Department of Health – Abu Dhabi Strengthens Emergency Nursing Expertise at the Global Emergency Nursing Summit in Abu Dhabi

8 Dec, 2023:

Coinciding with the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine Conference 2023 (ESEM23), the Global Emergency Nursing Summit on December 7th, 2023, brought together emergency nursing experts from across the globe. The parallel event provided a platform to discuss challenges, share knowledge, and celebrate advancements in the field of emergency nursing. This initiative, organised by the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), and supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Emirate's healthcare regulator, as a strategic partner, further solidifies Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vital role emergency nurses play as the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide. In the face of unprecedented challenges, these dedicated professionals provided vital care to patients in the most demanding situations.

Committed to raising the skills of emergency nurses and fostering a future generation of healthcare leaders, DoH celebrated a significant milestone at the Global Emergency Nursing Summit, the graduation of the first cohort of over 17 Emirati nurses from a specialised online programme. This programme, developed in collaboration with the Alfred Health Hospital of Monash University, reflects the Department’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of nursing staff, specifically in the vital field of emergency nursing. 

Dr. Saleh Saif Al Ali, The Executive Director at the Center of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “The event today hosts global speakers and leaders in the field who join us for the Emirates Society Emergency Medicine Conference 2023 and the Emergency Nursing Summit. We’re pleased to have over 2200 international experts from 87 countries gather to shed light on a pivotal anchor of healthcare systems worldwide, emergency medicine. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is dedicated to fostering a robust and agile healthcare ecosystem within the Emirate. This commitment extends to supporting the development of our emergency workforce, a crucial element in ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of the national healthcare system. By serving as a strategic partner for the Global Emergency Nursing Summit, DoH underscores its unwavering dedication to upskilling emergency nurses, empowering them to deliver exceptional care and respond effectively to emerging challenges. Further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare and a recognized hub for emergency medicine excellence. Hosting the Emergency Medicine and Emergency Nursing events concurrently highlights the crucial roles of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, emphasizing the significance of a multidisciplinary team approach in providing exceptional emergency care.”

Building upon their unwavering dedication, the Global Emergency Nursing Summit served as a pivotal event to reflect on the significant progress made towards the World Health Assembly's goals for professionalising emergency nursing globally. Emergency care stands as a vital pillar of healthcare systems worldwide, providing immediate and critical interventions for a wide range of conditions. Despite the countless lives saved each day by dedicated emergency care providers, resource-limited settings often face significant challenges in delivering optimal care due to limitations in training and resources. 

Closing this critical skills gap and strengthening emergency care system are of paramount importance, particularly for nurses who serve as the frontline of healthcare in these settings. This inspiring event brought together nurses from diverse backgrounds, fostering a collaborative spirit and a united front to chart a path toward a stronger and more resilient future for the profession.

The Emergency Nursing Summit is a hybrid event which seeks to create a truly global forum to respectfully highlight known barriers to progress, whilst acknowledging and celebrating advancements. Via a selection of case studies opportunities will be identified for transferable concepts with application in diverse contexts: converting localised experience and ideas into meaningful global action.