As Rwanda joins the rest of the world to mark World Patient Safety Day this Thursday, RNMU indeed recognizes the fact that patient safety is a Rwandan and global health priority.
The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled huge challenges and risks health workers are facing globally including health care associated infections, violence, stigma, psychological and emotional disturbances, illness and even death.
Furthermore, working in stressful environments makes health workers more prone to errors which can lead to patient harm. In line with this year’s slogan “Safe health workers, Safe patients” we call upon for all stakeholders in the health system to Speak up for health worker safety.
RNMU believes in providing high quality, ethical, accessible and equitable nursing and midwifery services to all members of the population to enable them live quality lives. Thus while upholding this philosophy RNMU believes that employers in health facilities should unreservedly offer social and economic justice to nurses.
Through our Continuous Development Programs (CPD) nurses and midwives are able to develop a culture of continuing learning, acquire new knowledge and skills, and ensure efficient regulation and appropriate delivery of healthcare services to the Rwandans and is a pathway for our members to maintain and develop their professional practice so that their knowledge, skills and performance standards are improved and empower them to provide competent and safe medical care.
RNMU therefore strives to have an empowered nurse and midwife who is motivated to provide high quality service and uphold professional excellence while enjoying quality life vision.
This year’s theme is a reminder to employers in health facilities to ensure the safety and motivation of their employees. Ensuring patient safety is central to developing equitable and stronger health care systems. However, as witnessed during the current pandemic, patient safety is intricately linked with health care worker safety. The physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers is essential for their safety and for the safety of their patients.
