HMC celebrates International Nurses Day

Nurses from Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) nursing service celebrated International Nurses Day yesterday by raising awareness of the significant role nurses play in the healthcare system. 

International Nurses Day was established in 1965 and marks the birth of Florence Nightingale; the famous English nurse is considered a pioneer of modern nursing. In recent years celebrations for Gulf Nursing Day have given way to International Nurses Day, but this year nurses enrolled in the ‘Leadership for Change’ program decided the occasion was an opportune time to celebrate the diversity of HMC’s nursing service. 

Currently over 8,500 men and women, representing over 50 different nationalities, work as nurses at HMC hospitals and clinics and as part of its homecare service. Dr. Badriya Al Lenjawi, who leads the professional development of HMC’s nursing workforce, said Qatari nurses must play a pivotal role in uplifting the nursing profession and in encouraging both Qataris and expatriates to pursue a career in the field. 

“As Qatari nurses and members of the Leadership for Change program we must take responsibility for paving the way for Qatar’s future nurses, both Qataris and expats,” said Dr. Al Lenjawi. “Promoting nursing as a challenging, respected and rewarding field is an ideal way to uplift the profession and celebrate the diversity of our nursing service here at HMC.” 

The ‘Leadership for Change’ program is a collaboration between the Supreme Council of Health, the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office. The program was created in order to develop the leadership and administrative skills of nurses in Qatar. 

HMC’s Executive Director of Nursing, Dr. Ann Marie Cannaby, said International Nurses Day is an opportune time to recognize the significant role nurses play in the delivery of safe and effective care. Dr. Cannaby added that the Corporation is focused on ensuring Qatar’s nursing profession is on par with the world’s best nursing services. 

“In close collaboration with our academic partners we are developing the next generation of expert nurses because we understand that both growth in the healthcare sector and high quality nursing care must be driven by nurses,” said Dr. Cannaby. 

Students from University of Calgary-Qatar’s nursing programs were also on hand to celebrate the occasion. Nursing education is a key building block of both the Corporation’s academic health system and nursing strategy. HMC has worked closely with University of Calgary-Qatar to deliver accredited Diploma and Bachelor Degree courses in nursing and to date over 35 graduates have joined HMC in full-time nursing roles. 

University of Calgary-Qatar Dean & CEO, Dr. Kim Critchley, said that International Nurses Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and success of both nurses who are working in Qatar’s healthcare system and those who are studying at the University of Calgary–Qatar to become nurses of the future. 

“Nurses in Qatar are contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession with knowledge, skill, passion and compassion. We are grateful to HMC, our leading sponsor, which provides education funding and employment opportunities for our graduates.  Together we are providing the people of Qatar the assurance that they will receive the finest quality healthcare available anywhere,” said Dr. Critchley.