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News on Nurses in the Media
July 2007 Archives

   

 

Release

July 24, 2007 -- Today the BBC reported the release of the Bulgarian nurses and Palestinian physician who had been imprisoned in Libya since 1999 and sentenced to death for allegedly infecting hundreds of children with HIV. Many around the world had argued that evidence suggested that the tragic infections were actually due to poor conditions at the hospital. The Benghazi Six arrived in Bulgaria on a French government plane, and immediately received a pardon from Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov. The release follows a deal under which the families of the infected children will reportedly receive compensation of about US$1 million each. The deal also calls for stronger economic and political ties between the European Union and Libya, as well as health aid to Libyan children infected with HIV. The health workers' release was secured after years of diplomatic efforts, particularly by European Union External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and we commend everyone who played a role in this very positive outcome. We also thank the nearly 700 concerned people from all over the world who have written letters through the Center's site since 2005 urging the Libyan government to release the prisoners. See the BBC article, the video story from the BBC, and profiles of each of the Benghazi Six from the BBC.

 

Please thank the EU and Libya!

Please send letters of thanks to European Union External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner at relex-sanctions@ec.europa.eu and please copy us at letters@truthaboutnursing.org. Please also thank Libya at libya@un.int and copy us at letters@truthaboutnursing.org.

 

Nurses in Motion: "Fighting De-Nursification"

July 18, 2007 -- Barbara Ficarra's Internet video program "Nurses in Motion" recently featured an extended interview with Center director Sandy Summers, RN, MSN, MPH. Summers and Ficarra discussed the causes and effects of the poor public understanding of nursing, especially as seen in the mass media. Summers argued that nurses' inaccurate public image is a key factor in the critical nursing shortage, affecting the level of resources directed to nursing practice, education and research. She also addressed barriers nurses face in speaking up about their work and its value. watch the video... Also check out the entire "Nurses in Motion" series.

 

Oh baby, I'm dreaming of Monday
Oh baby, will I see you again?    

July 11, 2007 -- Today the BBC reported that the Libyan Supreme Court had upheld the death sentences imposed on five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian physician for allegedly infecting hundreds of Libyan children with HIV. However, a group of interested parties, including the children's families, the Libyan government, and the European Union, has reportedly reached a final agreement as to financial compensation for the families. The BBC reports that this agreement will be among the factors considered by Libya's High Judicial Council--which can overrule the Supreme Court--when it meets to decide whether to "confirm, annul or amend the death penalty verdicts." Human rights groups and health experts have long argued that there is no persuasive evidence that the health workers committed any crime, but that the tragic infections were instead the result of poor conditions at the hospital. Please write to the Libyan government and politely request that the Council order the release of the nurses and physician. The Council reportedly meets on Monday, July 16. Please see our action page on the Benghazi Six and join our letter-writing campaign!

 

Case against New Orleans nurses dropped

July 3, 2007 -- The Associated Press reported today that no charges would be filed against New Orleans nurses Lori Budo and Cheri Landry. The nurses were arrested last year for allegedly using lethal injections to kill several patients at the flooded Memorial Medical Center while waiting to be evacuated in the horrific conditions following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The AP piece says that last month the nurses were compelled to testify before a grand jury under a grant of immunity. One of their attorneys reportedly says there is "no reason" to believe they testified against their colleague, physician Anna Pou. The case against Dr. Pou has not yet been dropped. see the article ...

 

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