SHARJAH // Al Qassimi Hospital will get 12 new nurses for its paediatric intensive care unit as part of efforts to improve the services of one of the biggest hospitals in the emirate, health officials said.
The acting Minister of Health, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, approved the new nurses during a recent visit at the hospital, said Dr Arif Al Noryani, the hospital's director general.
"The nurses would be starting work in a few weeks - before the end of this year," he said.
The minister also approved six new beds in the children's intensive care unit and another 18 in the premature babies nursery, Dr Al Noryani said.
Dr Khalid bin Sabbit, the director of the hospital's paediatric department, said the new nurses were crucial for the unit, which is separate from the adults' department.
"Our paediatric department is very active, as it receives several cases from the neighbouring emirates," he said
"The paediatric surgery unit alone made more than 300 child surgeries in one year."
Hospitals in the Northern Emirates have suffered from shortages of staff and medical equipment.
An FNC committee recommended that medical staff be encouraged through a system that included training, benefits and improved pay.
