage of our leniency because we need their service."

“Disciplinary measures should be imposed on this certain matter." 

“They want to bend the [nursing] Council, bend the nurses act because they did not do what they were instructed to do.” 

 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 06 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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