H.E Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Chairman of Emirates Health Services (EHS), announced that EHS has achieved a 100% rate in nursing care quality indicators and a 100% implementation of the UAE School Health Model. H.E. emphasized the important and influential role played by nursing staff in providing the highest levels of healthcare services, contributing to the establishment of an integrated healthcare system in line with the highest global standards and within the vision of the UAE Centennial 2071.
H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services, stated that EHS has witnessed a rise in the Emiratisation rate in nursing and midwifery to 12%, compared to the previous rate of 6% a few years ago. He further announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan aimed at attracting and nurturing national talents, particularly the younger generation, as part of a strategic initiative to bolster the localization of nursing and midwifery professions.
The Board of Directors of EHS held its fifth meeting under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, with the presence of H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal. The board reviewed the outcomes of implementing The National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery 2022-2026 as well as the challenges facing the implementation of this strategy.
During the meeting, the board members reviewed the status of the nursing staff within EHS, the institutional reputation, and the results of institutional performance. They discussed key outcomes and levels of progress in strategic and operational performance, service delivery, and government enablers. A set of recommendations and decisions were issued as a result of the discussions.
Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama highlighted the discussion on innovative high-quality education, professional development, research, and evidence-based nursing and midwifery practices. The focus was on graduating qualified healthcare professionals to meet national health priorities, enhance capabilities, and align with evidence-based approaches in line with national health policies.
Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal reported that the professional development rate for the nursing and midwifery staff reached 100%. The number of clinical performance supervisors within EHS reached 61. Regarding specialization within the nursing staff, 10 individuals were selected to join the diabetes education program.
Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal stated that EHS collaborates with universities in capabilities-building programs for scientific research. Three programs have been implemented, along with conducting 10 nursing research studies for the years 2020-2022.
Regarding institutional reputation, Al Serkal reported an increase in customer satisfaction with EHS mobile application between January and September, with a 19% increase. The number of app downloads also exceeded 95,000 between June and September.
He also highlighted an increase in satisfaction among users of EHS’ medical facilities between January and September, with a significant increase of over 15%. The number of users in September alone exceeded 250,000. Additionally, user satisfaction with the medical appointment booking service increased by 5% during the same period. The number of users accessing services through the mobile application and website surpassed 100,000 in September 2023.
The Director-General of Emirates Health Services emphasized that EHS has strengthened its reputation through a focus on patient experience, strategic direction, and expanding partnerships and collaborations. Its reputation is also further strengthened by continuously delivering high-quality healthcare, fostering trust, enhancing patient and community confidence, fostering innovation and development, effective communication and engagement, and managing customer relationships.