DOHA: Nurses in the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ)’s masters programme will be sponsored by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), according to a memorandum of understanding signed yesterday.
The agreement further enhances Qatar’s growing health workforce by granting top nursing professionals from PHCC, one of Qatar’s largest healthcare providers operating through 21 primary health care centres, the opportunity to pursue UCQ’s advanced degrees.
The memorandum of understanding between UCQ and PHCC strengthens the partnership between Qatar’s sole academic institution for the nursing profession with one of the country’s biggest employers of nurses.
“By combining PHCC’s dedication to providing exceptional health care services with UCQ’s commitment to develop the country’s nursing leaders, we make great strides in achieving Qatar’s health goals,” said Dr Kim Critchley, UCQ Dean and CEO. “This agreement empowers PHCC’s nursing professionals by providing them an opportunity to further develop their skills and will ultimately improve the quality of patient care throughout Qatar.”
The partnership will directly contribute to the country’s human development, as it will focus on sponsoring Qatari-preferred PHCC students in UCQ’s Master of Nursing programme. The agreement paves the way for PHCC nurses to elevate their professional status through the program, which will equip them with the knowledge and training to be successful in leadership positions. The first intake of PHCC-sponsored students will commence in January 2016; applications for the January 2017 intake will be accepted beginning in the fall of 2015.
“Primary Health Care Corporation is committed to supporting the continuous development of its human resources by enhancing the professional education options available to its staff. By expanding our partnership with University of Calgary in Qatar, we will improve the quality of PHCC’s services to reach an international level of advanced standards while adapting to new trends in the health care sector,” said Dr Mariam Abdulmalik, PHCC Managing Director. “We are proud to welcome PHCC’s nurses into our Master of Nursing programme, which is a vital component of the national health care strategy,” said Dr Justin Williams, Director of Student Services at UCQ. “PHCC’s sponsored nurses will enhance their skills in the program, and will contribute to developing a proficient national workforce capable of providing high-quality health services.”
UCQ’s first MN class recently completed their studies and will graduate this upcoming fall. Earning advanced nursing degrees in oncology and thesis-based research, they will be the first MN graduates educated in Qatar, for Qatar. UCQ’s next MN programmes will commence in January 2016.
The Peninsula
