Palestinian nurses conclude intensive surgery training in Ireland

Six nurses from Caritas Baby Hospital, Bethlehem recently completed a six-week intensive in-house surgical training program at two leading paediatric hospitals in Ireland: Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street.

The program is organised in partnership between Caritas Baby Hospital and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and co-funded by INMO, the Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland, and the Swiss Representative Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory / Swiss Development Cooperation.

It serves as a key preparatory step ahead of the opening of the Jubilee Building for Paediatric Day Surgery in Bethlehem.

This training is part of a comprehensive capacity-strengthening program in perioperative nursing for children, running from April 2025 to January 2026.

The primary focus was on observing and acquiring best practice models to enhance professional knowledge, clinical decision-making, and management skills.

The nurses trained in the operating theatres of both hospitals through observation and supervised participation in various surgical procedures and sterilisation techniques.

According to Steve Pitman, Head of Education and Professional Development at INMO, the six Palestinian nurses were already highly experienced and well-educated, and this intensive program maximised their learning experience.

Commenting on this achievement, Suheir Qumsieh, Chief Nursing Officer at Caritas Baby Hospital, said: “This initiative represents a significant investment in our nurses’ expertise, ensuring the delivery of day surgery services for children according to the highest international standards.

“The skills and experiences gained will translate directly into safer and more effective care for our young patients”.

On behalf of INMO, General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha added: “We believe this project will foster enduring professional bonds and friendships that transcend geographical boundaries.

“Continued engagement and support will be essential in the coming months as this new unit in the West Bank opens to provide specialised surgical services to Palestinian children.

“The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is proud to be the co-ordinating organisation for this project and welcomed the support provided by the Irish public health service, the Health Service Executive.

“Online education provided through the INMO’s education centre and Children’s Health Ireland prior to the nurses arriving in Ireland for practical skill learning was crucial to the success of this project.”

Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the Jubilee Building will address urgent local needs in paediatric surgery for Bethlehem and the southern West Bank, bringing specialised procedures closer to thousands of children and their families.