Rescind that decision, Dr Ferguson

Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to the Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson, for him to rescind the decision to cut out sessional duties for midwives pursing the BSc degree in nursing programme.

I am publicly bringing to the attention of Dr Fenton Ferguson, the plight facing midwives who are currently pursuing the BSc degree in nursing.

Over the years, it was customary for midwives being trained as nurses to do sessional duties as a means of supplementing their income. While the government pays the salary for two of the four years of training, it is widely known that the salaries of midwives, being relatively low, must be supplemented by sessional duties.

This practice has been in existence for many years, as well as scholarships being provided by the Ministry of Health to assist in meeting the educational needs of midwives pursuing further studies.

It was therefore very disappointing that the sessional benefits were unilaterally withdrawn by the hospital with which I am affiliated.

As a midwife and single mother, I am experiencing severe difficulties existing on my basic salary, while studying and supporting my children without being able to benefit from sessional duties.

I am hereby appealing for this adverse decision to be rescinded.

Concerned Midwife

Kingston

Rescind that decision, Dr Ferguson

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