Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest health care provider, highlighted the important role played by the nursing teams from the various medical facilities on the frontlines of fighting the global pandemic. Consisting of technical, operational, and other medical employees, the nursing department at SEHA have showed high level of committement and dedicated their time, focus and efforts to fighting COVID-19 as part of their duty to the nation.

Dicussing the role of nures on the frontlines, Dr. Aisha Al-Mahri, Director of the Nursing Department, SEHA, mentioned the UAE’s leadership empowered the nursing teams and this highly motivated them to deliver exceptional care in their line of work. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, paid a tribute to all nurses, especially ones on the front lines on International Nuses Day, giving Dr. Al Mahri a stronger drive to continue moving ahead even in the face of challenges. On May 15, His Highness said, “On International Nurses Day, we celebrate the bravery of nurses who are facing COVID-19 on the frontlines. As a key part of the global fight against the pandemic, and in our nation, they have shown us all the real meaning of compassion, humanity, and mercy, all whilst upholding a high level of professionalism. For their great sacrifices, we would like to thank them by saluting them, and express our gratitude and appreciation for all their efforts.”

To prepare and equip nurses for the challenges of the frontlines, Dr. Al-Mahri stated that all teams adopted new healthcare management strategies and established a crisis team of nurses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The approach involved the implementation of operational plans to ensure that the capacity of nurses across all health care facilities was sufficient. Furthermore, select nurses were transferred to facilities with a higher than average influx of patients. The transfer also invoved some nurses being allocated to support field hospitals, the home screening campaign and employee health checks – contributing to several initiatives introduced by SEHA to combat COVID-19.  

As part of the wider plan developed to manage COVID-19’s implications on the healthcare sector, Dr. Al-Mahri stated that several educational and training programs were designed in collaboration with the Development and Scientific Research arm in the Nursing department at SEHA and the Department of Education – Abu Dhabi. Approximately 21,600 training and educational courses were delivered to the nursing teams to arm them with the necessary skills to manage COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the initiatives enabled 2,477 nurses to increase the efficiency of delivery of care to critical cases of COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), COVID-19 dedicated wards and Nephorology departments at hospitals.To complement the nurses’ educational programs, 1,487 training courses were provided to administrative teams in various healthcare facilities to accommodate the new safety measures implemented for COVID-19, and instructions on the correct ways to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In response to the more pressing need for psychological support, the nursing department organized and established a dedicated team of nurses to address the needs of frontline teams. The process involved the roll out of weekly sessions with different topics to help the teams, in addition to setting-up a special hotline that provides counselling to healthcare employees. The new team also contributed to the development and preparation of various educational resources targeting patients and the UAE community. The dedicated team extended their support to the several initiatives started by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, including COVID-19 awareness campaigns for senior citizens and residents.

Dr. Al-Mahri also highlighted the active role which Emirati female nurses played in various healthcare facilities and on the frontlines. She hailed their dedication, commitment, and contribution to the nation’s vision. The heroic role of the nurses meant that they had to care for the patients, ensure their recovery and comfort. In addition, Emirati female patients were given the opportunity to be cared by Emirati female nurses for their comfort and ease of communication.

Amongst the Emirati nurses on the frontlines caring for COVID-19 patients, is Fatima Issa Al Balushi. She is a licensed nurse, currently working in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City’s Emergency Unit, and has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Abu Dhabi’s Higher Colleges of Technology. Her responsibilities during COVID-19 mainly focus on conducting preventive measures and checks, treating and comforting patients, in addition to keeping them positive during their treatment. 

Fatima shared her experience on the frontlines, stating that she faced many emergency situations that proved to be very challenging. However, she remained calm through these experiences and kept delivering care to her patients as her priority. This was most prevalent with patients who recently received a COVID-19 positive test result and she was able to comfort them by providing them with hope, as well as raising their spirits. Some of her work included educating patients on how COVID-19 can be treated, their opportunity to receive the best care and therefore increasing their chances for a full recovery. Fatima believes that human instinct played a role – what we do not know or understand strikes fear in us. But with knowledge and awareness, all of us can overcome any challenge, especially when it relates to health and wellbeing of the entire community.

Another Emirati woman on the frontlines is Hajar Ali Al-Dhanhani, Senior Charge Nurse/Unit Manager, Infection Control-NUICIC at Tawam Hospital. Recently, her role focused more on infection control and implementation of preventive measures in and outside the hospital. Her work also involves the set-up of special medical protocols and guidelines for clinical investigation and quarantine, in line with the Department of Health and World Health Organization’s (WHO) policies. Al-Dhanhani also helps develop practical guides for PPE, targeting hospital employees and patients.

Additionally, as part of her role, Hajar accompanies infectious disease specialists to oversee the early diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, she is responsible for ensuring that the correct preventive and safety measures are implemented through her visits to screening centers, quarantine wards and field hospitals dedicated to COVID-19. Al Dhanhani also worked in SEHA’s screening centers and conducted swab tests for all visitors.

Whilst recalling key moments from her work profile, Al Dhanhani narrated her experience during the National Sterilization Program. She was driving home one night after work, and she was stopped by police patrol car. She presented her professional card – serving as her movement permit – to the police officer when she was asked why she was out during the enforced restrictions on movement. Once the officers saw her professional card, they extended their deep appreciation, gratitutde and prayers to her and all frontline teams who are fighting COVID-19. After they wished her the best of luck on her journey and her job, she was overcome with a sense of emotion and was so moved by their support. It enabled her to reflect on the long-hours and weight of the responsibility on her shoulders, knowing it was worthwhile. Al Dhanhani felt very rewarded by the community’s support and their recognition of health care teams who are at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19.