LAGOS HOSTS INAUGURAL RETREAT FOR NURSE LEADERS

… Tasks Participants on Fostering Positive Work Environment

In a historic move to strengthen healthcare leadership, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health, today, officially inaugurated the first-ever retreat for nurse leaders in Lagos State.

The three-day retreat, which commenced today at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa-Ikeja, aims to equip nurse leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to mentor the next generation of nurses and enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.

Declaring the retreat open, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi emphasised the critical role of nurse leaders in the state’s healthcare system. She explained that the retreat, themed: “The Role of Nurse Leaders in Actualising the THEMES Plus Agenda in Lagos State”, is designed to equip nurse leaders with essential leadership skills to mentor younger nurses and improve healthcare delivery.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunyemi highlighted the necessity of nurse leadership in mentoring and guiding the next generation. She said, “This retreat is a testament to the importance we place on the role of nurses and their leadership potential. Nurse leaders must foster a positive work environment, encourage professional development, and support work-life balance”.

She added that the retreat aims to provide a platform for nurse leaders to learn from experienced healthcare leaders, exchange ideas, and adopt best practices. Dr. Ogunyemi urged nurse leaders to recognise and reward hard work and dedication, encourage professional development opportunities, provide training, manage workloads effectively, support nurse welfare and well-being, build trust, be approachable, and support work-life balance.

She further encouraged nurse leaders to stay updated with modern trends in healthcare by investing in their personal and professional development. “Continual learning and adaptation are crucial for effective healthcare delivery”, she added.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun praised the remarkable contributions of nurses in the state. She acknowledged their role as frontline workers responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of citizens. “Nurses are the beautiful hands that care and document. They work long hours, sacrificing their personal lives to save others. Their contributions to our society are invaluable”, she said.

The keynote lecture, delivered by Professor Funmilayo Okanlawon, focused on the evolving role of nurse leaders in setting standards, influencing policies and implementing best practices to achieve high-quality healthcare. “Nurse leaders are pivotal in setting standards, influencing policies, and implementing best practices that contribute to improved health outcomes. Continuous development is essential for effective health service delivery”, he remarked.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare expressed her delight at the inauguration of the retreat. She traced the origins of the Nurse Leaders Forum, which began in 2015 and was re-inaugurated in 2019 by the current Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. She acknowledged the instrumental support of Dr. Ogunyemi and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye in making the retreat a reality.

Mrs. Shonibare highlighted the forum’s role in updating nurse leaders with professional global updates and facilitating discussions on issues affecting the nursing profession. She emphasised the need for emotional intelligence in handling patient reactions to the escalating costs of healthcare services and the importance of addressing challenges such as healthcare worker attrition and work overload.

She further explained that the retreat aims to address these issues by fostering a collaborative environment where nurse leaders can share experiences and develop strategies to enhance nursing care. “This retreat is an opportunity for us to come together, learn from one another, and find effective solutions to the challenges we face”, Mrs. Shonibare noted.

Participants at the retreat will engage in various interactive sessions, including workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and tools that nurse leaders can apply in their respective healthcare facilities. The retreat will cover topics such as leadership styles, effective communication, and strategic planning.

The retreat marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery in Lagos State. By empowering nurse leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the state aims to create a robust healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its growing population.