| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Department of Nursing Services under the Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday unveiled new uniforms for nurses working in hospitals and community health services across the country.
The new uniforms were launched by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in a ceremony at the MoH’s Al-‘Afiah Hall.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary at the MoH Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif; and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management) at the MoH Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin; and Director General of Medical and Health Services Pengiran Dr Haji Khalifah bin Pengiran Ismail.
The new uniforms come in varying colours, which will allow patients and the public to readily identify the nurses according to their designation, as specified under the Nursing Services Scheme. Each of these uniforms are adorned with the MoH logo, and a headscarf for female nurses.
In her welcoming remarks at the launch, Director of Nursing Services Chung Yea Fui said that the new concept was necessary in order to retain a professional image and inspire trust among the public.
“Additionally, our staff will be our brand ambassadors, and will carry the image of our services with them with these new uniforms,” she said.
“This will be the representation of the nursing profession in the future, and with which the public will identify them.”
The new uniform will be rolled out in three phases, starting with the Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital in Temburong, the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait, the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong, the Istana Health Clinic and Special Grade Nursing Officers, before being extended to include community health services and finally, the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.
There are 2,451 nurses working under the auspices of the MoH. Out of that total figure, 1,886 are females, while the remaining 464 are males. The new look is hoped to add further quality to healthcare services and ensure better treatment for patients, while at the same time promoting a strong sense of motivation among nurses.