‘Nursing Now Qatar’ campaign launched

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, has joined forces with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to launch ‘Nursing Now Qatar’.The Qatar chapter of Nursing Now, a global campaign run in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region.Nursing Now Qatar was announced on the final day of the Middle East Forum for Quality and Safety in Healthcare, held recently. The campaign aims to improve healthcare globally by raising the profile and status of nurses worldwide; influencing policymakers; and supporting nurses to lead, learn, and build a global movement.Speaking at the event HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, said, “I am proud of our nurses who bring a unique and valuable set of competences and experience that are relevant to the diverse population groups we care for in Qatar. This global campaign plays a vital role in our efforts to profile the professionalism of nurses and midwives in our health sector; and will help to promote this important profession among Qatari nursing professionals.”Sultana Afdhal, CEO, WISH, announced the formation of a Nursing Now committee, which will be headed by Dr Nicola Ryley, chief nursing officer, HMC, with support from Mariam Nooh al-Mutawa, executive director of nursing, HMC, during the forum’s plenary session.Nursing Now board member Maureen Bisognano from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, who reviewed the five strategic priorities for the Nursing Now campaign, was also present during the announcement.Messages of encouragement were received from Elizabeth Iro, Chief Nursing Officer, WHO, and representatives of the nursing community of Jordan, who will be launching Nursing Now Jordan in the coming months.Nursing and Universal Health Coverage will be one of nine research topics that will form the focus of WISH 2018. The nine forums will highlight and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges across topics that cover medical, ethical, technological, and humanitarian aspects of healthcare. The topics announced so far include viral hepatitis, eye health, and design in health.