James Kon
Continuous professional development and lifelong learning are crucial for nurses and midwives to remain relevant and effective in the ever-evolving healthcare needs of the community.
This was said by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle in his pre-recorded remarks during the closing of International Nurses and Midwives’ Day Conference 2023 at Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), UBD on Saturday.
The vice-chancellor said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nurses and midwives staying up-to-date with research and innovation.
Nurses and midwives were on the frontlines of the pandemic response, providing critical care to patients and supporting healthcare teams in the fight against COVID-19, he said.
Healthcare professionals had to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing healthcare protocols and procedures, and thus, he added, “We need to learn from the pandemic and translate these lessons into actions for the future ensuring nurses are protected, respected and valued.
“As the nursing and midwifery fields continue to evolve, it is essential for them to stay up-to-date to maintain and improve their skills, knowledge, and abilities to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care.”
Therefore, he said, “this conference provides an opportunity to learn from and network with colleagues from different backgrounds and specialisations.
“It can also help nurses and midwives in the country to identify gaps in existing services and contribute to the development of new and improved practices that can enhance patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality”.
Dr Hazri also commended the collaboration between the Nursing Department of the Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) with the Nursing and Midwifery Programme of PAPRSB IHS.
“Let us continue to work together to chart the future direction of nursing in order to meet the needs of the new normal as well as the sustainable development goals, universal health coverage, and health for all,” he said.
The ceremony also saw a prize presentation. Hadi Zulhiqman bin Abdul – Rahim (PAPRSB IHS) won the group category. Meanwhile, in the individual (professional) category, first place went to Staff Nurse Aminol Azrin bin Maideen (Department of Psychiatry Services, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital); followed by second place winner Staff Nurse Nurbarieah Farhanah binti Ibrahim (Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre) and third place went to Nursing Officer Cathrina Haji Mohamad Sigie Al-Islam (Community Health Services, Ministry of Health).
Dayangku Siti Najibah Munjiyah binti Pengiran Amimaruddin won first place in the individual (nursing/midwifery student) category.
Nurul Fatihahtul Syahirah binti Roslan (PAPRSB IHS) was selected as the winner for Best E-Poster, and the People Choice Award went to Mohammad Ali bin Emran (MRS clinic).
JPMC Director of Nursing Chung Yea Fui presented the prizes.
The conference aimed to raise the skills and knowledge of professionals and students to further improve healthcare in Brunei Darussalam.
Similar to the International Nurses and Midwives’ Day 2023 events organised by JPMC’s Nursing Department, proceeds from the sale of the conference kits will go to the Learning Ladders Society to support their developmental needs.
