In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services (EHS), and under the theme "Generation Without Borders, Empowerment Towards Leadership" the Emirates Health Services, represented by its Nursing and Midwifery Department, organised the "Youth Nursing and Midwifery Forum". This was to mark the International Nurses Day, held on May 12 every year, with the aim of highlighting the nursing and midwifery professions, and applauding the efforts of midwives and nurses, and their value within the health work ecosystem.
The meeting was attended by administrative, medical and nursing professionals, and midwives from the facility, including Dr. Issam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, Dr. Sumaya Al Blooshi, Director of Nursing at EHS, Dr Kalthoom AlBlooshi. Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Training & Development Center, Fatma Al-Wali, Director of Strategy and Future Management at EHS, and Mahaba Salem Al Saleh. President of EHS Youth Council.
Dr. Issam Al Zarooni said the forum aimed to highlight the important role that young people play in the nursing and midwifery professions, to appreciate their efforts, and offer them a chance to participate in strengthening their understanding of the professional through the participation of selected specialists, expertise, and status.
Dr. Al Zarooni emphasised the commitment of EHS to making sustained efforts to support the nursing and midwifery professions, expand collaboration opportunities, and establish a culture of meetings and dialogues with experts and specialists. This is one of the most important pillars of EHS in developing tools for action and finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing nursing and midwifery around the world.
Dr. Sumaya Al Blooshi, Director of Nursing at EHS, explained the significant part that young nursing staff and midwives play in shaping the future of health care, which is supported by strategic directions and plans based on global best practices and national health priorities through clinical leadership and specialised practice at various departments and health care centres. She praised the wise leadership's keen interest in promoting the role of young people in shaping the future, as they are regarded as a priceless national treasure. She said the percentage of young nursing staff working at EHS facilities had reached 40% of the total nursing staff.
According to Al Blooshi, the percentage of nursing staff among all staff is 12%. Young people account for 90% of the entire nursing professionals. She emphasised the importance of optimal investment, empowerment, capacity building, and listening to young people's ideas and opinions. She urged the participants to foster a sense of belonging and to embrace the principles of national responsibility to lead in accordance with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and the aspirations of the nation's wise leadership.
Dr. Al Blooshi added that such gatherings allow young professionals to gain knowledge about the national and institutional strategic directions to support them. Such events also enable young people to actively participate in providing their views and recommendations about the challenges in the sector, as well as suggest initiatives that meet the strategic objectives and secure the aims of youth empowerment.
The participants discussed the reality of nursing and midwifery in several sessions. Dr. Fatima Al-Rifai, a former consultant for nursing affairs at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, member of the International Nursing Council, and member of the Emirates Nursing Association's Board of Directors, delivered a lecture titled "The Emirati Nursing and Midwifery Vision... a career path". Dr. Sumaya Al Blooshi presented the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022-2026), and Fatima Al-Wali discussed the strategic plan of EHS for 2023-2026, in addition to its Excellence Award.
Dr. Kalthoom AlBlooshi emphasised the significance of innovation in healthcare as a crucial pillar in promoting the study, science, and medical technology. She discussed the goal of EHS to drive innovative practices that adhere to the highest international standards at all organisational and operational levels to achieve a genuine and qualitative improvement in the services offered to all societal segments. Mahaba Salem Al Saleh provided an overview of the Emirates Health Services Youth Council and the opportunities offered to young people to be a part of the change-making process and shape the institution's future.