Enrolled Assistant Nurses Most Valuable to Health Sector – Minister

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has said that members of the Jamaica Enrolled Assistant Nurses’ Association, are most valuable to the health sector.
“You might feel that you are health workers operating from the periphery of the health system, but I would like to assure you, that you are a valued member of the family,” he said.
“As we move forward to chart a new era in health care in Jamaica, I want you to prepare yourselves to take on an even greater role, as we continue the struggle to achieve the great vision of First World status for Jamaica,” the Minister told the members.
He was speaking at the 35th Annual Conference of the Jamaica Enrolled Assistant Nurses’ Association, which was held recently, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, under the theme: ‘New Beginning – Excellence in Service’.
“Interestingly, you have identified excellence in service as an area of focus as you move forward. You could have chosen an area of concern, such as training, upward mobility or remuneration, but you chose service. In so doing, you have demonstrated a sincere commitment to the fundamental principles and values that are the foundation of our health system – values of selfless service, caring and compassion – and for that, I am proud of you,” the Minister said.
Turning to concerns of the Association, and specifically that of training, Mr. Spencer said that the Ministry is willing to support matriculation from the Enrolled Assistant Nurses (EAN) for the Registered Nursing Programme.
“In addition, the Ministry will continue to train and upgrade EANs, as is necessary, in keeping with MoU I and II. The curriculum will be reviewed to determine the level of community health training that will be required,” he said, and pledged his support for any mechanism that would help advance the Association, in terms of the quality of service delivered.
“I wish you well, as you seek to chart a new beginning. Let us work together for the people of Jamaica and to secure the future of our children and our children’s children,” he told the group.