FROM THE DESSC FRONTLINE Regardless of whether there is a global pandemic, doctors and nurses are responsible for the holistic care of all types of patients. During the past twelve months, the DESSC medical team have undertaken the extraordinary role of supporting us with both COVID and day-to-day issues, whilst ensuring that both the School and College remain safe spaces to work and learn and for this, we cannot thank them enough. Despite their busy schedules, they found time to speak to us about their changing role.
Briefly describe your career before working at DESSC. Jackie: I previously worked for the NHS in the UK, specialising in ICU and pain management. Jill: After finishing my degree in Nursing, I completed my post graduate course in Midwifery and Community Nursing. I ran my own practice for a while, hosting antenatal classes and well-baby clinics, including infant 8
FROM THE NEWS DESSC
developmental stimulation classes for parents. Françoise: I always wanted to become a doctor, just like my grandfather. I studied to become a Family Medicine GP in the Netherlands, where I worked for a few years before coming here to Dubai. Susan: In the UK I worked as a Junior Sister in the emergency and trauma operating theatre of a busy childrens hospital. Perly: I came to the UAE in 2006 and was offered my first job in a Radiology Centre in Sharjah where I spent seven years working as a Radiology Nurse before becoming an OPD / Charge Nurse. Anna: I qualified as a Nurse in 1998 with a First Class Honor’s degree in Critical Care Nursing, specialising in Intensive Care Nursing.
What are the most rewarding parts of your role here? Françoise: Being part of a very professional medical team, seeing children open up and feel safe with
us and later wave at me when I pass by the play area. Receiving thank you notes from parents when I am just doing my job. Anna: The most rewarding part of my role is being able to work with families to enable a positive change. This might be with education around a child’s medical condition or supportive encouragement to make healthy lifestyle choices. Sometimes just chatting through a problem can be all it takes to see things differently. I’m a big believer in the phrase, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. At DESS we are a village, looking out for each other.
Where do you see your biggest challenges? Susan: Keeping everyone safe and healthy in school is a big challenge during a pandemic. With everchanging guidelines we need to make sure that we are always up to date and following the correct procedures. Anna: Unfortunately, every parent now dreads a phone call from the school clinic! Somedays I feel more
