10th May 2019 Local nurses and midwives jointly celebrated the International Nurses Day (observed worldwide on May 12) and the International Midwifery Day in a special commemoration service at Queen Salote Memorial Hall this morning.
The themes were, ‘Nurses – A Voice to Lead: Health for All’ and ‘Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Rights’.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Hon Losaline Ma’asi who was the guest of honour said that “Nurses here in Tonga have come a long way in transforming their approach to health and wellbeing.”
Hon Ma’asi said that the ongoing development of nursing, education and training, publishing and use of National Professional Standards for registered nurses (Siate Folau ‘a e Neesi Tonga), Code of Ethics and Conduct for Nurses, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners and the continuing effort to develop policies to support nursing practice are significant achievements in the effort to attain quality nursing services for Tonga.
She told the midwives that as defenders of women’s rights they must ensure that women and newborn both have rights to “quality of care where childbirth experience upholds respect and dignity of the mother, allowing for a champion of their choice and respectful communication.”
Hon Ma’asi reminded the midwives that they are the champions who assist mothers in bringing new lives to Tonga.
“The quality of services delivery that you offer will build up their confidence in the work that you do, will be a long lasting experience for them.”
The event was attended by the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr Tetsuya Ishii, CEO for Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola and guests.
ENDS.
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications