Operational disruptions and discontent are becoming apparent at the La Polyclinic in Accra, as nurses at the facility raise issues about challenging work schedules and alleged management indifference.
Approximately 25 nurses from the Out Patients Department (OPD), Emergency Room (ER), and Treatment Room are reportedly advocating for a return to a schedule that allows for two days off while maintaining their 40-hour work duties.
The concerned nurses argue that recent changes in their schedules, known as “timetable differentials,” are taking a toll on their well-being and could impact health delivery if nurses are not in the right frame of mind during their shifts.
Sources within the facility’s management mentioned that a meeting took place in June with the disgruntled nurses and district-level officials. However, no concrete agreement was reached, except for an advisory to reconcile and start afresh.
This issue arose due to a change in the “timetable differential,” proposed by the Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDNS) at the facility, Ms. Veronica Momo Blabi.
The nurses, in a petition, explained that they had initially agreed to a different schedule that allowed them at least two days off within a week, which did not affect their service delivery.
“The DDNS wanted us to run our shift with just one day off in a week, which is not favourable to us, so at the unit level, with the knowledge of our in-charges, we agreed and designed a different timetable that enabled us to have at least two days off within a week.
The nurses requested management to consider restoring the previous schedule, providing them with two days off each week to refresh both body and mind for work. However, they alleged that this plea resulted in tension between the nurses and the DDNS.
In a follow-up petition, the nurses expressed concerns about experiencing stress and fear, which could negatively impact their professional performance, mental well-being, and overall social health.
They also questioned the lack of action from hospital management regarding verbal abuse, threats, and excessive working hours.
When contacted by the Ghanaian Times, management did not provide specific comments on the matter, stating that doors were open for nurses to discuss their grievances and find lasting solutions.