Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Guyana (RATIFICATION: 1983)

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Article 2(1) of the Convention. Adoption of a policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes that, according to the 2018 WHO Country Cooperation Strategy report on Guyana, in December 2013, the “Health Vision 2020: A National Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-20” was adopted. The Committee notes that the Strategy was developed through a consultative process with a broad range of actors, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), health workers, the private sector, and civil society. A mid-term review was conducted in 2015, on the basis of which an implementation plan was developed and costed. The Strategy indicates that it supports the implementation of “Strengthening the Foundation: A Health Human Resource Action Plan for Guyana 2011-2016”, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health to plan, manage, develop, and deploy human resources in heath towards the recruitment and retention of a diverse, qualified, health and highly motivated health workforce responsive to the population’s needs. In this respect, the Strategy envisages the adoption of, among other measures, exploring options to: improve health funding and incentive programmes and adjust the cadre and distribution of medical and nursing professionals to address gaps in identified service areas, particularly in rural health facilities and those in the interior of the country. With regard to the deployment and distribution of the health workforce, the Strategy envisages expanding adequate supportive structures and benefits for staff in hinterland locations (including staff quarters, hardship allowances, access to transportation and communications); exploring innovative options for community-based models of health care delivery and developing and implementing viable solutions in collaboration with communities; and exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to cost-effectively contract select medical specialist services, including for delivery in interior locations. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed, up-to-date information on the nature and impact of measures taken in the context ofNational Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-2020, as well as in the context of “Strengthening the Foundation: A Health Human Resource Action Plan for Guyana 2011-2016”. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the implementation and impact of those measures designed to provide nursing personnel with employment and working conditions, including education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions, career prospects and remuneration, which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it, including in rural areas and remote communities. Noting that the National Health Strategy and Health Human Resource Action Plan have both expired, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether these have been renewed or replaced and, if so, to provide copies.

Article 2(2)(a) and (3). Nursing education and training. The Committee notes that the National Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-20 envisages the adoption of measures aimed at strengthening the preparation of health professionals in terms of education, clinical skills, professional culture, and ongoing professional development; better aligning with changing requirements of clinical practice environment; strengthening the capacity of health education training programmes, at the didactic and clinical levels; providing quality learning environments that meet the needs of health professionals; expanding postgraduate nursing education ; and developing and expanding community service components of training. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the nature, implementation, monitoring and impact of the measures adopted, including those in the framework of the National Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-20, to ensure that nursing personnel, including midwives, are provided with quality education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions, as well as to their professional career development, and the opportunity for continuing professional development, as contemplated in the Strategy.

Articles 4 and 5. Legislation concerning the requirements for the provision of nursing care and nursing services.Consultations with nursing personnel. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Nurses and Midwives Act, 2019, which includes provisions regarding the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and specialist nurses. The Act requires persons to be registered and hold a valid licence to be able to practice nursing or midwifery (section 14 of the Act). It also establishes the Nurses and Midwives Council, whose functions include: enrolling, registering, certifying, and licensing nursing personnel; establishing standards of education, training, conduct and performance for nursing personnel and ensuring the maintenance of those standards; promoting the interest of nursing personnel; and advising the Minister on matters related to nursing personnel (sections 3 and 4 of the Act). The Committee notes that the Council is composed of, among other actors, representatives of the Guyana Nurses Association and the Midwives Association of Guyana (section 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services and consultation with nursing personnel on decisions concerning them.

Article 7. Occupational safety and health. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made and results achieved with respect to occupational safety and health for nursing personnel, including with respect to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in its use, as well as providing adequate rest breaks during workers’ shifts and limitations on excessive hours wherever possible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures implemented to prevent and reduce psychosocial risks, and promote mental health and well-being among nursing personnel, in addition to preventing the risk of long-term effects on nurses’ well-being.

Application in practice. The Committee notes that, according to WHO statistical information, the number of nursing and midwifery personnel per 10,000 increased from 6.28 in 2014 to 35.3 in 2020. As of 2018, 96.62 per cent of nursing personnel were women and 3.38 per cent were men. The Committeerequests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the application of the Convention in practice, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and region concerning: the ratio of nursing personnel to the population; the number of persons enrolled in nursing schools; the number of female and male nurses who enter and leave the profession each year; the organization and the operation of all institutions which provide healthcare services; as well as official studies, surveys and reports addressing health workforce issues in the health sector.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Adoption of a policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee has taken note of the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular that the “Nurses and Midwives Bill” will be the legislative document for nursing personnel in Guyana and that this document was reviewed and is now in the process of preparation to be tabled in Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of this new Bill and to provide it with a copy once it has been adopted.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Adoption of a policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee has taken note of the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular that the “Nurses and Midwives Bill” will be the legislative document for nursing personnel in Guyana and that this document was reviewed and is now in the process of preparation to be tabled in Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of this new Bill and to provide it with a copy once it has been adopted.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Adoption of a policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee has taken note of the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular that the “Nurses and Midwives Bill” will be the legislative document for nursing personnel in Guyana and that this document was reviewed and is now in the process of preparation to be tabled in Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of this new Bill and to provide it with a copy once it has been adopted.

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Article 2(1) of the Convention. Adoption of a policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee has taken note of the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular that the “Nurses and Midwives Bill” will be the legislative document for nursing personnel in Guyana and that this document was reviewed and is now in the process of preparation to be tabled in Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of this new Bill and to provide it with a copy once it has been adopted.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(2) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Articles 2(2)(b) and 5(2). Employment and working conditions of working personnel. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up to-date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(2) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2(2)(b) and Article 5(2). Employment and working conditions of working personnel. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up to-date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee notes in this connection that, based on the statistics available, Guyana is among the Latin American countries most affected by the brain drain and a migration rate of approximately 77 per cent among the persons with tertiary education. It also understands that, in order to fight against the migration of health care personnel, the Public Service Ministry adopted in 2007 regulations aimed at prohibiting graduate nurses from leaving the country without permission for a period of three years. According to the information available to the Committee, the Guyana Human Rights Association criticized this decision and called for the adoption of more constructive measures which would improve working conditions of nursing personnel and prevent their migration. It further understands that if students in nursing refuse an employment position proposed by the Government, they have to repay the allowances received during their training. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report detailed information concerning the measures taken in order to resolve the problem of shortage of nursing personnel and, in particular, explanations on the decisions of the Public Service Ministry mentioned above and responses to the comments regarding this matter made by the Guyana Human Rights Association, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(2) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2(2)(b) and Article 5(2). Employment and working conditions of working personnel. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up to-date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee notes in this connection that, based on the statistics available, Guyana is among the Latin American countries most affected by the brain drain and a migration rate of approximately 77 per cent among the persons with tertiary education. It also understands that, in order to fight against the migration of health care personnel, the Public Service Ministry adopted in 2007 regulations aimed at prohibiting graduate nurses from leaving the country without permission for a period of three years. According to the information available to the Committee, the Guyana Human Rights Association criticized this decision and called for the adoption of more constructive measures which would improve working conditions of nursing personnel and prevent their migration. It further understands that if students in nursing refuse an employment position proposed by the Government, they have to repay the allowances received during their training. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report detailed information concerning the measures taken in order to resolve the problem of shortage of nursing personnel and, in particular, explanations on the decisions of the Public Service Ministry mentioned above and responses to the comments regarding this matter made by the Guyana Human Rights Association, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1(2) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2(2)(b) and Article 5(2). Employment and working conditions of working personnel. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up‑to-date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee notes in this connection that, based on the statistics available, Guyana is among the Latin American countries most affected by the brain drain and a migration rate of approximately 77 per cent among the persons with tertiary education. It also understands that, in order to fight against the migration of health care personnel, the Public Service Ministry adopted in 2007 regulations aimed at prohibiting graduate nurses from leaving the country without permission for a period of three years. According to the information available to the Committee, the Guyana Human Rights Association criticized this decision and called for the adoption of more constructive measures which would improve working conditions of nursing personnel and prevent their migration. It further understands that if students in nursing refuse an employment position proposed by the Government, they have to repay the allowances received during their training. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report detailed information concerning the measures taken in order to resolve the problem of shortage of nursing personnel and, in particular, explanations on the decisions of the Public Service Ministry mentioned above and responses to the comments regarding this matter made by the Guyana Human Rights Association, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. Employment and working conditions of working personnel. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up to date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee notes in this connection that, based on the statistics available, Guyana is among the Latin American countries most affected by the brain drain and a migration rate of approximately 77 per cent among the persons with tertiary education. It also understands that, in order to fight against the migration of health care personnel, the Public Service Ministry adopted in 2007 regulations aimed at prohibiting graduate nurses from leaving the country without permission for a period of three years. According to the information available to the Committee, the Guyana Human Rights Association criticized this decision and called for the adoption of more constructive measures which would improve working conditions of nursing personnel and prevent their migration. It further understands that if students in nursing refuse an employment position proposed by the Government, they have to repay the allowances received during their training. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report detailed information concerning the measures taken in order to resolve the problem of shortage of nursing personnel and, in particular, explanations on the decisions of the Public Service Ministry mentioned above and responses to the comments regarding this matter made by the Guyana Human Rights Association, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards was defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up to date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee notes in this connection that, based on the statistics available, Guyana is among the Latin American countries most affected by the brain drain and a migration rate of approximately 77 per cent among the persons with tertiary education. It also understands that, in order to fight against the migration of health care personnel, the Public Service Ministry adopted in 2007 regulations aimed at prohibiting graduate nurses from leaving the country without permission for a period of three years. According to the information available to the Committee, the Guyana Human Rights Association criticized this decision and called for the adoption of more constructive measures which would improve working conditions of nursing personnel and prevent their migration. It further understands that if students in nursing refuse an employment position proposed by the Government, they have to repay the allowances received during their training. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report detailed information concerning the measures taken in order to resolve the problem of shortage of nursing personnel and, in particular, explanations on the decisions of the Public Service Ministry mentioned above and responses to the comments regarding this matter made by the Guyana Human Rights Association, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes the Government’s report and the attached documentation regarding the application of the Convention. It wishes to receive additional information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the unit which had been set up to monitor private hospitals with a view to improving their standards is presently defunct. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how this failed initiative impacts on the broader public health-care policy and to provide information on any other measures designed to improve the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. With reference to the collective agreement of 2002 covering the nursing personnel employed by the Catholic Hospital Inc., a copy of which was annexed to the Government’s report, the Committee would appreciate receiving supplementary information on the conditions of employment and work applicable to nursing staff excluded from the scope of this agreement such as head nurses and student nurses. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for continuing to provide copies of all collective agreements regulating the working conditions of nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would also be interested in obtaining up-to-date information on any specific measures taken or contemplated to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7. The Committee notes the occupational safety and health draft policy statement of the Georgetown Public Hospital which sets out the priorities and objectives of this establishment in matters of health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any specific measures, such as regulations, administrative circulars, training programmes, awareness-raising campaigns or other arrangements, taken with a view to protecting nursing personnel from exposure to special health risks, in particular accidental HIV infection.

Part V of the report form. The Committee understands that health services are affected by the phenomenon of massive departure of qualified nurses who leave the country seeking better prospects abroad. The Committee is also in receipt of information indicating that apart from the nursing training offered by the existing three nursing schools in public hospitals, an effort is currently made to encourage training programmes within private health facilities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report detailed information on any progress made in resolving the problem of the shortage of nursing staff, as well as all other available information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession per year, information on the organization and operation of all institutions and agencies involved in the delivery of health services, copies of official reports or research studies addressing human resources issues in the health sector, etc.

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The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in its reports.

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention.  In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the conditions of work of nursing personnel in private hospitals are regulated by collective labour agreements entered into between individual hospitals and the recognized unions. It also noted that a committee had been set up to monitor all private hospitals. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide copies of collective agreements covering nursing personnel in private hospitals. It also once again requests the Government to provide information on the results of the work of the committee set up to monitor private hospitals.

Article 1, paragraph 3.  The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that the national legislation does not provide specific rules for voluntary nursing personnel and that, for the time being, no measure is envisaged to remedy the situation. The Committee once again recalls that, according to a previous report, such personnel are not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct. The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will soon provide information concerning the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to give effect to the Convention on this matter.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b) (in conjunction with Article 5, paragraphs 2 and 3, and Article 6(a)-(g).  The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that collective agreements and the law determine the working conditions of nursing personnel. However, the Committee once again notes with regret that copies of the collective agreements applicable to nursing personnel in the public and private sectors, as regards conditions of employment and work and the settlement of collective disputes, have not been received by the Office. It hopes that the Government will shortly provide the relevant documents and that it will indicate at the same time whether other measures have been taken to attract and retain nursing personnel in the profession.

Article 7.  The Committee notes the information provided by the Government to the effect that the Occupational Health and Safety Act does not contain any provision respecting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but that it requires employers to provide a safe working environment. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, general measures are taken in relation to the HIV risk. However, the Committee once again reminds the Government of the indication in its general observation of 1990 on the application of this Convention that nursing personnel work in an environment in which, by reason of the work, there is a high risk of accidental infection with HIV and that, consequently, particular attention should be paid to the working conditions and health protection of such personnel.

The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to improve the existing legislative provisions on occupational health and safety so as to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to HIV among nursing personnel, and to adapt these provisions to the particular characteristics of the work and environment of nursing personnel.

The Committee hopes that the Government will take all the necessary measures to respond appropriately to the various matters raised by the Committee.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous comments.

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the conditions of work of nursing personnel in private hospitals are regulated by collective labour agreements entered into between individual hospitals and the recognized unions. The Government also states that a committee has recently been set up to monitor all private hospitals.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply samples of collective agreements regulating nursing staff in private hospitals. It asks the Government to provide information on the results of the work of the committee set up to monitor private hospitals.

Article 1, paragraph 3. The Committee notes with regret that the Government does not indicate which provisions apply to voluntary nursing personnel, nor does it state whether any such provisions exist. The Committee again recalls that, according to a previous report of the Government, such staff were not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct. The Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to provide information in the near future on the provisions applying to voluntary nursing personnel.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b) (in conjunction with Article 5, paragraphs 2 and 3, and Article 6(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g)). The Committee notes with regret that the copies of the collective agreements applying to nursing personnel in the public and the private sectors, as regards conditions of employment and work and the settlement of collective disputes, have not been received by the Office. It hopes that the Government will shortly supply the relevant documents and that it will indicate at the same time whether there are any other measures to attract and retain nursing staff in the profession.

Article 7. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no specific law has been enacted to protect nursing personnel against exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus. The Committee recalls that the indication in its general observation of 1990 on the application of this instrument that nursing personnel work in an environment in which, by reason of the work, there is a high risk of accidental infection with HIV and that, consequently, particular attention should be paid to the working conditions and health protection of such personnel.

It asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to improve existing legislative provisions on occupational health and safety, so as to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to HIV among nursing personnel, and to adapt these provisions to the particular characteristics of the work and environment of nursing personnel.

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The Committee notes the Memorandum of Agreement between the Woodlands Hospital and the Guyana Labour Union, and the proposed Memorandum of Agreement between Prasad's Hospital and the Clerical and Commercial Workers' Union. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to send a detailed report on the points the Committee had raised in its former direct requests:

Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The information supplied in the Government's reports so far has concerned only the public sector. Please supply information, including any available statistics, on the number and conditions of nursing personnel employed in the private sector, to which the Convention also applies. The Committee noted that neither the Private Hospital Act, 1972, nor the Regulations made under it, contain any provisions on the conditions of work of nursing personnel.

Article 1, paragraph 3. Please indicate what provisions are applicable to voluntary nursing personnel, and in particular whether any special rules have been adopted concerning them, as provided for in this paragraph. The Committee recalled that the Government stated in an earlier report that they were not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct, but that it has provided no further information.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Please furnish information on the measures taken within the framework of the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel to provide the quantity and quality of nursing care necessary for attaining the highest possible level of health for the population. Please indicate the results of these measures and the progress achieved, especially in increasing the number of nursing personnel and improving the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. Please supply copies of statutory provisions and collective agreements applicable to nursing personnel in the public and private sectors in respect of their employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration. Please indicate any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. With reference to the information supplied by the Government in its first report, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the consultation in respect of the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel and on the coordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care and to other workers in the field of health. Please describe the manner in which such coordination and consultation take place with employers' and workers' organizations in the private sector.

Article 3. Please supply a text of the statutory provisions prescribing the basic requirements regarding education and training of nursing personnel, and how this education and training is supervised. The Committee recalled that the Government stated in its first report that these requirements are laid down by the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare. Please indicate how nursing education and training are coordinated with the education and training of other workers in the field of health.

Article 4. According to the first report, the only requirement prescribed for the practice of nursing is registration as a nurse with the General Nursing Council. In this connection, the Committee requested the Government to specify the conditions required for registration as a nurse.

Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee noted from the Government's reports that the participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services and consultation with such personnel on decisions concerning them are ensured by regular dialogue and discussion between the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Public Service Unions, and the Nurses' Association. This seems to apply to nursing personnel in the public sector. The Committee would therefore appreciate receiving information on the participation in planning of nursing personnel in the private sector.

Article 5, paragraph 3. According to the report, the settlement of disputes is sought through a grievance procedure. The Committee therefore requested the Government to describe the procedure used for the settlement of collective disputes for nursing personnel, and whether this procedure is applicable to nursing personnel both in the public and private sectors.

Article 6. According to the first report, the conditions of work of nursing personnel in respect of hours of work (paragraph (a)), weekly rest (paragraph (b)), and paid annual holidays (paragraph (c)) are determined in the Collective Labour Agreement. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of the current Agreement. Please also indicate how conditions are fixed for educational leave (paragraph (d)), maternity leave (paragraph (e)), sick leave (paragraph (f)) and social security (paragraph (g)). Please also supply relevant collective agreements relating to nursing personnel in the private sector in respect of conditions set out in this Article.

Article 7. The Committee noted the information supplied by the Government in respect of cooperation between the Occupational Health and Safety section of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health. Please indicate whether any special measures have been taken or are envisaged to improve laws and regulations on other aspects of occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work, inter alia, to protect nursing personnel against occupational exposure to the AIDS virus.

Point V of the report form. Please supply the information requested under this point of the report form regarding the manner in which effect is given to the Convention in practice.

CMNT_TITLE

Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the relevant institutions are being contacted with the view to preparing the required reply. The Committee therefore hopes that the next report will contain full information on the following matters raised in its earlier direct request:

Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Convention. The information supplied in the Government's reports so far has concerned only the public sector. Please supply information, including any available statistics, on the number and conditions of nursing personnel employed in the private sector, to which the Convention also applies. The Committee notes that neither the Private Hospital Act, 1972, nor the Regulations made under it, contains any provisions on the conditions of work of nursing personnel.

Article 1, paragraph 3. Please indicate what provisions are applicable to voluntary nursing personnel, and in particular whether any special rules have been adopted concerning them, as provided for in this paragraph. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in an earlier report that they were not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct, but has provided no further information.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Please furnish information on the measures taken within the framework of the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel to provide the quantity and quality of nursing care necessary for attaining the highest possible level of health for the population. Please indicate the results of these measures and the progress achieved, especially in increasing the number of nursing personnel and improving the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. Please supply copies of statutory provisions and collective agreements applicable to nursing personnel in the public and private sectors in respect of their employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration. Please indicate any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. With reference to the information supplied by the Government in its first report, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the consultation in respect of the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel and on the coordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care and to other workers in the field of health. Please describe the manner in which such coordination and consultation take place with employers' and workers' organizations in the private sector.

Article 3. Please supply a text of the statutory provisions prescribing the basic requirements regarding education and training of nursing personnel, and how this education and training is supervised. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in its first report that these requirements are laid down by the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare. Please indicate how nursing education and training are coordinated with the education and training of other workers in the field of health.

Article 4. According to the first report, the only requirement prescribed for the practice of nursing is registration as a nurse with the General Nursing Council. In this connection, the Committee requests the Government to specify the conditions required to be registered as a nurse.

Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee notes from the Government's reports that the participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services and consultation with such personnel on decisions concerning them are ensured by regular dialogue and discussion between the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Public Service Unions, and the Nurses' Association. This seems to apply to nursing personnel in the public sector. The Committee would therefore appreciate receiving information on the participation in planning of nursing personnel in the private sector.

Article 5, paragraph 3. According to the report, the settlement of disputes is sought through a grievance procedure. The Committee therefore requests the Government to describe the procedure used for the settlement of collective disputes for nursing personnel, and whether this procedure is applicable to nursing personnel both in the public and private sectors. The Committee also notes sections 6 to 10 of the Memorandum of Agreement related to the avoidance and settlement of disputes in the Prasad's Hospital. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the hospital in question is a private or a public establishment.

Article 6. According to the first report, the conditions of work of nursing personnel in respect of hours of work (paragraph (a)), weekly rest (paragraph (b)), and paid annual holidays (paragraph (c)) are determined in the Collective Labour Agreement. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of the current Agreement. Please also indicate how conditions are fixed for educational leave (paragraph (d)), maternity leave (paragraph (e)), sick leave (paragraph (f)) and social security (paragraph (g)). Please also supply relevant collective agreements relating to nursing personnel in the private sector in respect of conditions set out in this Article.

Article 7. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in respect of collaboration between the Occupational Health and Safety section of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health. Please indicate whether any special measures have been taken or are envisaged to improve laws and regulations on other aspects of occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work, inter alia, to protect nursing personnel against occupational exposure to the AIDS virus.

Point V of the report form. Please supply the information requested under this point of the report form regarding the manner in which effect is given to the Convention in practice.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Convention. The information supplied in the Government's reports so far has concerned only the public sector. Please supply information, including any available statistics, on the number and conditions of nursing personnel employed in the private sector, to which the Convention also applies. The Committee notes that neither the Private Hospital Act, 1972, nor the Regulations made under it, contains any provisions on the conditions of work of nursing personnel.

Article 1, paragraph 3. Please indicate what provisions are applicable to voluntary nursing personnel, and in particular whether any special rules have been adopted concerning them, as provided for in this paragraph. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in an earlier report that they were not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct, but has provided no further information.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Please furnish information on the measures taken within the framework of the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel to provide the quantity and quality of nursing care necessary for attaining the highest possible level of health for the population. Please indicate the results of these measures and the progress achieved, especially in increasing the number of nursing personnel and improving the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. Please supply copies of statutory provisions and collective agreements applicable to nursing personnel in the public and private sectors in respect of their employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration. Please indicate any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. With reference to the information supplied by the Government in its first report, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the consultation in respect of the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel and on the co-ordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care and to other workers in the field of health. Please describe the manner in which such co-ordination and consultation take place with employers' and workers' organisations in the private sector.

Article 3. Please supply a text of the statutory provisions prescribing the basic requirements regarding education and training of nursing personnel, and how this education and training is supervised. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in its first report that these requirements are laid down by the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare. Please indicate how nursing education and training are co-ordinated with the education and training of other workers in the field of health.

Article 4. According to the first report, the only requirement prescribed for the practice of nursing is registration as a nurse with the General Nursing Council. In this connection, the Committee requests the Government to specify the conditions required to be registered as a nurse.

Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee notes from the Government's reports that the participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services and consultation with such personnel on decisions concerning them are ensured by regular dialogue and discussion between the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Public Service Unions, and the Nurses' Association. This seems to apply to nursing personnel in the public sector. The Committee would therefore appreciate receiving information on the participation in planning of nursing personnel in the private sector.

Article 5, paragraph 3. According to the report, the settlement of disputes is sought through a grievance procedure. The Committee therefore requests the Government to describe the procedure used for the settlement of collective disputes for nursing personnel, and whether this procedure is applicable to nursing personnel both in the public and private sectors. The Committee also notes sections 6 to 10 of the Memorandum of Agreement related to the avoidance and settlement of disputes in the Prasad's Hospital. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the hospital in question is a private or a public establishment.

Article 6. According to the first report, the conditions of work of nursing personnel in respect of hours of work (paragraph (a)), weekly rest (paragraph (b)), and paid annual holidays (paragraph (c)) are determined in the Collective Labour Agreement. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of the current Agreement. Please also indicate how conditions are fixed for educational leave (paragraph (d)), maternity leave (paragraph (e)), sick leave (paragraph (f)) and social security (paragraph (g)). Please also supply relevant collective agreements relating to nursing personnel in the private sector in respect of conditions set out in this Article.

Article 7. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in respect of collaboration between the Occupational Health and Safety section of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health. Please indicate whether any special measures have been taken or are envisaged to improve laws and regulations on other aspects of occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work, inter alia, to protect nursing personnel against occupational exposure to the AIDS virus.

Point V of the report form. Please supply the information requested under this point of the report form regarding the manner in which effect is given to the Convention in practice.

CMNT_TITLE

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information and legislative texts supplied by the Government in its report. It regrets, however, that the information available remains somewhat sparse and fragmentary. The Committee would be grateful, therefore, if the Government would furnish further information on the following provisions of the Convention.

Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Convention. The information supplied in the Government's reports so far has concerned only the public sector. Please supply information, including any available statistics, on the number and conditions of nursing personnel employed in the private sector, to which the Convention also applies. The Committee notes that neither the Private Hospital Act, 1972, nor the Regulations made under it, contains any provisions on the conditions of work of nursing personnel.

Article 1, paragraph 3. Please indicate what provisions are applicable to voluntary nursing personnel, and in particular whether any special rules have been adopted concerning them, as provided for in this paragraph. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in an earlier report that they were not covered by the Nursing Code of Conduct, but has provided no further information.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Please furnish information on the measures taken within the framework of the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel to provide the quantity and quality of nursing care necessary for attaining the highest possible level of health for the population. Please indicate the results of these measures and the progress achieved, especially in increasing the number of nursing personnel and improving the quality of nursing services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 5, paragraph 2. Please supply copies of statutory provisions and collective agreements applicable to nursing personnel in the public and private sectors in respect of their employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration. Please indicate any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. With reference to the information supplied by the Government in its first report, the Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the consultation in respect of the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel and on the co-ordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care and to other workers in the field of health. Please describe the manner in which such co-ordination and consultation take place with employers' and workers' organisations in the private sector.

Article 3. Please supply a text of the statutory provisions prescribing the basic requirements regarding education and training of nursing personnel, and how this education and training is supervised. The Committee recalls that the Government stated in its first report, received in 1985, that these requirements are laid down by the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare. Please indicate how nursing education and training are co-ordinated with the education and training of other workers in the field of health.

Article 4. According to the first report, the only requirement prescribed for the practice of nursing is registration as a nurse with the General Nursing Council. In this connection, the Committee requests the Government to specify the conditions required to be registered as a nurse.

Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee notes from the Government's reports that the participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services and consultation with such personnel on decisions concerning them are ensured by regular dialogue and discussion between the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Public Service Unions, and the Nurses' Association. This seems to apply to nursing personnel in the public sector. The Committee would therefore appreciate receiving information on the participation in planning of nursing personnel in the private sector.

Article 5, paragraph 3. According to the report, the settlement of disputes is sought through a grievance procedure. The Committee therefore requests the Government to describe the procedure used for the settlement of collective disputes for nursing personnel, and whether this procedure is applicable to nursing personnel both in the public and private sectors. The Committee also notes sections 6 to 10 of the Memorandum of Agreement related to the avoidance and settlement of disputes in the Prasad's Hospital. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the hospital in question is a private or a public establishment.

Article 6. According to the first report, the conditions of work of nursing personnel in respect of hours of work (paragraph (a)), weekly rest (paragraph (b)), and paid annual holidays (paragraph (c)) are determined in the Collective Labour Agreement. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of the current Agreement. Please also indicate how conditions are fixed for educational leave (paragraph (d)), maternity leave (paragraph (e)), sick leave (paragraph (f)) and social security (paragraph (g)). Please also supply relevant collective agreements relating to nursing personnel in the private sector in respect of conditions set out in this Article.

Article 7. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in respect of collaboration between the Occupational Health and Safety section of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health. Please indicate whether any special measures have been taken or are envisaged to improve laws and regulations on other aspects of occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work, inter alia, to protect nursing personnel against occupational exposure to the AIDS virus.

Point V of the report form. Please supply the information requested under this point of the report form regarding the manner in which effect is given to the Convention in practice.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee takes note of the Government's report.

In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide a copy of the legislation governing the conditions of employment of nursing personnel and of the collective agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union, and the Public Service Ministry and the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare, and in particular, a copy of the texts referred to in its reports (Nurses' Code of Conduct, General Nursing Council Act, Private Hospital Act (Chap. 33.03) and the Private Hospital Regulations, the Public Service Rules of 1976 and the Public Service Rules of 1987).

The Committee notes the Government's statement that copies of these documents and legal texts are not yet available.

The Committee hopes that the Government will supply these texts, as without them, it is unable to ascertain that legislation and practice are consistent with the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide the information called for in the report form under Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention in respect of nursing personnel employed in the private sector. [The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1990.]