The management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu has issued a strong rebuttal to claims that it forced its nursing staff to perform cleaning and sanitation duties. This controversy emerged amidst the ongoing national strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), which has lasted for over a month.
Allegations and Official Denial
The allegations were reportedly made public by the Elegant Nurses Forum in a statement signed by an individual named Abiodun Thomas. The forum accused some hospitals, including OOUTH, of compelling nurses to undertake cleaning work due to the absence of striking cleaners. They labeled this practice as unethical, unlawful, and professionally degrading.
In a swift and firm response, the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, dismissed the reports. He described them as "unsubstantiated, baseless, fake, and a figment of the imagination of the writer." The hospital's official statement, released on 13 January 2026, emphasized that the claims were published online without proper verification.
Management's Stance on Professional Boundaries
OOUTH management categorically stated that at no point has any staff member, medical or non-medical, been pressured or instructed to perform duties outside their professional scope. The hospital insists that nurses are treated with the dignity and respect their profession commands.
Mrs. Folasade Fawole, the Acting Director of Nursing Services at OOUTH, provided further clarification. She confirmed that nurses have never been subjected to such unconducive working conditions. While nurses might personally tidy their immediate workstations, she stressed that "cleaning of wards and clinic areas is not part of nurses’ official duties."
Commitment to Standards Amid Industrial Action
Despite the challenges posed by the JOHESU strike, the teaching hospital's management reiterated its unwavering commitment to several key principles:
- Maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
- Upholding staff welfare and a conducive working environment.
- Ensuring all activities are managed with professionalism.
- Adhering strictly to ethical standards and professional boundaries.
The hospital's statement concluded by assuring the public that it continues to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders. The goal is to address concerns and ensure smooth service delivery while respecting the defined roles of all healthcare professionals.
