Orientation for Vincentian nurses trained in Cuba, next Monday

An orientation programme to allow Vincentian nurses trained in Cuba to become familiar with the local health system will begin next Monday and run until September 28.{{more}}

The 43 nurses who will take part in the programme graduated last month with bachelor of science degrees in nursing. They commenced their training in Cuba in November 2006, when the Ministry of Health was attempting to address the chronic shortage of nurses here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to a release from the Ministry of Health, 89 men and women were selected to pursue training in Cuba based on set criteria. A second group of nurses will graduate in November 2012.

“Assisting these nurses to integrate into the health care system of St Vincent and the Grenadines is a priority for the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment,” the release said.

The goal of the orientation is to allow the nurses to become familiar with the local health system and to prepare them for employment at home and within the CARICOM territories.

The nurses will be welcomed by the Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Clayton Burgin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Luis deShong, members of the Nursing and Medical fraternities, as well as other senior officials of the Ministry.