Accra: Dr Christian Owoo, the Director of the Medical Training and Simulation Centre at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), has called on members of the Critical Care Nurses Society - Ghana (CCNSG), to prioritise unity, hard work, and collaboration in the delivery of critical care services. Dr Owoo made this appeal during the launch of the Society's Critical Care Awareness Month at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, held under the theme: 'Beyond the Bedside: Courage, Care and Compassion,' celebrated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses, who have been described as the silent and unseen heroes of the health system. Dr Owoo emphasized that unity and teamwork are essential for effective patient management in high-pressure environments such as ICUs. He urged nurses to support one another through continuous learning and professional collaboration.
In addition, Dr Owoo appealed to the authorities of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to clear outstanding arrears owed to health facilities for 2025, stating that settling these debts would enhance the financial stability of hospitals and strengthen the health system to deliver quality care. The launch gathered health professionals, educators, and policymakers to highlight the role of critical care nurses and advocate for improved training, working conditions, and recognition for the specialty.
Mrs Faustina Excel Adipa, Principal of the Post-Nursing/Critical Care Nursing School at Korle Bu, stressed the importance of sustained improvements in critical care services through ongoing collaboration among hospital management, staff, and the public. She noted that effective critical care depends not only on the expertise of nurses but also on strong support systems involving administrators, clinicians, and community members working together.
Mrs Adipa affirmed the commitment of the Post-Nursing/Critical Care Nursing School to train nurses equipped with the skills and professionalism needed to meet the growing demands of intensive care units across the country. She urged stakeholders to invest in continuous professional development and provide the necessary resources to support frontline health workers. Additionally, she commended the Critical Care Nurses Society - Ghana for initiating the awareness campaign, describing it as an important platform to highlight the role of critical care nurses and foster partnerships to improve patient outcomes.
Nurses and union members who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the programme pledged their continued dedication to the profession. They expressed that the event had renewed their commitment to serve with sacrifice, compassion, and professionalism, despite the demanding nature of critical care work. They noted that the work, while challenging, is fulfilling because saving lives gives it meaning.
The month-long campaign, launched on Thursday, May 14, 2026, seeks to highlight the critical role of nurses in Ghana's intensive care system and advocate for improved support, training, and recognition for professionals in the field. Activities lined up for the awareness month include public education campaigns, professional development programmes, and stakeholder engagements on policies to strengthen intensive care services in Ghana. The Critical Care Nurses Society - Ghana is dedicated to advancing critical care nursing practice through education, advocacy, and collaboration.