MoH To Spearhead Neonatology Programme
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - To provide quality healthcare for newborn infants, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is coming up with a neonatology programme this year.

The programee is also aimed at upgrading the skills and knowledge of nurses of RIPAS Hospital in neonatal care.

In an interview with a neonatal specialist from RIPAS Hospital, Elizabeth Chong, during her visit to Pg Anak Puteri Rasidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Nursing College, she said the new neonatology programme is catered to nurses who are already serving at the special care baby unit.

"We will guide these nurses to the next phase of training, which is equivalent to an advanced diploma programme, to improve on their skills in the care of newborn," Chong added.

"This new programme will run for two years on a part-time basis. This is to allow the nurses to go on working at the hospital while they are enrolled in the programme."

Chong further explained that the programme will be clinically-oriented - it will be an "on the job" assessment with practical in patient care and safety. "It will not just be written examinations.

"The method of teaching will be quite different. It will be a collaborative effort from overseas parties and our staff here.

"The plan is by the end of the first programme, we hope to produce nurses who can teach in the next one.

"In short, part of the programme is also to produce future neonatal intensive care teachers," concluded Chong, who was accompanying three officials from the Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences from Kingston University of the UK on their visit to the nursing college.

The three officials were Kath Start, the deputy dean of the faculty, Dr Val Collington and Elisabeth Podiasly. On hand to welcome them was the college's acting principal, Hj Julaini Hj Latip. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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