The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has raised concerns over a series of complaints from staff and patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, alleging poor welfare conditions, inadequate infection control measures, and deteriorating facilities at the hospital.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the Forum said it had received reports from nurses employed this year who claim they are being owed two months’ salaries, though the reason for the delay remains unclear.
The Forum called on journalists to seek clarification from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director so that all sides of the matter could be fairly presented. It urged management to respond promptly and transparently.
According to the statement, the affected nurses also alleged they have not received uniform allowances routinely paid to nurses at other federal health institutions, and complained of salary disparities compared to counterparts in similar facilities.
The ENF further alleged that essential personal protective equipment, particularly examination gloves, is often unavailable in some wards, forcing nurses to obtain gloves from patients before carrying out procedures. Nurses who ask for additional gloves reportedly face verbal abuse from frustrated patients.
“No healthcare worker should be forced to choose between providing safe patient care and exposing themselves to avoidable occupational hazards,” the statement read, adding that patients should not be expected to supply materials for both their own treatment and hospital staff’s use.
The Forum said it had also received complaints from patients about unhealthy ward conditions, including leaking toilets that allegedly overflow onto floors due to faulty plumbing and poor maintenance, mixing wastewater with faecal matter.
Cleaning staff, the statement added, have complained of inadequate supplies of disinfectants, detergents, gloves, and other materials needed to maintain hygiene standards.
The ENF called on FMC Abeokuta management and the Federal Ministry of Health to urgently investigate the allegations and take corrective action where necessary. The Forum demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salaries owed to affected nurses, along with prompt payment of all legitimate allowances, including uniform allowance, and a transparent review of alleged salary disparities within the institution.
It also called for the immediate provision of adequate gloves, PPE, and other essential medical consumables in all wards, as well as urgent repair and maintenance of leaking toilets and other defective sanitary facilities. The Forum further demanded an adequate supply of cleaning equipment, disinfectants, detergents, gloves, and other hygiene materials for environmental staff, alongside a comprehensive inspection of the hospital’s infection prevention and control measures to ensure compliance with acceptable healthcare standards.
Additionally, the ENF called for protection of all staff members from victimisation for raising genuine concerns about workplace safety and patient care, as well as proper waste disposal and the provision of appropriate waste bins across the facility.
The Forum said the welfare of healthcare workers and patient safety “are inseparable,” warning that unsafe working conditions ultimately compromise patient care. It urged FMC Abeokuta management to engage constructively with staff to improve service delivery.
