Nurses from Hadassah and Augusta Victoria Hospitals during group discussion
In a significant milestone for Project Rozana's Nursing Hub, a delegation of nurses and management from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in West Jerusalem were hosted at Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem. This visit marks a historic step in fostering collaboration between these two neighboring healthcare institutions.
Supported by USAID, the Nursing Hub aspires to address the growing demand for specialized nursing skills among 480 Palestinian and Israeli nurses from eight health institutions in Israel and Palestine. By bringing together nurses from diverse backgrounds, the Nursing Hub strives to bridge the gap in healthcare capabilities and create a shared platform for knowledge exchange.
Prior to their visit, participants in the program had taken part in the "Positive Peace" workshop led by the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) at the Dead Sea in May of this year. This workshop aimed to provide a framework for understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by communities and health workers. It empowered participants with a profound understanding of the pillars of positive peace, equipping them to return to their respective communities as agents of change.
Group photo of Nurses from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital and Augusta Victoria Hospital
Additionally, the Positive Peace workshop promotes collaborative peacebuilding projects that promote social cohesion and a shared understanding of each other's experiences. As one participant stated, "Despite our diverse hospital backgrounds, the workshop fostered a sense of unity and provided a safe space for learning and sharing experiences."
Following the Positive Peace workshop, the participants toured several sections of the hospital and took part in volunteer activities at Augusta Victoria Hospital. There, a team of young musicians dedicated their time to providing entertainment to patients undergoing dialysis treatment. These patients spend up to four hours a day connected to medical equipment, which can be quite emotionally and physically taxing.
Volunteer musicians entertain patients undergoing dialysis treatment
This visit serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in healthcare. As two neighboring hospitals with an exchange of patients between them, it underlines the importance of building bridges and fostering a sense of unity in the pursuit of improved healthcare access and, ultimately, peace in the region. It's worth mentioning that next year the nurses will continue their learning journey and specialize in nephrology.
Launched in late 2022, Project Rozana's Nursing Hub takes a holistic approach to nursing education and collaboration. The program facilitates knowledge and skills exchange in the fields of clinical training, online theoretical learning, language and peacebuilding training, collaborative research, and 'training of trainers' sessions.