Hiroshima International Council for Health Care of the Radiation-exposed

HICARE invited a health-care manager from the Hapcheon A-bomb Survivors in Korea to receive one week of training at the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital.

Kim Kwang-hae
Chief, Care Section
Hapcheon A-bomb Survivors Nursing Home

November 28 to December 2, 2005

Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital

First of all, I would like to express my deep appreciation to both HICARE as well as the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital for inviting me as a trainee. My impressions of the one-week training program are as follows:

Despite being quite busy, all the staff instructed me both with consideration and kindness, and I had no trouble fully participating in the training program.

Having special interest in the oral care, I sympathized quite deeply when the managing instructor noted, "Without trust between the health-care worker and patient, oral care in particular can be quite difficult." I was also quite moved when a patient with a speech dysfunction indicated, via only hand gestures, that they were quite satisfied with their treatment.

In terms of the home-care service, seeing that nursing care takes place on the basis of a therapeutic relationship among the visiting caretaker, patient, and all the family members, I had an opportunity to rethink the meaning of, and my approach to, this type of health care.

This training highlighted for me the idea that although medical techniques and technology are important, it is essential to establish a trusting, human relationship between the caretaker and patient. Yet again, I realized my desire to do the best I can for the A-bomb survivors in Hapcheon, Korea.

In conclusion, I would like to again sincerely thank all the individuals and organizations who saw to both my personal and training needs.