Health Dept issues strict guidelines for nurses amid rising complaints over patient treatment

The Health Department of West Bengal has issued detailed new guidelines for nurses working in state-run hospitals, prompted by increasing complaints from patients and their families regarding poor treatment and behavior. These actions come in the wake of incidents such as the Medinipur Medical College case, which brought significant attention to issues of patient care and hospital staff conduct. The new directive seeks to standardize professional behavior among nurses and ensure better patient interactions in the state’s healthcare system.

The primary focus of the guidelines is the expectation that nurses maintain professional and empathetic behavior when dealing with patients and their families. Nurses are required to show respect, kindness, and understanding in all interactions, as failure to do so will result in strict disciplinary actions. The guidelines remind nurses that they are trained healthcare professionals with an ethical responsibility to provide compassionate and attentive care to patients, underscoring the importance of their role in the overall healthcare experience. The document emphasizes that good behavior, a respectful attitude, and patient-focused care are fundamental to the nursing profession.

Key aspects of the new directive include four core principles: demonstrating good behavior, offering empathetic care, using polite and patient language, and dedicating oneself fully to patient welfare. These principles are designed to ensure that nurses interact with patients in a manner that is both supportive and professional, particularly during times of illness and vulnerability. The Health Department has reiterated that the quality of patient care is influenced not just by medical expertise but also by the interpersonal skills and emotional support provided by nurses.

This move by the Health Department comes as part of a broader effort to address healthcare issues within the state’s public hospitals. Recently, there has been an increased focus on regulating the behavior of healthcare professionals. For example, in response to the saline administration incident at a hospital, 12 doctors were suspended as part of an ongoing investigation into medical negligence. This suspension of medical staff reflects the department’s commitment to holding healthcare workers accountable and ensuring that patient safety and treatment quality are not compromised.

The Health Department’s guidelines aim to prevent further complaints related to nurse-patient interactions and to raise the standards of care across state hospitals. With this initiative, the department seeks to reinforce professionalism among nurses and ensure that healthcare institutions provide a more compassionate and effective service to the public. Moving forward, the department will monitor compliance with these guidelines and take corrective actions if violations occur.