Exciting pioneering conference at Alyn "Cultural Competency in Hospitals"

On March 26th 2008, on the initiative of Dr. Maurit Beeri, Director of Alyn’s SHACHAR Rehabilitation Educational Medical Day Care Center, and under the auspices of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Alyn Hospital staff hosted local medical and paramedical professionals at an exciting pioneering conference entitled “Cultural Competency in Hospitals”.  In her welcoming speech, Alyn's Director General Dr. Shirley Meyer stressed the fact that in this part of the Middle East, cultural gaps are also a political issue as "the politicial situation colors our lives. There is suspicion, anger and fear." She also expressed her appreciation and thanks to the overseas speakers from Coney Island Hospital, New York. Brian Palmer, Coney Island Hospital’s Executive Director described to the 100 or so conference participants, the ways in which his hospital is working towards cultural competency.  Young Lee, Coney Island Hospital's Director of Training and Development spoke about the process of teaching staff to understand the diversity of values, beliefs, practice and expression amongst their patients and the need for staff motivation and reward to change behaviour. The closing lecture was given by Dr. Maurit Beeri who stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding of the patient and their family in order to achieve the maximum cooperation during the rehabilitation process.  

ALYN HOSPITAL WILL BECOME ISRAEL'S FIRST MEDICAL CENTER TO FORMALLY LAUNCH A PROGRAM PROMOTING ITS STAFF'S CULTURAL COMPETENCY.