Heart Hospital Hosts the PCC Roadshow, Highlighting Their Commitment to Person-Centered Transformation


From 29 September to 1 October 2024, Heart Hospital (HH), in collaboration with the Center for Patient Experience and Staff Engagement (CPESE), hosted the Person-Centered Care (PCC) Roadshow. This event marked another step in HH’s commitment to prioritize both patients and care providers, focusing on creating compassionate and personalized healthcare environments.

The event kicked off with an Opening Ceremony led by Dr. Nidal Asaad, CEO and Medical Director (MD) of HH, who officially launched the roadshow. Dr. Nidal emphasized the importance of moving beyond a standardized approach to care, saying, “Our ultimate goal is to shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized, compassionate care model. We want to create environments where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered.”

Following Dr. Nidal’s remarks, Mr. Ian Stewart McDonald, Executive Director (ED) of Nursing at HH, provided an overview of Heart Hospital’s PCC journey since November 2021. He highlighted how this journey has led to remarkable improvements in both patient and staff experiences. Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the hospital’s welcoming atmosphere, excellent medical services, and a culture of equal treatment without discrimination. The staff, in turn, feel more supported and recognized by their leadership, further enhancing morale and dedication.

One of the highlights was the virtual launch of two new initiatives: the ICU Family Lounge and the Staff Decompression Room, both designed to enhance the well-being of patients, families, and staff. Key HMC executives joined Dr. Nidal Asaad to mark the occasion, including Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Medical Officer; Prof. Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Chief Quality Officer; Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, CEO and MD of the Communicable Disease Center and MD of Hamad General Hospital; Ms. Nadya Al Rauili, ED of Private Nursing Services and Home Health Care Services; Ms. Mariam Al Mutawa, Acting Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Muna Al Hamad, and Dr. Ahmad Alkalla, CEO of Korean Medical Center. Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Affairs, also participated in the PCC activities held in the lobby.

The roadshow also emphasized the importance of community partnerships in delivering person-centered care. Ms. Fida Ahmad, Head of Quality Department and PCC Specialist at HH, acknowledged the leaders and representatives from HH’s community partners, including Mr. Hamad Al Suwaidi from the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan); Mr. Nawfal and Ashfaq, from Center for Indian Community (CIC); Mr. Chanim Al Rumaihi, Mr. Abdul Menem Diab, Mr. Mustafa Shahin, and Mr. Jalal Basyoni from the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs.

Heart Hospital’s shift towards a PCC model has transformed their culture, with staff consistently going above and beyond to provide compassionate service—even outside of working hours. This dedication was celebrated through the Golden Heart Award, presented by Head Nurse, Ms. Raghda Hamad. The Golden Heart was awarded to Ms. Shanthini Ramaswamy (HDUB), Mr. Magid Wahada (ED), Mr. Abdullah Darwiche (ED), Dr. Sara Elfar (Pharmacy), Mr. Tahany Ibrahim, Ms. Jennifer Anne Bondoc (Cardiac Rehabilitation), Ms. Reeja Varghese (CICU), Dr. Samah Awouda, Cardiology Consultant, Ms. Amina Ibrahim (OPD) and Dr. Mohamed Kasem.

Furthermore, staff members were recognized for their creativity during the Staff Pantry Competition, co-designed with members of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). This competition highlighted the artistic talents of HH staff, demonstrating their commitment to teamwork and patient care beyond their regular duties. The top spot was awarded to CICU, with HDU A and HDU B taking the second and third place.

Throughout the roadshow, the hospital lobby displayed Heart Hospital’s PCC initiatives. Patients, families, staff, and community partners participated in interactive activities designed to raise awareness about the ongoing PCC journey. The event fostered meaningful exchanges between patients, families, and caregivers, helping build a healthcare environment that benefits everyone.

As the roadshow concluded, Heart Hospital reiterated its belief in the power of collaboration to redefine the future of healthcare. “Together, we can create a healthcare system where every patient feels respected, every caregiver supported, and every healthcare provider equipped to deliver care with empathy and excellence,” Dr. Nidal Asaad said.​