The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) has announced that the expansion and renovation of the emergency room (ER) at Al Rahba Hospital will begin shortly.

The expansion of the ER is intended to meet the large number of trauma patients which have resulted due to its location on the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, coupled with a steady increase in population in its vicinity.

Al Rahba Hospital’s ER expansion will better serve the more than 80,000 estimated trauma patients it expects to see this year as the Al Rahba area continues to grow.

The area around Al Rahba Hospital is seeing a rapid population growth due to the development of a large number of new residential areas. The hospital’s location on a major highway also brings in many patients who are involved in vehicle accidents due to bad driving and speeding.

The expansion project is also intended to increase the future capacity of the ER by 7-10 per cent per year and reduce waiting times. Al Rahba Hospital’s ER has received nearly 40,000 patients in the first half of 2013.

In addition, 18 beds will be added to the ER, effectively doubling the current number of beds, and special beds for children will be provided. Other vital equipment that will have a positive impact on the performance of the department will also be obtained.

Work includes the expansion of the existing ER and Trauma Care areas and the Urgent Care Centre, and the revamp of fire-fighting systems, electronic control systems, video surveillance systems, and early warning systems for fire and smoke leakage.

The expansion and renovation works of Al Rahba Hospital ER takes into account sustainability criteria which focus on the reduction of energy and water consumption.

The design was produced in accordance with the latest international medical standards, which provide a better environment for healing and comforting the sick, and also take into account both the privacy and traditions of the UAE, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service