In the busy environment of a hospital, numerous people rely on the care and knowledge of hospital staff. Ward aides play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the hospital. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from cleaning to caring for patients during emergencies.
Mrs Asisat Bashir a dedicated and committed mother of three in her late 30sgives a glimpse into the demanding role she plays in the hospital.
For a decade, Bashir has been very dedicated to hospital maintenance, performing essential tasks vital to patient care and staff efficiency.
As a ward aide at a general hospital, her day begins in the early hours, as she gets up to prepare her three children for school. By mid-morning, she is on her way to the hospital, where she spends the next eight hours cleaning rooms, emptying trash, and ensuring that the hospital is a safe and sanitary environment for patients and staff.
“My day starts at 5 a.m. caring for my children and preparing their breakfast. By 7 a.m., I’m off to work, trekking a distance before taking a keke napep to the hospital. My day involves everything from emptying trash and cleaning toilets to ensuring the entire ward is spotless. We’re constantly on our feet, keeping the toilets clean until our shift ends at 2 p.m. Even in emergencies, we clean up the worst messes,” she shared.
Bashir’s job is not easy. It is physically demanding and often thankless. Her work environment is often grueling. Long hours, physical strain, and exposure to harsh chemicals are part of the job. While her role is crucial, it’s filled with challenges that test her endurance.
She said, “Hundreds of people walk past us every day in the hospital, but only about 2 percent notice us and even fewer recognize the efforts we put in.”
Often, many patients’ guardians demand the unthinkable from them, not realising that doing it is not part of their obligation.
“A guardian once nagged at me for leaving her sick son; she said she had left to pee because she saw me sitting, and I left when the child needed something and no one was there to give it to him,” she explained.
However, this doesn’t mean they don’t assist in caring for patients. “Often, the guardians who stay with patients are not always capable of moving or turning bedridden patients. We sometimes assist with lifting them and changing their bedding. Additionally, we help with personal care tasks, such as changing nappies for the very ill and cleaning patients with towels in the morning instead of bathing them.”
On compensation, Bashir explained that a lot of hospital staff are not directly employed by the government but through an agency. She said the agency requires them to sign an agreement stipulating that they will receive only 50% of the original government funds allocated.
“We only receive 15,000 naira, which is half of the initial government funds allocated to the agency that employs us. The money doesn’t reflect the hard work we put in,” she lamented.
Understaffing and a lack of proper equipment add to her burden. She said, “Imagine having to bend down to wash, sweep, and perform many other tasks. This takes a significant toll on my knees and back, leaving them to ache. There are no modern tools to make the job easier.” She expressed that these issues hinder her ability to perform her duties effectively and contribute to feelings of undervaluation.
Reflecting on her role, Bashir underscores its significance. She’s said“Although the compensation doesn’t reflect the work we do, I can’t leave the job because I can’t afford to stay at home doing nothing. Since I didn’t attend school, finding a better job is challenging.”
Bashir’s story highlights the dedication required to maintain a clean and safe healthcare environment. Her experiences underscore the urgent need for fair compensation and recognition for the often-overlooked hospital cleaners. Their commitment to keeping hospitals running smoothly is invaluable.
The commitment of ward aides like Bashir is crucial to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Yet, their hard work frequently goes unacknowledged, and their compensation fails to match the demands of their roles.
Their situation calls for re-evaluating how we value essential support roles in healthcare. Ensuring fair pay, proper working conditions, and recognition for hospital staff can improve not only their quality of life but also the overall efficiency and care within healthcare facilities.
