DOHA: Rumailah Hospital has officially opened a new long-term care unit as part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) plan to strengthen specialist continuing care services.
The 20-bed Long Term Care Unit (LTCU) is the fourth of its kind that caters to long-term ventilated patients and adds extra bed capacity at the hospital.
It will co-locate long-term ventilated patients by creating a single specialised location for their care, and allow specialist multidisciplinary teams to provide enhanced care delivery for such patients by having all medical expertise in one setting.
Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, HMC, officially opened the unit.
She said the addition of LTCU 4 underscores continuing development of long-term care services at Qatar’s largest public healthcare provider.
“The new unit provides an advanced care system for long- term patients on ventilators.
“We have a team of specialised professionals who provide excellent medical care and engage with families to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients,” Dr Al Kuwari said.
Treatment at the unit focuses on family involvement in day-to-day care of patients, according to Dr Hanadi K M AlHamad, Head of the unit, and Clinical Lead, Geriatrics Consultant.
“We have patients who have been with us for a long time, and we know the families well. They spend a lot of time with us and it is important to include them in the care of their loved ones.
“It is a partnership we develop through trust and expertise to provide the most therapeutic environment on this difficult journey,” said Dr AlHamad.
Mohamed Al Zaabi, whose mother was one of the first patients in the unit, said: “Doctors and nurses are happy to listen and are always available to help.
“My mother is in good hands, and I am happy with this place. The medical team is like an extended family,” said Al Zaabi.
Two long-term care units have also been upgraded in the hospital within the past 12 months, including a second unit for ventilated patients and one for patients with tracheotomies.
Mahmoud Al Raisi, Chief, Continuing Care Group, HMC, echoed Dr Al Kuwari, and said the new unit is part of a strategy to develop the healthcare provider’s continuing care programme for an expanding population.
This latest development in HMC’s continuing care programme follows the opening earlier this year of Enaya Specialized Care Centre in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City – a 156-bed facility for long-term patients who require round-the-clock care.
The Peninsula
