Abu Dhabi gets separate units for medical emergencies

Abu Dhabi's emergency department has been categorised into two units: Emergency unit and urgent care centres. The initiative, which was launched by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) on February 27, will help provide speedy, safe and appropriate medical care to patients.
People who suffer from life-threatening conditions like severe chest pain, severe burns, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, serious injury, suspected stroke and heavy blood loss will be taken to the emergency units. Here, they will be treated with state-of-the-art equipment used for emergency resuscitation, surgery and 24-hour access to intensive care facilities. In cases of emergency, people must call 999.
Those with severe sunburn, bites or rashes, minor illness or injury, cuts or stitches and sprains or strains should go to urgent care centres, which will provide initial assessment, diagnostic treatment and referral.
Mohamed Al Hameli, undersecretary of the DoH, said the healthcare regulator has licensed eight emergency care departments across public and private healthcare providers. These are at: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Mafraq Hospital, Al Rahba Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Tawam Hospital, Madinat Zayed Hospital, Al Ain Hospital and NMC Royal Hospital. There are 48 urgent care centres spread across the Capital.
"We are differentiating between emergency and urgent care," Al Hameli said at a Press conference.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, director, emergency and disaster management division at the DoH, said the reform will help create awareness among people about the difference between emergency and urgent care.
"We will have different signs for people to identify each category. Emergency units will be red in colour, while urgent care centres will be blue," he said.
Neil Clark, acting director, capacity management division at the DoH, said the reform identifies service requirements and criteria that all public and private healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi must fulfil in order to obtain the appropriate licensing.
"The standard requirement for emergency care includes physician, consultant or specialist onsite 24X7, world-class equipment. There are two to four more hospitals which may meet standards in the near future."
Officials said specialised centres for trauma and severe injuries are in the pipeline.
Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, director, healthcare quality division at the DoH, said the reforms will minimise the waiting time in providing care.
The categorisation has been done after formation of an emergency care physician-led task force at the DoH. The task force was led by Dr Ayesha Al Memari, chair of department, accident and emergency services - physician practice services at the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha).
Ayesha noted that such reforms will bode well with the youth "who want quick solution to all problems".
The new model of healthcare will be implemented "in a month or two" and help facilitate patient access to the appropriate medical facilities.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi