Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar has been disturbed by a Christmas carol clip which has nurses in uniform singing about “patient’s smells” which went viral on social media.

Ms Akbar through a press release sent yesterday also gave a strong warning that any behaviour that undermined the professional standards in the civil service would not be condoned.

The video shows nurses singing the Christmas carol Jingle Bells with an altered version on the lines that says: ‘Jingle bell, patient smells, admits on the way. Oh what a fun it is to work every holiday’.

Ms Akbar said: “The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has launched a thorough investigation of a video that features a number of nurses in uniform and has reportedly gone viral on social media.

“The contents of the video are disturbing and I have asked the Director of Nursing to initiate a detailed and urgent investigation.”

Ms Akbar has apologised to the patients and the public who may have been offended by watching the clip.

“At this stage, I would also like to offer the Ministry’s sincere apologies to any patients or members of the public who may have been offended by the behaviour portrayed, which I know is not typical of the many dedicated nurses working in our health system,” she said.

“I am sure the staff involved did not intend to show contempt for their patients, but that is no excuse for the conduct shown on this video.”

Ms Akbar said the ministry continues to nurture a workforce that is professional, caring and shows respect and compassion for patients.

“Incidents such as these are not consistent with that approach and highlight the need for staff to be aware at all times of how they are seen by their patients and the public,” she said.

“I know many nurses will also be disappointed that members of their noble profession appear to have been willing to participate in such behavior.”

When contacted yesterday, Fiji Nursing Association general secretary Salanieta Matiavi said she had seen the video but did not want to make any comment at this stage.

Edited by: Rusiate Mataika

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