Dr Saffana Ajweh
A newly qualified doctor from Palestine has praised NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff for their welcome, following clinical placements at the Vale of Leven and Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals.
Dr Saffana Ajweh, 24, from Hebron, spent time with teams in the oncology department at the Vale to learn more about the treatments offered to lung and breast cancer patients.
Oncology clinical nurse specialist at the Vale, Gerry O’Hare helped to arrange Saffana’s placement. Gerry has worked for 10 years supporting cancer nurse education at Bethlehem University. More recently he has been supporting the Medical Aid for Palestinians programmes in Gaza, working with colleagues to improve breast cancer services in this area.
Saffana said: “I found working with the team very comfortable and they are very professional in what they do. They care about not only disease but also how they feel they make a perfect relationship between them and their patients. It was the most special and unforgettable experience I have ever had.
“This is the first time I’ve visited Scotland, it is a peaceful and beautiful place. It has many beautiful sights and historical buildings to visit and the people here so friendly and nice.”
As well as spending time at the Vale of Leven, Saffana also worked alongside Neurosurgery teams at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Glasgow, and observed cancer clinics at the Beatson.
She added: “The main highlight has been the opportunity to observe and see how the medical field deal with oncology patients. I have enjoyed spending time with great people like them and learn more about cancer treatment and palliative care from the best”.
Gerry, who has played a key role in arranging similar educational visits, particularly for nurses from Palestine, in the past said: “I have been supported in the past by NHSGGC management and colleagues hosting post graduate cancer nurses from Bethlehem University at NHSGGC sites. The Palestinian nurses have been welcomed and the experience of observing practice here has been significant in developing their cancer nursing skills. On this occasion I was asked by Dr Graham Watt, who is a representative with Medical Aid for Palestinians, if I could facilitate a placement for Saffana at our hospitals.
“It’s her first time in the UK, and she has been overwhelmed by the welcome she has received from colleagues, the quality of care she has witnessed being delivered.
“In challenging times for us all in the NHS I am proud that my colleagues are still motivated to extend kindness and opportunities to our Palestinian colleagues who work in the most challenging circumstances”.
ENDS
