Posted by Chinenye on Tue 15th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Nurses at a major psychiatric hospital in Lagos are calling for urgent improvements to their working environment, saying they need better support and resources to care for patients effectively.
(Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. Photo by Punch News)
Nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lagos have appealed to the Federal Government to improve their working conditions and provide better resources so they can deliver quality care to patients.
Speaking at the hospital's Nurses' Week celebration, experts described nurses as the backbone of the healthcare system, noting they're often the first to see patients and the last to leave.
Their skills and readiness directly affect patient outcomes, especially as nursing roles continue to expand.
Psychiatric nurses carry particularly heavy responsibilities, including spotting early warning signs of relapse, calming patients in crisis, educating families and preventing suicide.
Many spend hours into the early morning with vulnerable patients, making the difference between safety and tragedy.
This work requires clinical knowledge, the ability to communicate therapeutically and understanding of medication side effects.
However, nurses cannot provide effective care in overcrowded, unsafe work environments.
The hospital's leadership stressed the need for adequate staffing, proper funding, modern equipment and telehealth platforms to support psychiatric nurses properly.
The Head of Nursing Services acknowledged the demanding nature of the work, including long hours, night shifts and emotional pressure.
She assured nurses their efforts are recognized and called on senior staff to mentor younger nurses while urging the younger generation to continue developing their skills and embrace leadership roles.
Hospital officials also expressed concern about Nigerian nurses leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
They called on the government, NGOs and the public to create better conditions that would encourage nurses to stay and practice with dignity.
When nurses are empowered, they said, patients become safer and communities healthier.