June 2012
HMC Honored as Best Recruitment Center for a Worldwide Research Project, 24 June 2012
Doha, 24 June 2012: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was honored with the Award of Excellence in a recent international scientific meet for achieving the status of Best Recruitment Center among more than one hundred (100) centers worldwide participating in a multicenter international research project.
The award was given at the Twin Birth Study International Collaborator's meeting held on 9-11 May in Toronto, Canada. The meeting was attended by principal investigators and trial coordinators from the 20 countries involved in the Twin Birth Study (TBS), which includes countries in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The Twin Birth Study is the first large randomized controlled trial that has been done to compare the efficacy and safety of the two modes of delivery – normal vaginal delivery and Caesarian section – in twin pregnancies where both the fetuses are in cephalic or head-first presentation (the normal fetal position to come down the birth canal).
The TBS also compares the effects of both modes of delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study is expected to have a significant impact on these outcomes, and could potentially change medical practice worldwide.
The TBS is funded by the Canadian Health Research and run by the Center for Mother, Infant and Child Research (CMICR), a major global research center for maternal, infant and child health located in Women's Hospital and Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. The TBS trial was initiated in 2004 and its first phase finished in 2011. The second phase is expected to be completed by 2013.
Dr Sajjad Rahman, Senior Consultant Neonatologist at Women's Hospital (a member of HMC) and regional Principal Investigator of the TBS trial was present at the occasion and received the award on behalf of HMC. Dr Rahman commended the efforts of his research team, saying, “The TBS trial would not have been the success that it became without the tireless efforts of Dr Amal Al Jasim, coordinator of the trial in Qatar, along with the team of obstetricians at Women's Hospital.”
The meeting discussed primary results of the first phase of the research trial, and also tackled issues in different researches being conducted in the participating regions. Dr Rahman gave a presentation on Qatar’s increasing commitment to research and human development, highlighting the role of Qatar Foundation in supporting first-class research through the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), as well as HMC’s efforts to promote collaborative multicenter research.
Dr Rahman also presented the preliminary outcomes of Qatar’s Perinatal Neonatal Outcomes Research Study (PEARL Study), which is funded by the QNRF. Qatar’s vision of human development was very warmly lauded by the audience, and many institutions expressed their interest in establishing collaborative research and academic work with HMC and other institutions in Qatar.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
The award was given at the Twin Birth Study International Collaborator's meeting held on 9-11 May in Toronto, Canada. The meeting was attended by principal investigators and trial coordinators from the 20 countries involved in the Twin Birth Study (TBS), which includes countries in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The Twin Birth Study is the first large randomized controlled trial that has been done to compare the efficacy and safety of the two modes of delivery – normal vaginal delivery and Caesarian section – in twin pregnancies where both the fetuses are in cephalic or head-first presentation (the normal fetal position to come down the birth canal).
The TBS also compares the effects of both modes of delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study is expected to have a significant impact on these outcomes, and could potentially change medical practice worldwide.
The TBS is funded by the Canadian Health Research and run by the Center for Mother, Infant and Child Research (CMICR), a major global research center for maternal, infant and child health located in Women's Hospital and Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. The TBS trial was initiated in 2004 and its first phase finished in 2011. The second phase is expected to be completed by 2013.
Dr Sajjad Rahman, Senior Consultant Neonatologist at Women's Hospital (a member of HMC) and regional Principal Investigator of the TBS trial was present at the occasion and received the award on behalf of HMC. Dr Rahman commended the efforts of his research team, saying, “The TBS trial would not have been the success that it became without the tireless efforts of Dr Amal Al Jasim, coordinator of the trial in Qatar, along with the team of obstetricians at Women's Hospital.”
The meeting discussed primary results of the first phase of the research trial, and also tackled issues in different researches being conducted in the participating regions. Dr Rahman gave a presentation on Qatar’s increasing commitment to research and human development, highlighting the role of Qatar Foundation in supporting first-class research through the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), as well as HMC’s efforts to promote collaborative multicenter research.
Dr Rahman also presented the preliminary outcomes of Qatar’s Perinatal Neonatal Outcomes Research Study (PEARL Study), which is funded by the QNRF. Qatar’s vision of human development was very warmly lauded by the audience, and many institutions expressed their interest in establishing collaborative research and academic work with HMC and other institutions in Qatar.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Hamad Medical Corporation Holds Critical Care Symposium, 24 June 2012
Doha, Qatar 23 June, 2012: Hamad Medical Corporation’s critical care teams recently took part in a symposium aimed at bringing staff up to date with the latest scientific and clinical advances – the second in a regular series of gatherings.
Held at the Intercontinental Doha Hotel, with more than 250 participants from different critical care units and the high dependency units, the event was chaired by Dr. Abdullatif Alkhal – Deputy Chief of Staff for Academic Affairs and Director of GME Department, Chairman of Medicine and Chairman of Critical Care Committee.
The second symposium was coordinated by Dr. Ahmed Zarour – Head of T and Intensive Care Unit, and presented by a multidisciplinary team from TICU; discussed implementation of guidelines; critical care patient family handbook; patient mobilization and electrolyte replacement therapy. The activity was concluded by a dinner.
The next symposium will be held in October 2012. The role of the Critical Care Committee in enhancing the care provided to our sickest patients is already evident. The committee will continue to meet on regular basis and will raise the minutes of its meetings to the Chief of Medical, Academic and Research Affairs who will approve the minutes and share it with the Clinical Executive Committee at a corporate level.
By bringing the critical care staff together the committee will work on standardizing the practice, creating common protocols and guidelines, sharing experiences, learning from each other, measuring infection rates and outcomes, unifying the equipment, establishing educational programs and enhancing the overall critical care provided at HMC. The committee will ensure that an evidenced based safe practice is delivered across all HMC critical care units.
The committee is formed by the medical and nursing directors of all Critical Care Units and High Dependency Units in HMC. Members are also present from Medical Staff Office, pharmacy and respiratory therapy. Dr. Alkhal concluded that the HMC administration will provides the full support to the various activities of the committee.
The first symposium was coordinated by Dr. Abdulsalam Saif – Head of MICU;Coordinator of HMC-crtical care committee and presented by a multidisciplinary team from medical and surgical intensive care units, pharmacy and dietetics. It discussed improving safety in critical care and the recently developed enteral nutrition protocol.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Held at the Intercontinental Doha Hotel, with more than 250 participants from different critical care units and the high dependency units, the event was chaired by Dr. Abdullatif Alkhal – Deputy Chief of Staff for Academic Affairs and Director of GME Department, Chairman of Medicine and Chairman of Critical Care Committee.
The second symposium was coordinated by Dr. Ahmed Zarour – Head of T and Intensive Care Unit, and presented by a multidisciplinary team from TICU; discussed implementation of guidelines; critical care patient family handbook; patient mobilization and electrolyte replacement therapy. The activity was concluded by a dinner.
The next symposium will be held in October 2012. The role of the Critical Care Committee in enhancing the care provided to our sickest patients is already evident. The committee will continue to meet on regular basis and will raise the minutes of its meetings to the Chief of Medical, Academic and Research Affairs who will approve the minutes and share it with the Clinical Executive Committee at a corporate level.
By bringing the critical care staff together the committee will work on standardizing the practice, creating common protocols and guidelines, sharing experiences, learning from each other, measuring infection rates and outcomes, unifying the equipment, establishing educational programs and enhancing the overall critical care provided at HMC. The committee will ensure that an evidenced based safe practice is delivered across all HMC critical care units.
The committee is formed by the medical and nursing directors of all Critical Care Units and High Dependency Units in HMC. Members are also present from Medical Staff Office, pharmacy and respiratory therapy. Dr. Alkhal concluded that the HMC administration will provides the full support to the various activities of the committee.
The first symposium was coordinated by Dr. Abdulsalam Saif – Head of MICU;Coordinator of HMC-crtical care committee and presented by a multidisciplinary team from medical and surgical intensive care units, pharmacy and dietetics. It discussed improving safety in critical care and the recently developed enteral nutrition protocol.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Hamad General Hospital’s Medication Room Service to Close, 21 June 2012
The Medication Room Service at Hamad General Hospital’s (HGH) Outpatient Department (OPD) will close permanently on 17 July, 2012.
The successful implementation of the fixed time appointment system in the OPD and the subsequent reduction in waiting times for patients between appointments means the service, which was meant as an interim measure, is no longer needed.
Patients currently using the service will not be disadvantaged. The closure will be phased in to ensure everyone has access to the medications they need in a timely way.
Patients with repeat medication needs currently using the service will be prescribed adequate medication to last until their next scheduled OPD appointment.
If their prescribed medication is due to be renewed before their next scheduled OPD appointment, you are advised to contact the Patient Contact Center on 44395777 to make the necessary arrangements for an appointment.
For more information about the new Outpatient appointment go to www.hamad.qa/opd
Source: Corporate Communication Department
The successful implementation of the fixed time appointment system in the OPD and the subsequent reduction in waiting times for patients between appointments means the service, which was meant as an interim measure, is no longer needed.
Patients currently using the service will not be disadvantaged. The closure will be phased in to ensure everyone has access to the medications they need in a timely way.
Patients with repeat medication needs currently using the service will be prescribed adequate medication to last until their next scheduled OPD appointment.
If their prescribed medication is due to be renewed before their next scheduled OPD appointment, you are advised to contact the Patient Contact Center on 44395777 to make the necessary arrangements for an appointment.
For more information about the new Outpatient appointment go to www.hamad.qa/opd
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Hamad General Hospital’s Main Entrance and Lobby Re-Opens, 18 June 2012
Doha, Qatar 18 June, 2012: The main entrance and lobby of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) re-opened today (18 June) following a 10- month program of extensive renovation and refurbishment.
The renovation of the lobby is a key part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) commitment to enhance our facilities to ensure that we continue to offer the highest quality healthcare to our patients in a caring, safe and restorative environment.
The new lobby area features more seating for visitors as well as easier access to information for patients and visitors.
Over the next few weeks the upgraded services within the lobby will be phased in. Initially only the Admissions function will be operating in the lobby along with enhanced Reception, Patient and Visitor Services functions, security and a new Bell Boy service for patients.
These will soon be followed by cashiering services, new ATMs, a flower and gift shop and a café.
These services will significantly enhance the experience patients and their visitors will have when they arrive at HGH.
HMC is undergoing an extensive program to renovate and refurbish its existing facilities as part of its continuous drive to deliver high quality patient care.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
The renovation of the lobby is a key part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) commitment to enhance our facilities to ensure that we continue to offer the highest quality healthcare to our patients in a caring, safe and restorative environment.
The new lobby area features more seating for visitors as well as easier access to information for patients and visitors.
Over the next few weeks the upgraded services within the lobby will be phased in. Initially only the Admissions function will be operating in the lobby along with enhanced Reception, Patient and Visitor Services functions, security and a new Bell Boy service for patients.
These will soon be followed by cashiering services, new ATMs, a flower and gift shop and a café.
These services will significantly enhance the experience patients and their visitors will have when they arrive at HGH.
HMC is undergoing an extensive program to renovate and refurbish its existing facilities as part of its continuous drive to deliver high quality patient care.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Open Day Lecture on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at HMC, 18 June 2012
An Open Day lecture on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be held on Wednesday, 20 June as part of the educational activities conducted by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Psychiatry Department. The lecture will focus on providing support for those suffering from psychological reactions and stress disorders that develop following disasters or tragic incidents.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Mohammad Albanna, Consultant Psychiatrist at HMC, and will discuss psychological reactions and support needed following critical incidents, defining specific roles played by psychological support teams towards survivors and families of victims. The latest practices in the field will also be discussed.
The Open Day lecture will take place at 6:30pm at the Psychiatry Department located next to The Center and Mega Mart, and the Kahramaa office on Ibn Sina Street.
“It is very important to extend all support and assistance for individuals who experience painful ordeals following major critical incidents or crises or disasters, in order to apprehend any unexpected responses and reactions towards the traumatic events they have suffered,” said Dr Albanna. The lecture will discuss ways to extend psychological support for the victims, their families and those involved in disaster management. Dr Albanna will also answer questions from the audience.
Dr Albanna added that following the tragic fire at Villaggio shopping mall, the Psychiatry Department and the Qatar Red Crescent have organized a number of “Psychological Release” sessions for Civil Defense personnel and paramedics involved in the rescue operations, as well as those providing psychological support for the families of the victims.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Mohammad Albanna, Consultant Psychiatrist at HMC, and will discuss psychological reactions and support needed following critical incidents, defining specific roles played by psychological support teams towards survivors and families of victims. The latest practices in the field will also be discussed.
The Open Day lecture will take place at 6:30pm at the Psychiatry Department located next to The Center and Mega Mart, and the Kahramaa office on Ibn Sina Street.
“It is very important to extend all support and assistance for individuals who experience painful ordeals following major critical incidents or crises or disasters, in order to apprehend any unexpected responses and reactions towards the traumatic events they have suffered,” said Dr Albanna. The lecture will discuss ways to extend psychological support for the victims, their families and those involved in disaster management. Dr Albanna will also answer questions from the audience.
Dr Albanna added that following the tragic fire at Villaggio shopping mall, the Psychiatry Department and the Qatar Red Crescent have organized a number of “Psychological Release” sessions for Civil Defense personnel and paramedics involved in the rescue operations, as well as those providing psychological support for the families of the victims.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
HMC Workshop Highlights Lessons from Villaggio Tragedy, 18 June 2012
A workshop focusing on lessons on safety from the tragic Villaggio fire was recently conducted by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Occupational Health and Safety Department. About 160 HMC staff and senior management took part in the workshop, which was held at Hamad Medical City’s Club Hotel on 11 June.
Dr Huda Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) during her opening remarks called for careful consideration of the reasons behind the tragedy that occurred at Villaggio. “We should ensure that all our hospitals are applying required safety precautions, and understand that safety is the responsibility of all, not only some departments or some staff. Everyone should contribute to ensuring safety and security throughout the corporation.”
Dr Al Noaimi emphasized that HMC staff at all levels should take part in developing the tools and techniques required to raise the general level of awareness about safety. “This will help ensure that all HMC facilities are free of all kinds of hazards, particularly fire hazards.”
Brigadier Aman Al Sulaiti, Director of Fire Prevention Department at the Civil Defense Department delivered a detailed statement on the Villaggio fire, and displayed a number of photos showing different stages of the rapid response and rescue efforts of Civil Defense personnel. He urged the participants to strictly adhere to safety and security standards required for the issuance of any license.
Brig. Al Sulaiti emphasized the need for prior coordination with the Civil Defense Department before making any changes or renovations in health facilities, in order to ensure that these changes are made in accordance with safety and security standards. He also explained that causes of fire incidents in any location are usually due to improper storage of equipment in cartons heaped up to the ceiling, leading to the failure of the sprinklers and alarm systems. Slits at the roof may also increase the spread of fire, he said.
Dr Badriya Al-Ali, Executive Director of Quality Management Department at HMC, talked about the optimal efforts being exerted by HMC to enhance safety plans and procedures in case of disasters. “Our advisors from the Joint Commission International (JCI) regularly review all our safety plans to ensure that they are competently implemented throughout all our facilities. However, individual commitment remains a key factor to avert such tragic incidents,” she said.
Dr Al-Ali added that the Quality Management Department collaborates with all hospital departments in the practical implementation of safety plans, and highlighted the importance of teamwork as required by the nature of work at HMC which comprises all types of patients, staff and public.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Dr Huda Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) during her opening remarks called for careful consideration of the reasons behind the tragedy that occurred at Villaggio. “We should ensure that all our hospitals are applying required safety precautions, and understand that safety is the responsibility of all, not only some departments or some staff. Everyone should contribute to ensuring safety and security throughout the corporation.”
Dr Al Noaimi emphasized that HMC staff at all levels should take part in developing the tools and techniques required to raise the general level of awareness about safety. “This will help ensure that all HMC facilities are free of all kinds of hazards, particularly fire hazards.”
Brigadier Aman Al Sulaiti, Director of Fire Prevention Department at the Civil Defense Department delivered a detailed statement on the Villaggio fire, and displayed a number of photos showing different stages of the rapid response and rescue efforts of Civil Defense personnel. He urged the participants to strictly adhere to safety and security standards required for the issuance of any license.
Brig. Al Sulaiti emphasized the need for prior coordination with the Civil Defense Department before making any changes or renovations in health facilities, in order to ensure that these changes are made in accordance with safety and security standards. He also explained that causes of fire incidents in any location are usually due to improper storage of equipment in cartons heaped up to the ceiling, leading to the failure of the sprinklers and alarm systems. Slits at the roof may also increase the spread of fire, he said.
Dr Badriya Al-Ali, Executive Director of Quality Management Department at HMC, talked about the optimal efforts being exerted by HMC to enhance safety plans and procedures in case of disasters. “Our advisors from the Joint Commission International (JCI) regularly review all our safety plans to ensure that they are competently implemented throughout all our facilities. However, individual commitment remains a key factor to avert such tragic incidents,” she said.
Dr Al-Ali added that the Quality Management Department collaborates with all hospital departments in the practical implementation of safety plans, and highlighted the importance of teamwork as required by the nature of work at HMC which comprises all types of patients, staff and public.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
HMC Celebrates World Blood Donor Day, 13 June 2012
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Department of Laboratory and Pathology Medicine and Blood Donor Unit will be holding an annual gala ceremony event to honor blood donors on Thursday, 14 June. The event is sponsored by His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Al-Qahtani, the Minister of Public Health and Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health, and will also be attended by other dignitaries.
The celebration will take place at Sheraton Hotel Doha’s Al Majlis Hall at 7:00pm and will be held under the theme “Every Blood Donor is a Hero.” The Blood Donor Unit in collaboration with HMC’s Corporate Communications Department has prepared an impressive program which will highlight the culture of blood donation, focusing on its social aspects and significance, as well as the vital role played by HMC in promoting a pioneering national partnership.
The program also includes a recognition ceremony for 263 new blood donors who were at the top of the list of the most frequent blood donors during 2011. Forty-three of the donors were from ministries and other public and private institutions including non-governmental organizations, in addition to cultural, social and media agencies that contributed to blood donation campaigns last year. Through the ceremony, HMC aims to honor and recognize the contributions of the honorees in helping disseminate the culture of voluntary blood donation in the society, and in helping the blood bank increase its supply of blood and blood components.
Ten of the donors who will be honored have taken part in the platelets donation drive launched for the sake of patients suffering from cancer and blood diseases at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
The six official sponsors of this year’s recognition ceremony will also be honored. These are the four platinum sponsors including The Commercial Bank, QatarGas, Qatar Steel Company and Regency Group Holding; and the two gold sponsors including Qatar Chemical Company and Al-Muftah Group. The recognition of sponsors is part of HMC’s commitment to establish positive partnerships with various national public and private organizations.
A gala dinner will be held as part of the celebration.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
The celebration will take place at Sheraton Hotel Doha’s Al Majlis Hall at 7:00pm and will be held under the theme “Every Blood Donor is a Hero.” The Blood Donor Unit in collaboration with HMC’s Corporate Communications Department has prepared an impressive program which will highlight the culture of blood donation, focusing on its social aspects and significance, as well as the vital role played by HMC in promoting a pioneering national partnership.
The program also includes a recognition ceremony for 263 new blood donors who were at the top of the list of the most frequent blood donors during 2011. Forty-three of the donors were from ministries and other public and private institutions including non-governmental organizations, in addition to cultural, social and media agencies that contributed to blood donation campaigns last year. Through the ceremony, HMC aims to honor and recognize the contributions of the honorees in helping disseminate the culture of voluntary blood donation in the society, and in helping the blood bank increase its supply of blood and blood components.
Ten of the donors who will be honored have taken part in the platelets donation drive launched for the sake of patients suffering from cancer and blood diseases at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
The six official sponsors of this year’s recognition ceremony will also be honored. These are the four platinum sponsors including The Commercial Bank, QatarGas, Qatar Steel Company and Regency Group Holding; and the two gold sponsors including Qatar Chemical Company and Al-Muftah Group. The recognition of sponsors is part of HMC’s commitment to establish positive partnerships with various national public and private organizations.
A gala dinner will be held as part of the celebration.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
More than 800 HMC Doctors Complete Comprehensive Physician Assessment Course, 5 June 2012
Doha – 6 June, 2012: More than 800 Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) physicians have completed a 12 day training course focusing on discussed various methods of Comprehensive Physician evaluation pursuant to standards laid down by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International LLC (ACGME-I).
Organized by HMC’s Medical Education Department, the course was hosted Professor Ara Tekian, Associate Professor and Director of International Affairs at the Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois.
HMC is seeking to become the first medical corporation in the Middle East to acquire ACGME accreditation as a specialized medical education center in accordance with United States’ standards.
Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal, Director Medical Education at, HMC, said the course was held as part of medical education programs aiming to raise the clinical and medical performance at HMC’s general and specialized hospitals. He said the course covered many topics such as methods of physician performance evaluation, development of physicians’ clinical skills and improving communication skills.
Professor Tekian lauded the advanced medical education system in place at HMC and said the process of ACGME-I accreditation would further enhance the already rigorous processes the Corporation has brought into effect.
“According to the standards set up by the ACGME-I, the medical performance assessment is conducted through four principal axis. This starts starting with the comprehensive evaluation, dubbed ‘360-Degree Assessment’; immediate performance supervision method; review and ensuring proper procedures in dealing with patient’s health and documentation of these procedures and finally review of the doctor’s current and future comprehensive data,” explained Professor Tekian.
Source: Corporate Communication Department
Organized by HMC’s Medical Education Department, the course was hosted Professor Ara Tekian, Associate Professor and Director of International Affairs at the Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois.
HMC is seeking to become the first medical corporation in the Middle East to acquire ACGME accreditation as a specialized medical education center in accordance with United States’ standards.
Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal, Director Medical Education at, HMC, said the course was held as part of medical education programs aiming to raise the clinical and medical performance at HMC’s general and specialized hospitals. He said the course covered many topics such as methods of physician performance evaluation, development of physicians’ clinical skills and improving communication skills.
Professor Tekian lauded the advanced medical education system in place at HMC and said the process of ACGME-I accreditation would further enhance the already rigorous processes the Corporation has brought into effect.
“According to the standards set up by the ACGME-I, the medical performance assessment is conducted through four principal axis. This starts starting with the comprehensive evaluation, dubbed ‘360-Degree Assessment’; immediate performance supervision method; review and ensuring proper procedures in dealing with patient’s health and documentation of these procedures and finally review of the doctor’s current and future comprehensive data,” explained Professor Tekian.
Source: Corporate Communication Department