The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) organized a Nursing Leadership, to announce a new strategic framework and operational plan for nursing and to enhance the attractiveness of the profession. The initiative, which is line with its Strategic Plan 2017-2021, was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector; Dr. Sumaya Mohammed Al- Balushi, Director of Nursing, strategic partners, managers, officials, and ministry employees.
Dr. Al Serkal said the forum was important to help assess existing nursing practices, identify strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities, recognize challenges in achieving goals and engage the participation of hospital executives and external key stakeholders, to collaboratively discuss solutions and initiatives to achieve the desired outcomes. He added that the forum becomes vital in the context of the updated operational plan for nursing, to support the national agenda of enhancing the attractiveness of the profession, under the slogan ‘Nursing is pride and creativity’. He said the ministry’s strategy was to provide world-class health services in the country, in accordance with global standards and ensure adequate infrastructure and administrative support for the same.
Dr. Al Serkal added that the nursing profession is high on the ministry’s agenda and that it receives the highest attention and support from the Ministry to achieve global standards and best practices that are aligned with the UAE National Agenda, The MOH Strategy and the ICN/WHO Global Nursing Objectives. He pointed out that the workshop represents the first, official step to review the strategic and operational plan in place for 2017-2021, launch innovative standards and practices to give the nursing profession a cutting edge and facilitate brainstorming with experts, to jointly achieve the country’s health agenda and goals.
Dr. Sumaya Mohammed Al- Balushi said: “The objective of the forum is to continuously monitor, evaluate and exchange experiences and expertise with stakeholders and partners, to effectively implement best practices, bring in change and innovation wherever necessary, enhance public perception of the nursing profession and keep abreast of global trends and evidence-based practices.”
She added that to achieve these goals, the nursing department has established a leadership team to constantly evaluate existing practices in hospitals, health care centers and the crucial field of preventive medicine. The team has put in place a framework to implement the strategy and operational plan for nursing in line with the national strategy of improving the nursing attractiveness quotient.