Abu Dhabi-based Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care, has fully resumed its operations with all services open to the UAE community.

The integrated medical facility, a joint venture partnership between Mayo Clinic and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), has also launched a campaign to raise patient awareness of the importance of proactively managing healthcare needs.

In line with the guidance and support of the UAE leadership, SSMC - a COVID-free facility - has implemented additional globally-recognised practices of safety, disinfection, and sterilization across the hospital to ensure patient and visitor safety and protection. These measures include controlled entry with disinfection and temperature checks at the entrance, glass barriers between reception staff and patients at registration, and redesigned waiting rooms in line with social distancing guidelines. The hospital has also re-scheduled appointments to minimize the number of people on site at any given point.

Dr Naser Ammash, Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, said: “Our patient’s health and safety remain our top priority and we have put in place rigorous measures to proactively protect staff and patients. We offer world-class healthcare and medical services alongside cutting-edge facilities, technologies and diagnostics. Ensuring that these services continue to be accessed by the community and that patients receive the best care possible by proactively managing their health has always been central to SSMC’s mission. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is all the more important.”

“As a nation that has invested heavily in the health of its people, it is vitally important that people of all ages, and with all conditions, continue to access relevant medical solutions to treat non-COVID-19 illnesses,” added Dr Ammash. “We want to encourage people to be proactive and avoid the risk of longer term health issues.”

All facilities within SSMC undergo round-the-clock cleaning and sanitization, including all communal areas and surfaces such as waiting rooms, toilets, doorknobs, and light switches, among others. Additionally, all hospital staff are regularly tested for COVID-19.

The hospital will also have isolated and clearly marked wards, walkways, and entrance points for members of the community who present COVID-19 symptoms or are tested positive. – TradeArabia News Service