[afro-nets] Africa Losing Nurses to Britain (7)

[Leela McCullough <leela@healthnet.org>]

Africa Losing Nurses to Britain (7)
-----------------------------------

Dear colleagues,

I cannot take credit for writing the piece on "Africa Losing
Nurses to Britain" - I only forwarded it onto the list. I also
sent this item to ProNUT-HIV (Nutrition and HIV), a sister forum
to AFRO-NETS, run by SATELLIFE. Again, I am forwarding a message
from ProNUT-HIV - please read below the passionate plea for help
from a nurse in South Africa.

In response to the last message from Azeh John Muma in the Cam-
eroon and Dolly Nyasulu's in KwaZulu Natal, I also ask myself,
what can we do? There is no doubt that the issues are complex
and there are no simple solutions. But, given our worldwide com-
munity of Afro-Netters, more than 1500 subscribers in over 75
countries, all of you with remarkable experience and expertise
in a variety of fields, is there a way for us to bring our col-
lective thinking to better understand and address the issues? Do
we have an opportunity to use the power of information technol-
ogy to bring us together and as Azeh John Muma said, "we can to-
gether look at the major (root) causes of this problem and pro-
pose a solution".

I like Azeh's idea. We can engage in thoughtful and constructive
discussion on AFRO-NETS. But, I would also like to explore how
we move beyond the 'discussion' to make a difference. I'm not
sure how this happens given the magnitude of the problems but I
do look forward to hearing your
thoughts.

Kind regards,
Leela McCullough
mailto:leela@healthnet.org


--
Message from Dolly Nyasulu

From: "h993227" <h993227@dohho.kzntl.gov.za>
To: "Nutrition and HIV/AIDS" <pronut-hiv@healthnet.org>
Subject: RE: Africa Losing Nurses to Britain - nutrition and
care for PLWHA
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 08:46:29 +0200

Dear Leela,

Thank you very much for your paper. For us who have opted to re-
main and tow the rope under these difficult conditions, the
situation is critical. It is also important to note that those
who cannot leave for Britain due to various reasons, e.g. age
and social circumstances, this has become a highly sensitive is-
sue because we see ourselves utilised as cart donkeys. What is
important is for our authorities to show some appreciation of
what we are doing because if we were to leave and decide perhaps
to go home and be housewives, the health care services will col-
lapse.

What is happening now, is that all the retired nurses regardless
of their age and health status are brought back to come and re-
lieve the shortage in the health facilities. Well and good but
some of these people are really old, outdated i.e. have been out
of practice for years, and have some health problems themselves.
Therefore we find ourselves having to look after the patient
whilst at the same time trying to cover for this person.

The other problem which is facing the nurses is that of our edu-
cation system. The current education of nurses does not seem to
be preparing us adequately for our job as nurses. As a result by
the time the trainee reaches her final year she is already look-
ing for better grazing grasses elsewere. We now seem to be
teaching nursing in the class room, libraries - nurses use the
computer more than making beds and changing the patient's posi-
tion. Labour is taught in the skills labouratory and the re-
search papers provide the background information. Yes well and
good we are living in modern times but the fact is nursing is an
art and you need the actual patient to learn this art and to
learn the ethics and morals expected of a nurse. The young ones
are not confident enough to handle patients and to carry out
their duties in the clinical area. They are scared. At the same
time the lecture or tutor hopes that this young nurse will have
a mentor who will help her adjust and acquire competences when
she gets to the ward. The truth is, there are no mentors they
are all gone - to Britain , some to Saudi Arabia, New Zealand
and others are at home. the few who are there are so demoralised
that they do not have the heart to help anybody else. they are
pushing the cues and watching the clock.

I am sorry, I sound negative but we have reached crisis levels
and we need help. Nurses are faced with challenges of increasing
patient's demands and dwindling resources. The changing needs of
the society as you mention the pandemimic HIV and AIDS add to
the pressures and load of responsibilies of the nurse. Something
must be done now before it is too late We need lateral and
critical thinkers who will explore all options and come up with
short term and longterm solutions. Getting those who are in
Britain back is long term, something must be done immediately
for those who have opted to remain and work under difficult con-
ditions. That can be achieved with immediate effect because it
does not involve another country, it is a domestic affair. Our
authorities seem to deny or turn a blind eye to this saga.
Please help us. It is people like you who can make a difference.
Your voice is loud and clear, help us.

Thank you,

Dolly Nyasulu
South Africa
mailto:h993227@dohho.kzntl.gov.za