ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Ghanaian nurses recruited to support Antigua and Barbuda’s public health system have begun a scheduled two-week orientation programme at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, hospital officials said Monday.

The onboarding exercise started with formal orientation sessions aimed at preparing the nurses for clinical duties and integrating them into the local healthcare environment. Hospital administrators said the programme is designed to ensure a smooth transition into patient care while familiarising the new staff with policies, procedures and workplace expectations.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph attended the opening session alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Health and members of SLBMC’s executive management team.

The orientation is being led by the hospital’s Learning and Development and Human Resources units and will run for two weeks. According to SLBMC, the sessions are focused on clinical standards, professional practice and collaboration within the national health system.

Hospital officials said the arrival of the Ghanaian nurses forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen staffing levels and improve service delivery at the country’s main public healthcare facility.