The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have teamed up to address the growing concern of attacks on health facilities and workers across Nigeria. This collaboration was announced at a workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to develop a Continuing Professional Development module on "De-Escalation of Violence in Healthcare Settings." The initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to manage and prevent violent situations.
Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, registrar and chief executive officer of the NMCN, expressed concern over the threats and aggression nurses face at health facilities. He emphasized that healthcare workers must provide care regardless of their working environment, even in areas threatened by violence. Alhassan highlighted the need for nurses and midwives to be prepared to deliver clinical care, communicate effectively, and respond to difficult situations.
The workshop focuses on developing a CPD module to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in de-escalating violence. James Matthews, Deputy Head of Delegation at the ICRC, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to this initiative, which aims to create safer environments for healthcare workers and patients. Matthews emphasized that healthcare workers should be able to perform their duties with dignity and respect, free from violence and intimidation.
Research has shown that addressing violence against healthcare delivery in Nigeria is crucial, and strengthening the capacity of healthcare personnel to prevent and respond to violent situations is essential. The ICRC's initiative complements the work being done with the NMCN to strengthen protection of healthcare within nursing education. This CPD course seeks to translate foundational knowledge into practical skills for nurses already in professional practice.
The de-escalation module is not just about managing difficult behavior; it also focuses on communication, recognizing early warning signs, and personal safety. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve the ability of healthcare workers to continue providing care. Matthews commended the NMCN for taking the lead in developing a structured professional development response to violence against health workers.
The ICRC is committed to supporting the development of this CPD course, which represents an important step in creating safer healthcare environments. The organization is grateful to experts and practitioners participating in the workshop for sharing their experience and perspectives. By working together, stakeholders aim to enhance the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and patients.
The collaboration between the NMCN and ICRC reflects a shared commitment to protecting healthcare workers and facilities. By equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to manage and prevent violence, stakeholders hope to reduce the incidence of attacks on health facilities and workers. This initiative is a significant step towards creating a safer and more secure environment for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and ICRC are working together to develop a CPD module on de-escalation of violence in healthcare settings.
- The initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals with skills to manage and prevent violent situations.
- The goal is to create safer environments for healthcare workers and patients.
