The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched a new educational initiative to support the career of nurses working in the field, enabling them to seek higher education without having to leave their jobs.

As part of this initiative, the DHA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Bradford, which is one of the top British universities in health studies in the UK and provides those nurses who have a diploma an opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree within one year, without leaving their jobs.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Professor Mark Cleary, vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford; Shirley Congdon, dean of the School of Health Studies and pro-vice chancellor of the Bradford University; and Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, director-general of the DHA.

Senior DHA officials including Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, deputy director-general; and Khalil Qayed, director of medical education; were present during the signing ceremony.

“The authority takes into consideration the requirements for developing all professions in the medical field, especially nursing and midwifery, which is a field that has been given due importance by the UAE Council of Ministers and the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council,” Al Murooshid said.

“The move is in line with the authority’s aim to provide high-quality healthcare professionals, foster a culture of medical education and develop skills.”

Dr Khalil Qayed, director of medical education, DHA, said: “Growth of human resources especially in the medical field is of vital importance. Both local and expatriate nurses at the DHA expressed their keenness to undertake educational courses and we are glad to provide them with this opportunity.”

Dr Roxanne Nematollahi, senior development officer, DHA medical education department, said: “Capacity building for nurses is very important and this programme will open the door for nurses to undertake higher studies while continuing their work, making it convenient for more nurses to opt for higher education. In time, the programme will be available for all nurses in the UAE.”

“This is the first health science program in the UAE and we are very pleased to sign a MoU in this regard, especially as DHA is one of the oldest healthcare providers in the emirate. We look forward to future cooperation in this field,” Congdon concluded. – TradeArabia News Service