OOUTH Denies Forcing Nurses to Clean Hospital Amid JOHESU Strike
The management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, on Tuesday denied allegation of compelling its nurses to clean the hospital due to the ongoing Joint Health Sector Union strike which has forced some of the workers, including the cleaners to stay away from work for over a month In a statement issued on […]
The management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, on Tuesday denied allegation of compelling its nurses to clean the hospital due to the ongoing Joint Health Sector Union strike which has forced some of the workers, including the cleaners to stay away from work for over a month
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations department of the hospital, the management of the teaching hospital described such allegations “as unsubstantiated, baseless, fake and figment of imagination of the writer”
The Elegant Forum Nurses in a statement signed by one Abiodun Thomas had alleged that some hospitals including, OOUTH, Sagamu are forcing their nurses to carry out cleaning and sanitation duties due to the absence of the cleaners who have been part of over one month JOHESU’s strike action.
The forum condemned the alleged untoward practice, describing it as highly unethical, unlawful, professionally degrading and a direct assault on the integrity of the Nursing profession.
The OOUTH management has however denied been involved in any unprofessional act saying that its nurses have always been treated with dignity and respect that is due to the nursing profession and to every professional working with the hospital.
The statement partly reads “The attention of the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) has been drawn to a news report alleging that nurses in public hospitals, including OOUTH, are being compelled to perform unprofessional duties as a result of the ongoing JOHESU national strike.
“The report, purportedly signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum, was published by several online platforms and blogs without due verification.
“The management categorically states that the claims as they relate to OOUTH are false, misleading, and entirely baseless. At no time has any member of staff—medical or non-medical—been pressured, instructed, or compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their professional cadre.
“The public is hereby assured that activities at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, continue to be managed with the highest level of professionalism and respect for all healthcare workers, including nurses.
“Staff welfare, teamwork, and adherence to ethical standards remain top priorities. Despite the ongoing industrial action, no medical personnel at OOUTH have been forced to undertake duties beyond their professional responsibilities or in violation of established practice”
The Acting Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Folasade Fawole, was also quoted to have confirmed that nurses were never subjected to unprofessional duties.
Fawole was quoted as saying, “While nurses may take personal initiatives to keep their immediate workspaces tidy, cleaning of wards and clinic areas is not part of nurses’ official duties, and at no time have nurses been compelled to undertake such tasks.”
The management of the teaching hospital reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, staff welfare, and a conducive working environment.
The statement added that the hospital will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to promptly address any concerns and ensure smooth service delivery within ethical and professional boundaries.