RCN London were pleased to welcome a delegation of senior Ghanaian nurses from the Ghana Registered Nurses Association on Wednesday 1 July. The group were introduced by RCN President Cecilia Anim and had visited RCN HQ earlier in the day. London has a Ghanaian population of around 60,000, roughly two thirds of those resident in the UK. A number of London nurses themselves have Ghanaian roots.
RCN London were visited by President Kwaku Asante, Deputy President Kwame Edinkra-Amoo, Alice Asare, Vivian Acheampong and Clara Ganem. The group met with RCN London Regional Director Bernell Bussue, Operational Manager Nora Flanagan, Regional Service Manager Pamela Nelson and Development Officer Alison Telfer.
The meeting was able to discuss the similarities and contrasts in nursing and healthcare in Ghana and the UK. There was a presentation on the work of the RCN here in London and the opportunity to hear about the GRNA’s support systems for nurses in regulation and representation.
There was also a more general discussion about the challenges facing nursing both locally and globally. Common challenges around staffing levels and training were identified. The dialogue included an interesting discussion of the Ghanaian approach to nurse education. While nursing is a graduate profession in the UK, in Ghana there is still a position comparable to what used to be called the enrolled nurse.
There was also a lively discussion about Mary Seacole’s role in nursing history, and RCN London’s work with the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal.
Further information about the Ghana Registered Nurses Association is available at http://www.ghananurses.org/
