The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, has dismissed allegations that it compelled nurses to carry out cleaning and sanitation duties during the ongoing national strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the hospital’s Public Relations Department, the management described the claims as “unsubstantiated, baseless, fake, and a figment of the writer’s imagination.”
The rebuttal followed a statement credited to Abiodun Thomas on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum, which alleged that some public hospitals, including OOUTH, were forcing nurses to perform cleaning duties due to the absence of cleaners participating in the month-long JOHESU strike. The forum had condemned the alleged practice as unethical, unlawful, and professionally degrading, calling for an end to intimidation and coercion of nurses into duties outside their professional scope.
Reacting, OOUTH management firmly denied the allegations, insisting that nurses in the hospital have always been treated with dignity and respect. It faulted the publication of the claims by some online platforms without proper verification.
“The management categorically states 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 said.
The hospital assured the public that its operations continue to be guided by professionalism, ethical standards, and respect for all healthcare workers. It added that staff welfare, teamwork, and adherence to established practices remain top priorities despite the ongoing industrial action.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Folasade Fawole, confirmed that nurses at OOUTH have never been subjected to unconducive working conditions.
“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 stated.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care, staff welfare, and a conducive working environment, pledging continued engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure smooth service delivery within ethical and professional boundaries.