The Intermediate Hospital Katutura held an employee wellness day aimed at encouraging staff members to prioritise their physical, emotional and overall wellbeing.

Dr Peni Shakumu says employee health and workplace safety remains a key.

Dr. Shakumu says workers need to be protected from hazardous environments.

From her department, they conduct pre-employment medical assessments for new recruits to establish a baseline of their health and see whether they are fit for the job.

The department also assists employees who sustain injuries on duty, including assessment and completion of the required documents.

Health practitioners are also provided with vaccines to protect them from exposure.

"Most of the employees at the hospital are exposed to hepatitis B. Basically because we are, especially the nurses and the doctors, the cleaners and our incinerator workers who come in contact with bodily fluids," stressed Dr. Shakumu. 

She further highlights that beyond physical safety, employee wellness also encompasses mental, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing.

"We should have a life-work balance. Whereby we promote mental health, we promote psychological health, and we promote social and spiritual – all that is wellness. That's why today's day is very important. We just want our employees to step away from the busy environment briefly just so that they recharge and renew."

An occupational health nurse, Elizabeth Kaise, says the day raises awareness about services available to support the workers while on duty.

She further says that the clinic, situated on the first floor of the hospital, assists employees who sustain injuries while on duty and also offers space where staff members can relax and manage work pressure.

"So the aim for this day was just to raise awareness amongst our staff, to be aware that there is service for them, and then also to use this opportunity for them to interact with each other to make this event a successful day for all of us."