Over 500 nurses at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) have recently completed life-saving Basic Life Support (BLS) training, marking a significant advancement in the hospital’s commitment to improving patient care.
The training, is aimed at reducing preventable hospital deaths and ensuring a quicker, more efficient response in emergency situations.
Speaking during the certificate presentation ceremony, PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi emphasized the importance of BLS certification as a global healthcare standard, calling for it to be mandatory for all healthcare workers.
“Our goal is for every staff member—from nurses to community health workers—at PMGH to be certified in BLS, with yearly refresher courses to maintain competency.”
This initiative aligns with the 2024 Medical Symposium’s Resolution Six, which urges Provincial Health Authorities across Papua New Guinea to adopt BLS training.
Unlike general first aid, PMGH’s tailored BLS program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver more accurate, effective resuscitation, addressing specific gaps in patient safety and care.
Nurses who perform above 80% in assessments will have the opportunity to pursue further training in Advanced Life Support (ALS).
The success of the program is attributed to collaboration between the Nursing Division, the Anaesthetic Society of PNG, and the Emergency Medicine Society, who provided technical expertise and accreditation for the training.
Dr. Molumi commended the nurses for their dedication, particularly those who completed the training over weekends, reinforcing the value of the initiative in enhancing overall patient outcomes.