Training gaps impact patient safety, says FNA – FBC News

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The lack of consistent nursing training programs creates inefficiencies in the healthcare system and compromises the quality of care provided.

This issue was raised by the President of the Fiji Nursing Association, Dr. Alisi Vudiniabola, who stressed that proper training of nursing staff is essential to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring patient safety.

She adds that concerns have recently been raised with the Department of Health about unsupervised staff and suspected incidents of medical negligence, some of which are currently under investigation.

“So when issues like this arise, they have to take a fresh look at themselves. They look at their training, what’s wrong with the training if the complaint is about interns.”

Dr. Vudiniabola says the FNA runs its own professional development programs; However, the Ministry of Health is also responsible for providing regular training under the Nurses Act.

“When these are highly trained clinical experts, whoever regulates them has a responsibility to ensure that their knowledge and practice meet a certain standard.”

Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu reiterates that they will ensure that all budgeted training programs are carried out as planned.

“The ministry is conducting numerous ongoing trainings to build the capacity of our staff, particularly technical staff such as nursing and others.”

According to FNA, it is critical that training programs are adequately funded, accessible and up-to-date.