Northern Provincial Hospital has farewelled 14 staff members in a special ceremony held this week, recognising their long years of service and contribution to healthcare in Vanuatu.

The group includes nine clinical staff and five support service workers, many of whom have served for more than 35 years. Among them is senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Thomas Sala Vurobaravu.

Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Mark Kalpukai said the farewell reflects years of dedication and commitment to patient care and hospital services in Sanma Province.

One of the retiring staff members, support worker Roslyn Avock, who served for 42 years, said teamwork has always been a key part of a strong workplace.

“Teamwork in the workplace is very important. Without it, we cannot work well together. Good leadership helps us achieve better results, and smiling and good customer care are also very important in serving others.”

Senior clinical nurse Julienne Bani, who served for 36 years, described the hospital as her second home and thanked the Ministry of Health and the Government of Vanuatu for their support.

“Thank you to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Vanuatu for recognising nurses who serve the people of this nation and Sanma Province. I am happy for my service and now I can go home and spend time with my family.”

Dr Kalpukai said the hospital management is working closely with the Ministry of Health to manage staffing gaps following the retirement of the 14 employees.

He said temporary staff will be used to cover key positions while recruitment processes are underway to fill the vacancies.

“We will use existing nurses to cover these positions while, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we work on recruiting additional staff,” he said.

The farewell ceremony was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health corporate services, Luganville Municipal Council, Sanma Provincial Government, hospital staff, and family members of the retirees.