Apollo Hospitals Group observes International Nurses Day organizing the 3rd National Nursing Conclave 2012 at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

To mark the International Nurses Day on 12 May 2012, Apollo Group of Hospitals organized the 3rd National Nursing Conclave 2012 at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, in association with innovative products maker and research and development leader 3M, to help nurses, their leaders and educators build confidence in the complex medical environment and meet patient expectations in a holistic manner. This will be followed by two days of leadership summit. Dr E. V. Ramana Reddy, Secretary – Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka was the chief guest for the conclave. The keynote address was delivered by Dr (Ms) Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.

Dr E. V. Ramana Reddy said: “”This is a novel idea to recognize the key role played by nurses in providing healthcare to the people. There has to be a commitment towards achieving good health for all, which must be a country-wide goal. Quality healthcare provisions and their easy accessibility are paramount in a country like India with a population of over a billion. Care is most needed for patients with progressive and life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Nurses must understand their crucial role in bringing health to the ill.””

In her keynote address, Dr (Ms) Preetha Reddy said: “”Care-giving standards and procedures need to be improved across the country. Today’s healthcare settings are quite complex compared to earlier times. In such a scenario, it becomes imperative for nurses to understand the care environment and its requirements so that they can work and serve with confidence despite numerous expectations. Apollo has always tried to develop leadership expertise in nurses besides the necessary care-giving skills. By giving confidence, strength and varied opportunities to the nursing staff, we appreciate their efforts in serving the patients.””

Roadblocks in quality healthcare, medical errors, nursing education, need for nurses to take care of themselves and importance of communication to provide care to others were mooted by way of debates, panel discussions and paper presentations. Capt. Usha Banerjee, Group Director – Nursing, Apollo Hospitals Group, Ms Mary Jose, Director – Nursing, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore and Mr Gautam Khanna, Executive Director, Healthcare Business, 3M India were also present.

Capt. Usha Banerjee said: “”With the theme – ‘Caring with Confidence – Building People — this conclave provides a platform for exchange of views among nursing professionals to overcome various challenges they face while taking care of patients. Sharing research outputs and sustainable solutions is important for improving healthcare in the long run. Upcoming nurses must enter their profession with a clear understanding and know-how of its demands. Quality nursing education with emphasis on developing the required skill set will go a long way in the much-needed advancement of nursing standards in the country.””

Mr Gautam Khanna said: “”Superior standards of healthcare practices can only be ensured through adequate training of healthcare providers like the nursing community. 3M’s collaborations with associations like Infusion Nurses Society, Critical Care and Operating Room Nursing Clubs bears testimony to our support for the nursing fraternity. Forums such as these are an excellent platform to engage care-givers and share best practices in healthcare delivery.””

International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12 May every year, which is the birth anniversary of legendary nurse Florence Nightingale – the founder of modern nursing.