08/26/2025
Strengthening Public Trust: UCTH Nurses Workshop 2025( Maiden Edition) Charts New Course for Nursing Profession Awards Otu’s, Archibong
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital's Nursing Services department held its maiden edition of the Nurses workshop, themed "Strengthening Public Trust through Strategic Communication: “Advancing Nursing Leadership and Professional Credibility in a Complex ." This event brought together nurses, academicians, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues in the nursing profession.
The workshop which ended with a dinner was graced by notable personalities, including the First Lady and Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop (Dr.) Mrs. EyoAnwan Bassey Otu, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Vivian Otu, the Director General, CRS Primary Health Care Development Agency, who was honoured with the Distinguished Humanitarian Services award for providing free health services to the vulnerable. Other awardees included Bishop Ofonmbuk Archibong, who received the Humanitarian Services award for his frequent visits to the hospital for prayers and aid to the vulnerable, and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ansa Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, for her humanitarian services in the hospital.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director/ Chairman of the maiden workshop, Prof. Ikpeme Asanya Ikpeme, who received the Award for Excellence in Performance from the Nursing Services department, lauded the Nursing Services department, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Nlumanze, for organizing the maiden workshop. He acknowledged the cordial relationship between the hospital's management and the nursing department. Prof. Ikpeme highlighted the hospital's achievements under his leadership, including infrastructure upgrades, construction of housing for house officers, and the establishment of a Neurosurgical and Stroke Center, neared 24 hours power supply and supply of potable water. He also mentioned that the hospital now provides near 24-hour power supply and potable water, significantly improving the working environment and patient care. He stated, "I am proud of the progress we have made, and I believe that this workshop will further enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients."
Following Prof. Ikpeme's remarks, the Director of Nursing Services, , Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Nlumanze, emphasized the need for the workshop, citing lapses in nursing practice, including breakdowns in communication, mishandling of public relations situations, breaches in professional ethics, and failure in upholding security protocols and patient confidentiality. She noted that the workshop would provide a platform for critical self-assessment, professional retooling, and collective recommitment to the values that define nursing at its best.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education to the Governor of Cross River State, lauded the Nursing Service department and the efforts of the Cross River State Government in nursing development in the state. She appreciated the government's initiatives, including the employment of health workers, quick intervention to call off the 7-day warning strike, and the purchase of two aircraft by the state government. Mrs. Efem called for attitudinal changes among nurses and emphasized the importance of nursing independence, stating, "I urge nurses to maintain their independence and uphold the highest standards of professionalism."
Additionally, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, recognized the critical role that nurses play in shaping the healthcare landscape of the state. He emphasized the importance of effective communication in building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change. Mr. Esu assured the participants that the Cross River State Government is committed to supporting the nursing profession, saying, "This workshop is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of communication in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape."
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Olaide Bamidele Edet, a professor of community health nursing and Chairman of the Lagos State Governing Council, College of Nursing. The workshop featured interactive sessions, expert panel discussions, and hands-on training, exploring the latest strategies and best practices in communication, leadership, and professional development.
Other distinguished awardees included Dr. Ideba Enya, Pst. Dr. (Mrs.) Comfort Ekanem, and Chief Victor Felix Okon Idem, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, for humanitarian services. The event was attended by distinguished nurses, academicians, representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), among others.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in the nursing profession, providing a platform for nurses to strengthen public trust, advance nursing leadership, and enhance professional credibility.
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