| Hakim Hayat |
THE number of kidney disease patients in the country is increasing year by year with statistics from 2017 indicating that 776 patients are suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD) and undergoing treatments like haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transfer.
Another 120 patients are currently attending pre-ESRD clinics.
These remarks were made by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif yesterday at the launching ceremony for the First Cohort of the Renal Nursing Certification Course 2018/2019, attended by seven nurses.
Dr Haji Zulaidi said there is a need to have more nurses with renal specialist skills and also the capacity of dialysis locations with the increasing number of patients requiring renal replacement treatments.
Dr Haji Zulaidi handed over appointment letters to the course facilitators comprising MoH’s officers from different areas of disciplines.
The nurses taking part in the course are from MoH’s Renal Services Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Internal Medicine Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.
Head of Nursing Services at the Renal Services Department Haji Mohamad Saidi bin Ismail said the course will prepare qualified and skilled nurses in caring for patients with renal failure and also enhance their knowledge in assisting the early detection and management of chronic kidney diseases.
“The course is based on a competency development programme designed with a theoretical and clinical experience framework that is aimed at enhancing the performance of clinical nursing in the health care system,” he added.
Dr Haji Zulaidi said the course is in line with MoH’s and the Nursing Services Department’s strategic plan in delivering excellent nursing services.
“It is our vision for our nurses to attain the comprehensive qualification and knowledge through special courses and continuous nursing education,” he said.
He added that the renal course for nurses comes timely and will instil greater understanding, knowledge and skills among them, especially in the principles and practices of renal nursing care.