By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, has denied allegations that it compelled nurses to carry out cleaning and sanitation duties, following the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

JOHESU’s industrial action, now over one month old, has kept some hospital workers, including cleaners, away from work. However, OOUTH management described claims that nurses were forced to fill the gap as “unsubstantiated, baseless, fake and a figment of the imagination of the writer.”

In a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Mrs. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the hospital said it has never pressured any staff to perform duties outside their professional scope.

This followed a statement by the Elegant Nurses Forum, signed by Abiodun Thomas, which accused some public hospitals, including OOUTH, of compelling nurses to engage in cleaning and sanitation duties, due to the absence of cleaners during the JOHESU strike.

The forum described the alleged practice as unethical, unlawful and professionally degrading, and demanded an immediate end to what it termed intimidation and coercion of nurses.

Reacting to the allegations, the OOUTH management said the publication, purportedly signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum, was circulated by several online platforms without due verification.

“The management categorically stated that the claims as they relate to OOUTH are false, misleading and entirely baseless. At no time has any member of staff; medical or non-medical been pressured, instructed or compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their professional cadre,” the statement read.

The hospital assured the public that operations at OOUTH continue to be handled with professionalism and respect for all healthcare workers, stressing that staff welfare, teamwork and adherence to ethical standards remain top priorities despite the ongoing industrial action.

Also lending her voice to the hospital’s position, the Acting Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Folasade Fawole, reportedly confirmed that nurses at OOUTH have neither been subjected to unconducive working conditions nor compelled to perform cleaning duties.

“While nurses may take personal initiatives to keep their immediate workspaces tidy, cleaning of wards and clinic areas is not part of nurses’ official duties, and at no time have nurses been compelled to undertake such tasks,” she was quoted as saying.

The management reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care, staff welfare and a conducive working environment, adding that it would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure smooth service delivery within ethical and professional boundaries.