DOHA, 24 February, 2015

In an effort to support the strengthening of the role of nurses in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in partnership with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada, recently hosted the 3rd Pediatric Nursing Symposium, under the theme, "Towards Sustainability: Leadership in Action."

The two-day symposium attracted more than 200 nursing professionals, including charge nurses, head nurses, nurse educators, and clinical nurse specialists. The event featured state-of-the-art lectures and dynamic presentations from international and local nursing leaders, highlighting topics such as the journey of Qatari pediatric nurse leaders, leading in family-centered practices, nursing empowerment in the clinical practice environment, and nursing leadership in pediatric pain practices.

The symposium catered to nursing professionals impassioned to promote innovation in leadership, to adopt evidence-based best practices, and to advance sustainable change to provide the best care possible to the patients.

Chief Nursing Officer at HMC, Professor Ann-Marie Cannaby delivered the opening remarks at the symposium, stating: "This symposium builds on from our ambition to ensure that pediatric nurses working across HMC hospitals are well-equipped with the tools and skills they need to act as advocates for their young patients and their families. Since nurses work as direct care-givers within clinical practice, it is fundamental that they feel empowered within their roles so they are able to support professional practice, patient-centered care and a positive work environment within the organization."

"The specific clinical and leadership competencies the nurses develop at this symposium will augment the HMC nursing strategy, and help them to deliver the safest, most effective and most compassionate nursing care based on the individualized needs of each and every one of our patients," Prof. Cannaby added. 

The international keynote speaker for the first day of the symposium was Professor Judith Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in the UK. Prof. Ellis' talk, entitled "Leadership in Action," shed light on her journey as a nursing executive who paved the path for a best practice environment through nursing advocacy and leadership.

Ms. Pam Hubley, Chief, Professional Practice and Nursing, Hospital for Sick Children, Canada delivered the keynote lecture on the second day of the symposium. Her session, entitled "What is Driving Change: Practice or Technology?" examined the idea of effectively utilizing technology to modify nursing practices for enhanced patient outcomes.

Ms. Hubley commented: "It has been extremely rewarding for SickKids to be partnering with HMC for the last three Pediatric Nursing Leadership Symposiums. This symposium was especially important as nurse leaders across the organization contributed to the program. 

The symposium for pediatric nurse leaders further developed nursing leadership capacity through reflection and sharing of local accomplishments, particularly highlighting that all nurses can be leaders no matter what position they hold and that a commitment to life-long learning is integral to ensuring nurses are empowered to provide excellent nursing care within a healthy work environment."

During the two days of the conference, nurses received hands-on training and high-quality mentorship from senior nurse leaders. Concurrently, a series of facilitated leadership exercises engaged nurses in advancing conversations that relate to a shared vision, coaching others and recognizing performance in order to positively influence a best practice environment, advancing practical strategies that relate to managing difficult encounters, collaborating with team members and communicating proactively to avoid conflict. 

A leadership booth was also set-up at the event and delegates were encouraged to state their leadership messages and commitment to share with their teams. Additionally, a total of 18 posters were exhibited at the venue, which demonstrated leadership initiatives and strategies undertaken within HMC.

HMC and SickKids entered a five-year partnership in 2010 with the aim of transforming pediatric healthcare in Qatar. Under the partnership, similar annual leadership symposiums have been held in 2012 and 2013.

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About HMC
HMC is the principal public healthcare provider in the state of Qatar for over three decades and is dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all patients.

HMC manages eight hospitals, incorporating five specialist hospitals and three community hospitals.  HMC also manages the National Ambulance Service as well as home and residential care, all accredited by Joint Commission International. While HMC continues to upgrade its facilities and services, it has also embarked on an ambitious expansion program, targeting the areas of need in our community.

HMC is leading the development of the region's first academic health system and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. We collaborate with partners who are key experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

We are also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager, Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2015