Combating coronavirus: 3 field hospitals to open in Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Khalid viewed the development of the field hospital in Emirates Humanitarian City, which spans over 29,000 square metres.

In line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE's largest healthcare network, has established three field hospitals in the UAE as it continues to play an integral role in the attempts to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, visited the field hospitals in the Emirates Humanitarian City located in Mohammed bin Zayed city in Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center, on Tuesday. He assessed the facilities' readiness and medical equipment to ensure the UAE community has access to quality healthcare services in light of the current situation.
Sheikh Khalid viewed the development of the field hospital in Emirates Humanitarian City, which spans over 29,000 square metres.
The construction of the facility will be finalised by the first week of May and will be managed by a medical team of 200 healthcare professionals, with a capacity to serve 1,200 patients.
Sheikh Khalid was briefed on the advancements in the field hospital in the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center, which is spread across 31,000 square metres, has capacity to cater for 1,000 patients and is staffed by a team of 150 healthcare professionals.
The third field hospital in Dubai Parks and Resorts, with a space of 29,000 square metres, will be ready by the end of April and will be operated by a medical team of 200 healthcare professionals, serving 1,200 patients.
The establishment of the three field hospitals is aligned with the nation's vision to expand the number of medical facilities and be equipped to care for patients with Covid-19; strengthening the healthcare sector's capabilities and preparedness for current and future challenges through the provision of world-class care that meet and exceed international standards.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said: "The UAE's leadership are paving the way to make sure all necessary precautions and measures are in place as we face the current pandemic. We will overcome this challenging time by joining efforts and working together, as seen over the last month.
"The healthcare sector has received support from all parties to continue playing a pivotal role in protecting the health and safety of the community and proudly leading the fight against Covid-19."
"We are proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) as we continue to ensure the healthcare sector's absolute readiness to meet the needs of the community and provide quality healthcare services," he continued.
Salem Al Noaimi, Chairman of SEHA, said: "As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve both globally and here in the Emirates, it is imperative that we have a high level of preparedness, in line with the vision of our leadership. It is more important now than ever that we work together in the fight against the pandemic, collaborating with other entities and leveraging our collective strengths for the sole priority of protecting our community.
"We are extremely grateful to all our partners including ADNEC, Emirates Humanitarian City and Dubai Parks and Resorts to have generously entrusted their facilities and spaces to the nation."
"It is important to emphasise that the establishment of the new field hospitals is not a response to existing demand, but instead is a precautionary measure to ensure that we have the capabilities to care for each and every patient in the event we are faced with an influx of positive coronavirus cases," Al Noaimi added.
The field hospital in Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center was built in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and in adherence to international standards. This co-operation demonstrates the strength of partnership between SEHA and ADNEC, as subsidiaries of ADQ.
To ensure world-class patient experience, the new ADNEC field hospital includes quarantine patient rooms that are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; recreational facilities which will enable patients to look after their health and fitness needs; and free high-speed internet services along with a personal iPad for each patient and shared TVs hosting various films and programmes. Patients will also be given the opportunity to participate in engaging activities organised by ADNEC during their stay.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO, ADNEC, said: "Under the direction of the UAE's leadership and in support of their efforts in combating the virus, we entrust our assets to the nation with the vision that all patients are cared for appropriately during their journey to recovery. The health and well-being of the people of the UAE is our shared responsibility, and we are prepared to play our part.
"In this regard, two of ADNEC's facilities; one in the UAE and one in London, have been transformed to field hospitals, thanks to their availability and flexibility to be adapted in record time. We are honoured to partner with SEHA and the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi to launch the field hospitals as an effective addition to the country's initiatives to safeguard our community, and thank all those involved in the nation's response to Covid-19."
Dr Aref Al Shehhi, Group Senior Advisor, SEHA said: "As the backbone of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi with a depth of experience and legacy in advanced care, SEHA has been leading the battle against Covid-19. The establishment of three field hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is the latest in a series of numerous strategic initiatives introduced by the network, including the designation of Al Rahba and Al Ain Hospitals as facilities to exclusively treat and quarantine coronavirus patients."
Other initiatives introduced by SEHA in the response to the Covid-19 outbreak include the roll-out of 14 drive-through testing facilities across the nation, under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces; introducing the Telemedicine Virtual Outpatient Clinic which has completed over 28,000 virtual consultations; easy access to medication through the launch of a medication home delivery service that has delivered over 3,500 prescriptions to patient homes and additional deliveries to cars parked outside Sheikh Khalifa Medical City; and establishing a dedicated WhatsApp hotline to respond to the community's coronavirus-related concerns or enquiries.

• Abu Dhabi