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A nurse’s life of service

Jan Shafer completed her nursing diploma in Seattle, Washington and after two years in Public Health work in that city, and a year of additional study, she found that her calling and personal beliefs drew her to a bigger stage. Jan was recruited by the organisation, TEAM, which is represented in 44 countries worldwide and has operated the Oasis Hospital since 1959. Permission had been granted by Shaikh Shakhbut, the then ruler, and the new hospital was called (and often still referred to as) the Kennedy Hospital after the two original doctors. Jan joined a team of four other nurses, two British and two Canadians.

Al Ain was quite different then. The centre was Buraimi Oasis and what is the current urban area was occupied by five separate villages among which communication was long and arduous over the sand dunes. During the summer months, the population was swelled by the arrival of the nomadic Bedouin to around 6000, while in the cooler season the population decreased to about half that. Around 300 patients were treated daily.

Jan recalls the challenges of the early days due to the heat and sand. There were no air-conditioners of course and electricity was supplied part time and sporadically by a generator at the hospital. Current news was also at a premium and the regular delivery of the Khaleej Times from 1978 was eagerly anticipated.

I met Jan in the Hospital Museum. This is a replica of the winter Guest House of the mother of Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Shakhbut, which was the only habitation on the original property. Formerly of mud-brick, the structure has been recreated with modern materials through the instigation of Lt-Gen Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chief of the UAE Armed Forces. It now houses a photographic record of the development of both the Hospital and Al Ain. This really is a must see for Al Ain residents and visitors interested in the recent history of the Capital of the Eastern Region.

Jan Shafer is now looking forward to the challenge of returning to life in Seattle, which she has visited only nine times, in the last 28 years. She plans to continue her work and share her experiences and thoughts with American people. A possible book is also on the cards.

Leaving will of course not be easy and a fond memory will be the lasting friendships she has made with Emirati ladies, and their children and their grandchildren. They, like all of us who know Jan, will wish her every success for the future.

A boost for Ice Hockey

ICE Hockey in Al Ain received a major boost with a four-day camp run by The Okanagan Hockey School of Canada which runs programs throughout the world. This was a repeat visit to the UAE, but the first time that Al Ain had hosted its own camp, in conjunction with Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Ice Hockey teams.

Al Ain Vipers, assisted by sponsorship from local engineering firm TIMCO and Al Ain Intercontinental Hotel, fielded 60 players from four of its divisions (Novices, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors).

The Vipers' own coaching staff assisted the visiting six-man team from Canada, which included a number of National Hockey League Professional Coaches and Ex NHL Players.

The camp, keenly supported by families and friends of the players, took place at Hilli Fun City's Ice Rink, home of The Vipers, and included intensive skills and physical training, starting with two full day sessions over the weekend. Each player was individually assessed for future development requirements. Videos, lectures and dry land training were aimed at all round development of Ice Hockey skills and stamina.

The camp provided an excellent and enjoyable platform for The Vipers, who are currently finalising schedules for various tournaments throughout the UAE.

The Vipers train on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at Hill Fun City's Ice rink, and always welcome those interested in taking up Ice Hockey. It is worth-noting that the majority of the Al Ain Vipers players have only taken up ice hockey since arriving in Al Ain.

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