Two more hospitals in Abu Dhabi have been certified to offer emergency care, the emirate’s Department of Health (DoH) announced on Tuesday. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) and Burjeel Hospital have been given the licence to open an emergency department. The licences were given after both hospitals fulfilled the criteria for providing emergency care services. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Tawam Hospital, Madinat Zayed Hospital, Al Ruwais Hospital, Al Ain Hospital, and NMC Royal Hospital already have emergency departments. Last year, the DoH set new standards and guidelines for opening emergency departments in private and government general hospitals. There are two types of departments in this category – emergency and urgent care centres. Hospitals that meet the criteria will be issued a licence to open an emergency department. Facilities that do not meet the requirements will be certified as urgent care centres. SSMC and Burjeel Hospital have qualified emergency care physicians, specialists and equipment for emergency resuscitation, surgery and intensive care, and it will be open 24/7. DoH has urged patients who suffer from acute, life-threatening conditions to head to emergency departments if they have severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, heavy blood loss, serious injury, severe burn and suspected stroke. Urgent care centres conduct initial check-ups and diagnostic treatment. All public and private medical centres and hospitals have such a unit, working 24/7. Patients with minor illnesses and injuries, strains, sprains, stitches, cuts, bites, severe sunburn and rashes can visit such centres.
