Sub-Divisional Hospital Nurse Manager, Bua, George Dyer [Left] and Fiji Nursing Association president, Dr Alisi Vudiniabola.

Psychological support was the most critical service needed by over thirty Nurses and Medical practitioners in Bua and Macauta following Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana.

Fiji Nursing Association president, Dr Alisi Vudiniabola, says nurses are facing different forms of physical or psychological challenges during these trying times.

Dr Vudiniabola has acknowledged the support rendered by relevant authorities to Nurses in these affected areas.

“I would like to thank Empower Pacific and other organizations who have been able to step in at a critical time soon after the cyclone to offer psychological support and counselling for our Nurses, Managers and those Nurses who were on the ground, heavily affected by the cyclone.”

She adds the Association has spent thousands of dollars to ensure the nurses are fully equipped to provide efficient health services.

Sub-Divisional Hospital Nurse Manager, Bua, George Dyer says professional counselling is prioritized for these health workers in the Northern Division following the natural hazards over the past few weeks.

“We believe that Nurses will be psychologically affected so we know this is one of the area that we need to see to cover professional counselling.”

The Association says Fijian Nurses have sacrificed a lot over the years, particularly at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent tropical cyclones.