JFK Hospital Rejects Ebola Rumours, Says Nurse Training Was Preventive

Monrovia, Liberia: Authorities at John F. Kennedy Medical Center have moved to calm public concern after rumours circulated online suggesting Liberia may have recorded a new Ebola case.

In a statement released Monday, the hospital’s Director of Nursing Services, Joana D. Joekai, said recent sessions held with nurses were part of routine preparedness measures and were not linked to any confirmed Ebola outbreak in the country.

She explained that the training focused on infection prevention, patient screening procedures, and the proper use of protective medical equipment in the event of any highly infectious disease emergency.

Mrs. Joekai said Liberia’s previous experience with Ebola, along with recent reports of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, made it necessary for health workers to remain alert and professionally prepared.

She stressed that neither she nor members of her team informed staff of any confirmed Ebola case in Liberia, adding that only the Ministry of Health has the authority to officially declare such an outbreak.

The clarification follows growing public discussion sparked by comments made during a recent media interview by Paula Bedell, who claimed information about suspected Ebola cases had emerged from an internal meeting at JFK Hospital.

Liberia was declared Ebola-free in 2016 after one of the deadliest outbreaks in West Africa’s history, which killed thousands across the region.

This Is the Full Release from JFK

Statement by Mrs.Joana D. Joekai, Director of Nursing Services of the
John F. Kennedy Medical Center

In keeping with my responsibility and ethical obligation as Director of Nursing Services overseeing the ES Grant Memorial and Maternity Hospitals of the John F Kennedy Medical Center, I initiated a proactive education and awareness process for nurses aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring a safe working environment for both healthcare workers and patients in the event of any highly infectious disease outbreak including Ebola Virus Disease.

Based on Liberia's past experience with Ebola and the recent alert issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the reported outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it was important to ensure that our nurses remain informed, vigilant and fully aware of the already established safety protocols and infection prevention measures.

The education focused on patient triaging procedures, specialized barrier protections such as impermeable gowns double gloves, face shields and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which remains critical in preventing and controlling infectious discase outbreaks.

It is important to clearly state that at no point during these educational engagements did I, or any member of my team, disclose or suggest that Liberia has any confirmed Ebola case. 

Such declarations are solely within the mandate and authority of the Ministry of Health. Our efforts were strictly precautionary and intended to better prepare and position our nurses and hospitals in response to regional public health developments.

We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care, safety, professionalism, and public health preparedness at the John F Kennedy Medical Center.

Mrs. Joana D Joekai, MSN, BSN, RN 
Director of Nursing Services, John F. Kennedy Medical Center

in another Development,

Ms. Paola Bedell has been temporarily released from police custody as investigations continue into statements she made about a suspected Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

Her legal team confirmed the release in a brief statement, saying police are still investigating the matter to determine the intent behind the comments.

Bedell recently drew public attention after claiming during a media interview that there were suspected Ebola cases in Liberia. However, health authorities and officials at John F. Kennedy Medical Center later clarified that there is no confirmed Ebola case in the country.

The Liberia National Police has not yet said whether charges will be filed.

Meanwhile, health officials continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information about Ebola and other public health issues.