Shillong, Nov 2: NEIGRIHMS hosted the 2nd State-Level Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) workshop on operation theatre on October 29-30.
Organised by the NEIGRIHMS CNE Cell, the workshop was themed ‘Optimising Theoretical and Practical Aspects Related to Operation Theatre’ and witnessed participation from over 400 delegates and faculty members from across Meghalaya.
The two-day workshop aimed to strengthen the knowledge and practical competencies of nursing professionals, particularly those working in operation theatres, through exposure to updated surgical practices, equipment, instruments and safety protocols. The programme featured comprehensive sessions on essential operation theatre practices, complemented by hands-on activities and practical demonstrations on the second day. The sessions focused on the critical responsibilities of nursing personnel in maintaining a safe, efficient, and patient-centred surgical environment. Experienced surgeons, nursing professionals, and the Radiation Safety Officer of NEIGRIHMS served as resource persons for the workshop.
A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the ‘OT Nursing Procedure Manual (Volume I & II)’, an important step towards standardising operation theatre nursing procedures and promoting evidence-based clinical practices.
Between October 26 and November 1 NEIGRIHMS also organised the first-ever seven-day long, 4-in-1 certificate training programme on Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Counselling.
The programme was also organised by the CNE cell in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics and the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI). A total of 28 doctors and nurses participated in the intensive training program, aimed at developing skilled breastfeeding support and IYCF counsellors to provide appropriate guidance and support to mothers and families.
The course covered various aspects of breastfeeding and infant and young child nutrition, including lactation management, positioning and attachment, expressed breast milk, feeding of low-birth-weight babies, complementary feeding, maternal nutrition, growth monitoring, feeding during illness and recovery, infant feeding in HIV and in special situations including working mothers. The training incorporated interactive classroom sessions, group discussions, demonstrations, clinical practice and counselling exercises.
Speaking at the valedictory function, NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta emphasised the importance of breastfeeding in ensuring optimal child health and development. The Director particularly highlighted the crucial role of nurses in counselling and supporting mothers, noting that nurses are often at the forefront of maternal and newborn care and play an important role in promoting and sustaining breastfeeding practices.
Dr Stephen Sailo, Medical Superintendent of NEIGRIHMS, highlighted the importance of teaching, continuous learning and sharing of knowledge among healthcare professionals. He emphasised that such training initiatives help strengthen professional capacities and translate knowledge into improved patient care.
