Revitalization of primary health care in Samoa

Date: 2013
WHO CC involvement: Prof Caroline Homer, Dr Angela Dawson, Rachel Smith

The Ministry of Health in Samoa requested assistance from the WHO Collaborating Centre UTS in upgrading and rescaling the nursing and midwifery workforce to ensure it is fit for purpose moving into the new era of health care provision in Samoa.

The aim of the project was to provide recommendations and a framework for improving nursing and midwifery workforce for the revitalization of primary health care while balancing the needs of the new teaching hospital. The project was conducted over 6 months (July to December 2013).

A review of the nursing and midwifery workforce issues and the provision of an options paper regarding the development of a framework for nursing and midwifery education in Samoa was undertaken. An Expert Focus Group was formed to lead the consultation proves and recommended the development of a continuing professional development framework for nursing and midwifery education. This Framework offers the opportunity for interprofessional development across the health disciplines and may also include medical staff/students, allied health staff/students and others involved in the provision of health care in Samoa for the overall vision of a Healthy Samoa.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.