From 23^rd – 28^th October 2022, Natasha North & Busisiwe Jama had the privilege of visiting colleagues at the Zambian Harry Crossley Children’s Nursing Development Unit’s Best Practice Project sites:

Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Ward, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka

Muchinga Medical Ward, Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, Ndola

Having spent the last year working online with these teams Busisiwe reports how wonderful it was to meet them in person. “Just being on this trip was so amazing. I was so looking forward to meeting all these teams, and it was so fulfilling to have that sense of connection with them…so deep like we had known them forever”

Despite arriving amid Zambian Independence Day celebrations, Natasha & Busisiwe were warmly greeted by Mr Eric Chisupa, Principal of Lusaka University College of Nursing. They were treated like honoured guests with tours of both hospitals and connections with both hospital management and introductions to nurses in the wards. Priscilla Kalunga led the tour at Arthur Davison Hospital and Natasha was struck by the respect for and empowerment of clinical leaders. This was exemplified in the way that Priscila introduced ward nurses with respect and recognition for their areas of leadership. Staff in both hospitals were engaging and eager to talk about the great work that they are clearly doi

ng to achieve positive outcomes in the care of sick children.

The remainder of time was spent running some very encouraging Best Practice Project workshops. A particular focus was on chosen topics for the team’s practice change projects. 

In addition to this, Natasha reports being particularly encouraged and “struck by how naturally the Care Through Family model provided a basis for our work together. We had conversations about practice which really flowed, and which elicited lively expressions of endorsement and insight. It really affirmed for me that this is a relevant and relatable model which accurately depicts practices on this ward”.

A successful and appreciated trip for all involved. We look forward to more Best Practice Project site visits in 2023.

The Harry Crossley Children’s Nursing Development Unit has since the beginning of 2022 being working with 8 nursing teams from 8 hospitals across 5 African countries to help them improve the quality and safety of care for children and their families.

Click here for more information about the Best Practice Project.