Nurses and midwives practising in the territory must now follow a new Code of Conduct and Ethics when serving the public, according to government.

The document, which was released by the Virgin Islands Nurses and Midwives Council, is based on the International Council of Nurses’ Code of Ethics.

Chief Nursing Officer Jascinth Hannibal said the code provides clear guidelines to ensure that the health workers are practising ethically.

“Considering that the established fundamental responsibilities of nurses and midwives are to promote health, prevent illness, restore health, and alleviate suffering, the code sets the standard for interactions between nurses and midwives and the people who they serve,” she said.

The council, which regulates nursing and midwifery in the territory, is charged with setting and ensuring compliance with the code under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2009.

Council Chairwoman Emerald Pemberton described the code as a milestone for the profession in the VI.

“It is the work of the present council and those preceding,” she said. “Having a code of conduct sends a loud statement that professionals and employers must meet the task of providing quality care. The public must be protected, and there must be measures of accountability that must be upheld.”

She added that work is being done to amend the Nurses and Midwives Act 2009 as well.

“As a council, we will continue to provide structures to strengthen nursing performance, nursing practices and the profession, and also to monitor the service delivered to the citizens and visitors of the territory,” Ms. Pemberton added.

Nurses and midwives can collect free copies of the document at the council’s office on the second floor of the Betteto Frett Building next to Banco Popular on Wickhams Cay. For more information call 468-4526 or 468-2271.

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