The Ministry of Health recently conducted a four-day training program for 14 participants from four hospitals in the Qassim region.

“It was the first training on the ‘Lean Six Sigma’ among hospitals in the region, which taught participants how to deliver improved service to patients,” said Khaled Faraj Anezi, director of the 135-bed Bukhariyah General Hospital.

Trainees came from quality management departments of participating hospitals.

“The ‘Lean Six Sigma’ was originally used to maximize results in the manufacturing industry, but it is also used in the delivery of health care at hospitals,” he said.

He added that the training conducted by the Riyadh-based Anexas Consultancy was part of the continuous program of the health care providers to upgrade the skills and knowledge of their staff.

Participants came from Bukhariyah, Midhnab General Hospital, Al-Rass General Hospital and King Saud Hospital, where the training was held.

“There were four staff members from Bukhariyah’s quality management department. Bukhariyah did not only benefit from the training through improved hospital staff, but also in health care delivery,” he said.

He added that Bukhariyah and other hospitals would continue to extend support if and when another training in health care is imparted under ministry auspices.

Participants expressed happiness for having attended the training, saying that it gave them a clearer perspective on how to render quality and improved health care services.

Salah Al-Abdulaali, regional quality management director, said: “It was enlightening indeed. I hope that such a training could be held again.”

Dhalene C. Sacramento, a nurse participant, said that the training gave the participants a clearer perspective on how to deliver service in a better and improved way.