Nurse Gro Halten reflects on challenges faced in Gaza after returning to Kristiansund

Gro Halten, a nurse who recently returned to Kristiansund after five weeks of working in a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, faced overwhelming challenges during her time there. The hospital was often inundated with patients arriving in critical condition, with Halten managing up to 50 patients within an hour—many suffering injuries she had never witnessed before.

The medical facility, comprised of tents near the beach, lacked modern equipment and sufficient resources to treat the influx of severely harmed individuals. Unlike in Norway, where priority is given to the most critical patients, Halten and her colleagues had to focus on those they believed could survive, leaving many severely injured without care. Despite the chaos, including the sounds of nearby explosions and sirens, Halten remained grateful for the opportunity to help, expressing her desire to return to Gaza if possible.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating over 500 healthcare workers have been killed since the outbreak of the recent conflict in October 2023, and more than 300 detained. Halten acknowledged the risks associated with working in such a volatile environment but trusted the security measures in place.

Upon her return, she helped raise awareness about the dire medical needs in Gaza and the importance of international healthcare workers. Gro Halten is also an educator at Molde University College, where she prepares nursing students, ensuring they understand the realities they may face in the field.

As a heartfelt farewell gift from a colleague, she received a bottle of sand from the area, a reminder of her service and the lives she touched during her time in Gaza.