The den of noise in Anguilla over one matter or another has unfortunately obscured some of the other domestic matters that should also engage our attention, however briefly. A highlight over the past several days has most certainly been the observance of Nurses’ Week as our health professionals reflected on their profession and care of the sick among us. Our health is of maximum importance to us and we must not realise this only when we are on our sick beds or drawing our last breath. Surely, we have our physicians and specialists but, as the Minister of Health remarked, nurses play a great role in health services. It is one that is unmatched when it comes to providing a balm of loving patient care, comfort and restoration.
The nursing service in Anguilla has had its ups and downs over the years and has not been without criticism – some perhaps just and unjust. In the past, members of this noble profession were accused of being rude, unprofessional and not confidential in terms of private patient information. That perceived lack of confidence was labelled as one of the reasons for persons seeking treatment outside the island in some cases. Thankfully, that unfortunate scourge may now have worn off, or lived down, by what is observed to be a very professional delivery of nursing care on the island – given the demands for quality assurance and a high level of training and qualifications. There is now even talk about Government working towards the establishment of a Nursing School in Anguilla.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Evans McNiel Rogers, who enjoys referring to himself as a ‘health professional’, based on his Medical Technology training, spoke about such an institution. It is only just over a month ago that he reported in the Anguilla House of Assembly that an enabling piece of legislation for a Nursing Licensing Professions Act would be forthcoming. “The legislation will establish the parameters and legislative framework necessary in terms of establishing a Nursing School in Anguilla,” he explained. “The requirements of the Act will enable the Anguilla Government to train nurses on the island. The nurses will be able to write the requisite exams set both for regional and international institutions under an accreditation programme.”
One may say that Anguilla is too small for such an institution – given the size of its population and the fact that not many persons may wish to become nurses. On the flip side, our population is growing and the need for trained nurses in a variety of specialised areas in health institutions, schools, and community life, is also increasing. Furthermore, such a Nursing School would attract trainees from outside Anguilla. It would inspire greater confidence and professionalism in the delivery of our health services and serve as further pride in our accomplishments. A strong public relations campaign, better salaries, other improved conditions of employment, and a state-of-the art medical complex, like the one the Minister speaks about, would all be attractive inducements to persons at home and abroad.
At present, with the majority of Anguillians working in other fields of employment, Anguilla is fortunate to have a number of non-Anguillian nurses employed at our health institutions. We must be grateful to them and for the professionalism they have brought to the island away from the comfort of their own families and territories. Certainly, their work alongside that of the Anguillian nurses and other healthcare providers, to whom we are also grateful, is a big complement. It is a great honour for nurses from everywhere to labour together serving their fellowmen. As human beings themselves, with their own particular burdens and cares, they, in turn, must be the recipients of a great deal of appreciation, support and respect. Nursing is really a most satisfying and noble profession in the service of humanity – and for all ailing mankind needing tender loving nursing care, it is a Balm in Gilead.
