A VALE of Leven oncology nurse has just returned from Gaza, where he was sharing his experience of treating breast cancer with Palestinian colleagues.

Nurse Gerry O'Hare told the Reporter: “I spent my time in Gaza city, working with cancer specialists in the Al-Shifa hospital there. It was a great learning experience for all concerned."

Gerry, 57, who has been sharing his cancer expertise with medics and nurses in Palestine for a number of years, travelled to Gaza in his own time with the help of the charity Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). He was joined on the trip by other UK colleagues including a surgeon, an oncologist and a plastic surgeon.

MAP deliver health and medical care to those worst affected and work in partnership with local health providers and hospitals, to address a wide range of health issues and challenges

The Vale nurse added: “We are all aware that we are powerless to do anything to change the situation they find themselves in relation to access to drugs but we can advise them on how to use what they have more effectively.

“It was great to be able to share our experiences from the UK perspective and meet with colleagues from the different teams in the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. They really do some remarkable work there and it amazes me how resilient they are.”

This Breast cancer support initiative, supported by Medical Aid for Palestine and World Health Organization, will last for three years.

Gerry, who is married with four sons, has been asked to visit each year to provide much needed support and advice.

A spokesman for MAP said: "Through our offices in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Lebanon and London, we work with trusted and experienced local partners to achieve this vision.

"Our programmes provide access to essential health services and build local knowledge and skills to address local health problems. In times of humanitarian emergency, we are ready to respond rapidly with aid and assistance.

"MAP is also committed to bearing witness to the injustices caused by occupation, displacement and conflict. We speak out in the UK and internationally to ensure the political and social barriers to Palestinian health and dignity are addressed."

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