RSG To Computerise Health Facilities

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its determination to ensure that State School of Nursing produces world class Nursing graduates.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Tamunoiyoriari Parker gave this indication while speaking at a facility tour of the institution in Port Harcourt yesterday.

According to Dr Parker, “since the state government is building world class health infrastructure we are also expected to produce world class graduates to man these facilities.”

To this end he said, “at the next accreditation visit of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, everything needed to upgrade the accreditation status of the institution from 50 students to 100 per set will be done”.

Dr Parker hinted them of the government’s plans to computerise healthcare services in the state adding that there is need for every nurse in the state to be computer literate to enable them fit into the system.

He disclosed that already the government had concluded arrangements to procure hundred computers with internet laboratory to enable them undergo training, he urged them to avail themselves of the opportunity to become information technology compliant.

While emphasising on the need of making healthcare facilities user friendly, the commissioner explained that health workers are obliged to treat patients with respect and friendliness, noting that “without patients, you have no business working in health facilities”.

He advised them on the need to imbibe the right professional ethics, and desist from all forms of violent activities and illegal associations.

Earlier in an interactive forum with the management, staff and students of the institution, the commissioner had disclosed the plan to build another School of Nursing at the Greater Port Harcourt City (GPHC), before the end of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led government in 2015.

He however directed the project team of the ministry of health to assess the level of dilapidation of structures in the State School of Nursing and School of Public Health Nursing in Port Harcourt, with the aim of renovating them before work would commence on the proposed new school at the GPHC.

Responding to questions from the audience, on transportation difficulties and security challenges within and around the school, Dr Parker promised to release two brand new buses to compliment what they already have while directing that a security firm be contracted to beef up security in the school immediately.