Six nurses from Caritas Baby Hospital recently completed a six-week intensive in-house surgical training program at two leading pediatric hospitals in Ireland: Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street.
This training is part of a comprehensive capacity-strengthening program in perioperative nursing for children, running from April 2025 to January 2026. The program is organized in partnership between Caritas Baby Hospital and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organization (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 Pediatric Day Surgery in Bethlehem.
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 sterilization 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 maximized 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 specialized surgical services to Palestinian children”.
Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the Jubilee Building will address urgent local needs in pediatric surgery for Bethlehem and the southern West Bank, bringing specialized procedures closer to thousands of children and their families.
