Over the past several months, I have received numerous comments from nurses and midwives working at Achiase District Hospital. During my Facebook posts and live interactive sessions, many have openly shared the challenges they face due to inadequate nursing and midwifery staff strength.

Their stories are deeply concerning.

The shortage of staff has resulted in increased workloads, physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and reduced opportunities for adequate rest.

Our midwives appear to be carrying an especially heavy burden. In some instances, the same midwife conducting antenatal clinic is the one called to the theatre to receive a baby during a Caesarean section, only to return and continue attending to other clients.

This is not sustainable.

This is not a criticism of any leader or institution. Rather, it is a sincere appeal to all stakeholders to urgently address the staffing challenges at Achiase District Hospital before the situation affects both the wellbeing of healthcare workers and the quality and safety of patient care.

I respectfully appeal to the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Eastern Regional Health Directorate, Achiase District Health Directorate, hospital management, and all relevant authorities to work together in finding a lasting solution.

With the recruitment process currently ongoing, I also appeal to the Ministry of Health, Ghana to consider opening the recruitment portal for cleared unemployed nurses and midwives to select facilities with critical staffing gaps, including Achiase District Hospital. This would help channel the available workforce to where the need is greatest.

Burnout among nurses and midwives is not just a staff welfare issue. When left unresolved, it can affect patient safety, staff retention, quality of care, and the overall resilience of our health system.

Our nurses and midwives deserve support.

Our patients deserve safe, quality care.

Written by Mama Caro