Latest news with #Nurses'Day
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Nurses The Architects Of Malaysia's Future Healthcare Landscape
GENERAL SIBU, May 16 (Bernama) -- Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for stronger support and investment in Malaysia's nursing workforce, describing nurses as the 'architects of the future healthcare landscape". Speaking at the Nurses Night event organised by the Sibu Hospital in conjunction with the Nurses' Day celebration, he urged policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. 'They are the future of healthcare, and we must ensure their well-being and professional development are prioritised. We must create an environment where nurses feel valued, empowered and supported with adequate resources and training,' he said. The Dudong state assemblyman also stressed the need to listen to nurses and involve them in healthcare policy-making, noting that their frontline experience gives them unique insights into patient care and systemic challenges. 'Their voices matter, and those in positions of power must hear them,' he said. He also acknowledged the immense pressure nurses faced due to staffing shortages, which have forced many to juggle multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions. 'Your ability to provide optimal patient care, even with limited resources, speaks volumes about your resilience, professionalism and selfless dedication,' he said. Tiong lauded nurses for their unwavering compassion and commitment, noting their impact extends beyond hospitals to the wider community. 'Your work not only affects the individuals you serve but also their families and society at large,' he added.
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Nurses are architects of Malaysia's future healthcare, says Tiong
Tiong urges policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. – Bernama photo SIBU (May 16): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for stronger support and investment in Malaysia's nursing workforce, describing nurses as the 'architects of the future healthcare landscape'. Speaking at the Nurses Night event organised by the Sibu Hospital in conjunction with the Nurses' Day celebration today, he urged policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. 'They are the future of healthcare, and we must ensure their well-being and professional development are prioritised. We must create an environment where nurses feel valued, empowered and supported with adequate resources and training,' he said. The Dudong assemblyman also stressed the need to listen to nurses and involve them in healthcare policy-making, noting that their frontline experience gives them unique insights into patient care and systemic challenges. 'Their voices matter, and those in positions of power must hear them,' he said. He also acknowledged the immense pressure nurses faced due to staffing shortages, which have forced many to juggle multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions. 'Your ability to provide optimal patient care, even with limited resources, speaks volumes about your resilience, professionalism and selfless dedication,' he said. Tiong lauded nurses for their unwavering compassion and commitment, noting their impact extends beyond hospitals to the wider community. 'Your work not only affects the individuals you serve but also their families and society at large,' he added. He also emphasised the economic value of a robust healthcare system supported by healthy citizens. 'Healthy citizens contribute to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs and a better quality of life for all,' he said. Tiong also encouraged nurses to continue advocating for their profession, stating that their expertise is indispensable in charting the course of Malaysia's healthcare future. – Bernama architect celebration future healthcare nurse Tiong King Sing
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
120,000 blood pints needed yearly: Hajiji
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) chats with a blood donor while accompanied by Dr Maria Suleiman (right) in the event. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor wants more programmes to be implemented to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood. 'I have been informed that the daily blood requirement for Sabah is 300 units and each year, we need about 110,000 to 120,000 units to meet patients' needs. Advertisement 'However, to date, only 75,000 units are collected each year,' he said at the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation event held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. His speech was delivered by the Deputy Chief Minister III/Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the public sector can raise awareness on blood donation and to attract the public to become regular donors. 'Indeed, voluntary blood donatiion helps save patients' lives,' he said. Since the quality of the healthcare system heavily relies on the quality of the nursing workforce, Hajiji said investment in training, welfare, and career development for nurses is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the country's healthcare system. 'In this regard, the State Government always appreciates and supports nurses serving in Sabah who sacrifice their time and energy for the health of the people. 'I hope all nurses will continue to strive to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister paid tribute to nurses, whom he said are the backbone of the nation's healthcare system. 'The Nurses' Day celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a significant recognition of the group that serves as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system - our nurses. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy', the role of nurses extends beyond just being 'patient caregivers' in hospitals - they are also catalysts for community wellbeing, health educators, and frontline workers in managing health crises,' he said. Hajiji recalled the extraordinary role of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago, not only in terms of treatment and monitoring but also in providing emotional and moral support to patients and their families. 'Some had to be separated from their families, spouses, and children in order to fulfill their responsibilities at that time. 'Indeed, they are unsung heroes who remain strong, resilient and steadfast working under various challenging situations, whether in wards, emergency units, rural health clinics, or disaster areas,' he said. Also present were Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman, State Nurses Supervisor head Matron Damica Kunsiong, Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEH 11) director Dr Ferro Firdaus bin Ibrahim and QEH II Department of Transfusion Medicine head Dr Shahnaz Irwani Binti Sabri. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah nurses shortage not serious: Dr Maria
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Dr Maria said Sabah relies on its three Ministry of Health training institutes located in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau which produce an estimated 300 to 400 new nurses each year. - FMT pic (right) for illustration only. Kota Kinabalu: The shortage of nurses in Sabah's government hospitals has not reached alarming level, said Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman. She said Sabah currently has a total of 11,741 nursing positions in with 10,210 filled and 1,554 still vacant. While the shortage of nurses is not critical, she said there is a need for increased staffing to maintain quality healthcare services. 'We hope the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) will prioritise filling these vacancies in the near future 'Although we are short-staffed and such shortage is not serious, we continue to deliver the best possible care using our current human resources,' Dr Maria said. She was commenting on whether shortage of nurses is serious in Sabah's government hospitals. Dr Maria said this after the opening of the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation programme themed 'Our Nurses, Our Future, Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies' held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. The Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, officiated the event that was held for the second time, to commemorate the Nurses' Day and the services rendered by the nurses in Sabah. Due to the shortage of nurses, she said the nurses have to work double shifts and overtime to ensure sufficient nurses for nursing healthcare of the patients and society. To address the staffing gap, Dr Maria said Sabah relies on its three Ministry of Health training institutes located in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau which produce an estimated 300 to 400 new nurses each year. Therefore, she hoped that the graduates of this year would able to fill those nursing vacancies in Sabah. Based on a fact sheet of nurses in Sabah, nursing in Sabah has grown not only in terms of service demand but also in the expertise required to protect the health and well-being of the community. Sabah nurses have acquired a wide range of specialised (post-basic) skills and among the key areas of specialisation are: Midwifery (Part 1) – 1,095 nurses Public Health Nursing – 177 nurses Perioperative Care – 186 nurses Critical Care – 160 nurses Emergency Care – 145 nurses Pediatric Care – 173 nurses Infection Prevention and Control – 123 nurses In addition to these specialties, many nurses in Sabah have also attained Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and even PhDs. On the annual event held for the second time, Dr Maria said the Sabah Health Department marked Nurses Day with a statewide blood donation campaign, held in conjunction with the annual celebration observed on May 12 yearly. She said this year's event saw participation from 21 hospitals across Sabah, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the campaign was launched on Tuesday (May 13). 'The initiative, organised by the Sabah Nursing Division of the department, aims to raise awareness of the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system while also supporting the state's blood banks. 'The target for the day for 2025 is to collect 1,000 pints of blood across 21 Sabah hospitals. Last year, we collected 805 pints from all the government hospitals. 'As of this morning (May 13), Queen Elizabeth Hospital II had collected 52 pints, working towards its goal of obtaining 100 pints,' she said. As for shortage of parking spaces in QEH II, Dr Maria said such challenge echoed across many healthcare facilities in Sabah and not only in QEH II. 'It's undeniable that parking space is limited at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, However, this issue isn't unique to this hospital — it affects healthcare facilities throughout Sabah. 'In an effort to ease the situation, the hospital has partnered with Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, which has allowed the hospital to utilise an adjacent open area for public parking. 'The collaboration has made available approximately 300 parking spaces for visitors and patients. I am very grateful to Qhazanah for granting access to this space, located just to the right of the hospital,' she said in response to growing public concerns about lack of parking spaces in QEH II. To a question, Dr Maria said the parking of Qhazanah is located just to the right of the hospital and has been in use for some time — not a new development or future project, as some may have assumed. On the current number of parking spots remains insufficient to meet demand, Dr Marisa said the hospital hopes that any future land allocation to Queen Elizabeth II includes provisions for expanded parking facilities. 'We remain hopeful that if more land is made available to the hospital, a dedicated parking structure can be developed,' she said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
HFMD cases in Sabah under control, says Health Dept
KOTA KINABALU: The rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Sabah remains under control due to swift action and ongoing preventive measures carried out across the state, says Dr Maria Suleiman. The Sabah Health director said a total of 6,919 HFMD cases had been reported as of May 10 this year. 'Although there has been an increase in HFMD cases, the situation is under control. Nevertheless, with the control measures and precautions we have implemented, the HFMD situation in Sabah is under control and the number of cases is on the decline,' Dr Maria said. She was speaking after attending the 2025 state-level Nurses' Day celebration and blood donation programme at the main lobby of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday (May 13). The event was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Dr Maria also shared that they aim to collect 1,000 pints of blood statewide as part of the Nurses' Day celebration. 'So far, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital has collected 52 pints of blood out of the daily target of 100,' she said. Meanwhile, Hajiji, in his speech, urged more programmes to be implemented to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood. 'I have been informed that the daily blood requirement for Sabah is 300 units and each year, we need about 110,000 to 120,000 units to meet patients' needs. However, to date, only 75,000 units are collected each year,' he said. Hajiji said collaboration between the Health Ministry and the public sector can raise awareness on blood donation and to attract the public to become regular donors, adding: 'Indeed, voluntary blood donation helps save patients' lives.' He said since the quality of the healthcare system heavily relies on the quality of the nursing workforce, investment in training, welfare, and career development for nurses is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the country's healthcare system. 'In this regard, the State Government always appreciates and supports nurses serving in Sabah who sacrifice their time and energy for the health of the people. I hope all nurses will continue to strive to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to nurses, whom he said are the backbone of the nation's healthcare system. 'The Nurses' Day celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a significant recognition of the group that serves as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system, our nurses. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy', the role of nurses extends beyond just being 'patient caregivers' in hospitals, they are also catalysts for community well-being, health educators, and frontline workers in managing health crises,' he said. The Chief Minister recalled the extraordinary role of nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic a few years back, not only in terms of treatment and monitoring but also in providing emotional and moral support to patients and their families. "Some had to be separated from their families, spouses, and children in order to fulfil their responsibilities at that time. "Indeed, they are unsung heroes who remain strong, resilient and steadfast working under various challenging situations, whether in wards, emergency units, rural health clinics, or disaster areas," he said.
