Improving Leadership in the Iraqi Health Service

PN member Meg Munn MP was invited to take part in an event at Sheffield Hallam University to mark the end of a course for a group of Iraqi doctors who have been improving their leadership skills. As well as the presentation of certificates for the doctors, there was a workshop where they described what they have learnt. During the event Meg outlined the work that she has been undertaking with Iraqi MPs to improve the functioning of their Parliament.

The Iraqi health service has been focussed on clinical work and the course the doctors were on examined the need for better governance, improved administration and planning. The programme, developed between Sheffield Hallam University and the Iraqi Ministry of Health, aimed to ensure that the doctors become clinical leaders on their return home.

The doctors group included surgeons, pharmacists and a psychiatrist; they will be implementing an agreed project in their specialism on their return. These include implementing infection control policies, improving patient safety through better documentation of medications and developing multi -disciplinary teams in mental health services.

The Healthcare Iraq Project commenced with the signing of a four-year memorandum of understanding in July 2012. The courses are Healthcare (for nurses) covering intensive care, cardiac care, renal, trauma, paediatric, burns and operating theatre; Radiation Therapy Physics and a postgraduate diploma in radiation oncology (for doctors).

Meg said:

"As Iraq develops its health service following years of repression and conflict it is important that these dedicated professionals have the right skills. I was delighted to take part in this event and to hear at first hand the improvements they intend to pursue on their return home. Collaboration between Britain and Iraq has benefits for both countries and I am delighted that Sheffield's Hallam University is leading the way." 

Photo by Meg Munn's office.