Citizens decry nurses’ attitude towards patients in hospitals
Healthcare workers, especially nurses, play a vital role in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. They are the first point of contact for most patients and the backbone of medical facilities across the country.
However, their attitudes towards patients have often been a subject of debate among citizens where they give mix feelings about their attitudes towards patients seeking medication at various hospitals within Freetown.
As some praise their compassion and dedication, others lament the indifference or frustration that sometimes colors their interactions.
In this Vox Pop, Concord Times’s Yusufu S. Bangura and Kadie Sesay took to the streets of Freetown to gauge the views of citizens about nurse’s attitude towards patients.
Sheik Bangura, Cobbler
I have visited the hospital several times with my wife and children to seek medical attention. My encounters with nurses have been disappointing because, without money, they refuse to attend to me. They demand bribes before offering assistance. Even when a doctor prescribes medication, the nurses pretend not to have it until I pay them.
I want nurses to understand that when a patient comes to them, no matter their status, they should attend to the patient first before asking for money because life is more important than money. I advise nurses to stop their unprofessional behavior, as sometimes it is not the illness that causes death, but their attitudes.
Nenneh Sesay, Trader
As a mother, I once took my child to the hospital and faced challenges when nurses asked me to wait, even though my child’s condition was critical. I was unhappy with their treatment. However, after a few minutes, one of my relatives, who is a nurse, noticed me and helped by attending to my child immediately.
I want nurses to change their attitudes because their mandate is to save lives. They should prioritize saving lives over asking for money.
Ibrahim Kargbo, Cobbler
When I went to the hospital with my son, I had a bad experience because I didn’t have money at that time. The nurses refused to treat him, so I had to leave him there, return home, and bring the money before they treated him. I was extremely annoyed because my son was in pain.
I encourage nurses to change their attitudes towards sick people. They should not prioritize money but focus on saving lives. Nurses must also understand that not everyone can afford to pay immediately, so they should treat everyone with kindness, especially the poor.
Salamatu Sesay, Businesswoman
Last year, I took my daughter to Cottage Hospital for treatment. When I arrived around 4 p.m., the doctor informed me that she needed blood. However, the nurses did not attend to her until 11 p.m., after I pleaded with them because I did not have enough money at the time. This made me feel terrible as I worried about my daughter’s critical condition.
I urge nurses to treat patients and their families with respect, regardless of whether they have money.
Mohamed Sallieu Kamara, Student at FBC
As a student, I have sought medical attention at hospitals, but my encounters with some nurses have been unpleasant. Their actions often irritate patients, and some use inappropriate language, which can worsen the situation.
I advise nurses to be mindful of their words because they can impact patients either positively or negatively. They should be simple, kind, and accommodating, as their role is to care for the sick.
Memunatu Bangura, Community Health Worker
During my first encounter with nurses at Cottage Hospital in 2018, I had a bad experience. I had a confrontation with them before they attended to my son. I asked them to treat him, but they refused because I didn’t have money, even though I told them I was a community health worker. They demanded I show proof of my profession, so I had to call my husband to bring my documents to the hospital before they finally treated my son.
Nurses need to understand that we are human beings and should be treated as such.
Salieu Turay, Office Assistance
I have had bad experiences with nurses. When I had an accident and went to the hospital, they demanded NLe 1,500 before attending to me. It was upsetting because I was in pain.
When I went to the hospital another time, one of the workers called me a thief because of my condition. I wanted to fight back, but I was too weak. Additionally, when I took my pregnant wife to Cottage Hospital for delivery, the nurses asked us to pay for her treatment, water for washing, and other services.
I advise nurses to be more accommodating and to prioritize patients’ health over money. Based on my experience, I would not recommend Cottage Hospital to anyone because of the nurses’ poor attitudes.
Juliet M. Komeh, Student at FBC
In my experience, some nurses are kind, while others are aggressive and harsh towards patients. I recall a time when I was seriously ill, and my mother took me to the hospital. She requested that I admitted to a ward, but the nurse demanded a bedspread and pillow before I could enter the ward. This annoyed my mother.
Even after providing the items, the nurse used harsh words towards my mother, which was unacceptable. I urge nurses to be calm and respectful to patients because they are working for us.
Mohamed Fofanah, Teacher
I have been to the hospital several times and have encountered challenges, such as waiting for long periods before being attended to, even while in pain.
I encourage nurses and doctors to prioritize timely treatment for patients. This is crucial to reduce suffering and prevent further complications.
Jenneh Sesay, Trader
One thing everyone should know is that without money, you will face difficulties at the hospital. Nurses will delay attending to you, and they often shout at us.
I advise nurses to treat us with kindness and respect, regardless of whether we can pay immediately.
