Yoon Seok-yeol Meets On-site Nurses: "Nurses Leaving Due to Prolonged COVID... Will Work to Improve Conditions"

Visiting the Korean Nurses Association to Emphasize 'COVID-19 Measures'

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is holding a New Year's press conference on the direction of national governance at the Grandfather Factory Cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, promised to listen to the difficulties of on-site nurses working at COVID-19 screening clinics and to strive to improve their working environment.

On the 11th, Yoon met with nurses working at screening clinics through the 'Dialogue with Nurses Responding to the COVID Crisis' held at the Korean Nurses Association in Jung-gu, Seoul, listened to their on-site difficulties, and sought alternatives.

Earlier that day, during a New Year's press conference, he pledged a 'public policy fee' to pay labor costs and training expenses required for the installation and operation of negative pressure rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms regardless of usage, and in the afternoon, he attended a discussion forum on scientific indoor air quarantine management measures and alternatives for COVID-19, dedicating himself to COVID-19 response measures.

Appearing in protective clothing at the event, he said, "The sacrifice and dedication of our nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has lasted for over two years, are beyond words," and added, "As a member of the public, I deeply thank our nurses."

He continued, "As COVID-19 prolongs, many nurses are leaving the field due to burnout," explaining, "Many have been diagnosed positive or quarantined while caring for patients in harsh conditions, having to work 24 hours wearing protective suits that make movement difficult."

He said, "Fairness and common sense mean that our people and government provide appropriate treatment for your dedication and sacrifice," and added, "I intend to earnestly ask the party leadership and lawmakers to ensure that not only the government but also the National Assembly fulfill their roles to improve nurses' working conditions."

Nurses attending the event shared their on-site difficulties with candidate Yoon. Shin Eun-hye, who introduced herself as a 19-year veteran nurse, said, "Working in COVID-19 dedicated wards feels more difficult than general wards," and added, "I have never worked long-term wearing protective suits like during the current COVID situation, so I am physically and mentally in a crisis."

Choi Yeon-ok, who works at a screening clinic in Busan, said, "With the spread of Omicron, screening clinic duties will increase, and urgent reinforcement of public health center staff and management of compensation systems are needed," and strongly requested, "As the role of nurses at public health centers becomes more important, I strongly urge the expansion of regular employment of nursing public officials."

Other issues raised included non-compliance with the legal nurse staffing standards, excessive performance of non-nursing duties, and serious on-site attrition of new and trainee nurses.

In response, Shin Kyung-rim, president of the Korean Nurses Association, emphasized the necessity of enacting the 'Nursing Act,' stating, "The Nursing Act clearly stipulates the responsibilities of the state and central government for community policies and securing nursing personnel." On this day, President Shin handed a policy proposal to candidate Yoon.

After the event, candidate Yoon said, "I have seen with my own eyes how hard nurses work in medical settings. Although there are many parts I still do not know about how to create appropriate treatment and systems, I will accurately identify and realize them."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.