GRNMA urges standby Police for Hospital security
The Chairman of the Greater Accra Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Jefferson Asare, has called for an urgent overhaul and strengthening of internal security protocols in public health facilities.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 23, he stressed that while nurses are not demanding the permanent deployment of police officers, there must be reliable and responsive security systems to protect frontline healthcare workers during emergencies.
“We don’t advocate that police should be stationed with us at the hospital. But at least, there should be some level of protection. At the blink of an eye, the police should come to the situation. That is what we are calling for,” he said.
Mr. Asare emphasised the need for a clearly defined internal security structure that can regulate access to sensitive areas, such as emergency units, reducing the burden on nurses to manage aggressive visitors or confrontational situations.
“Internal security measures should be heightened. Security personnel should know who to allow into the emergency sector and who to direct elsewhere. You can’t leave that responsibility to nurses. The police should be a buffer, not permanently stationed, but on standby to intervene immediately when incidents occur,” he added.
His comments come amid growing public concern following a violent altercation at Ridge Hospital on August 17, during which nurse Rejoice Tsotso Bortei was allegedly assaulted by Ralph St. Williams, a relative of a patient.
The situation escalated after a video circulated online showing Health Minister Mintah Akandoh exchanging pleasantries with the alleged suspect shortly after a meeting with hospital management. The footage, widely criticised, sparked outrage among healthcare professionals and the public, who viewed it as insensitive and dismissive of the severity of the incident.
In a related development, Ms. Bortei has filed a GHS 7 million civil lawsuit against Mr. St. Williams, citing physical assault and defamation. The move represents a significant legal response aimed at holding individuals accountable for attacks on healthcare workers.
Mr. Asare reiterated that without a robust response system, incorporating trained internal security personnel and police availability, nurses and other medical staff will continue to operate under threat, endangering both their safety and patient care.
Source: channelonenewsonline