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Book sample · Section 9

First Contact, Support and Everyday Ward Communication

Opening a clinical encounter politely and confidently.

Gulf patients almost always open with a greeting before any clinical content. Answering with the matching reply immediately signals respect and puts the patient at ease.

Core greetings

The number 3 in the phonetics stands for the Arabic letter ع — a deep sound from the throat. Say it softly; patients understand you either way.

Say your name, your role and what you are about to do. Three short sentences are enough.

At the bedside

You

Peace be upon you, my name is Lea.

as-salaamu 3alaykum, ismi Lea

السلام عليكم، اسمي ليا

Patient

And upon you peace.

wa 3alaykum as-salaam

وعليكم السلام

You

I am your nurse today. How are you?

ana al-mumarrid maalak al-yoom. shlonak?

أنا الممرض مالك اليوم. شلونك؟

Patient

Thanks be to God, a little tired.

al-hamdu lillah, ta3baan shwayya

الحمد لله، تعبان شوية