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The newly expanded, two-story Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) annex at Women’s Hospital was officially inaugurated today in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by H.E Mr. Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Public Health, H.E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), Abdulaziz Nassir Al Ansari, Secretary and Acting Executive Director for Daam, Ahmad Salem Al Ali, Director of Programs for Daam and Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, Hamad Medical Corporation’s Managing Director.
The NICU provides the utmost level of care for high risk or critically ill newborns. Babies suffering from serious medical concerns caused by being born too early (prematurity), respiratory distress, cardiac disease, congenital anomalies, multi-system organ failure and other problems are cared for in the specialized, highly advanced, 107 cot unit dedicated only to their care.
“The opening of this unit enables us to offer expecting mothers access to the most advanced equipment and facilities in the country. As the GCC’s largest NICU, we will be able to provide an unprecedented scope of services, and redefined space, while ensuring the highest international standard of care, and privacy for the most at risk babies and their families in Qatar,” stated Dr. Al Kuwari.
The unit’s new location offers a comforting and relaxing environment for patients within rooms fitted with quality furnishings and most advanced facilities and equipment. Privacy and dignity for families is afforded in a suite set apart from the main circulation.
“In addition to this expansion, Women’s Hospital has introduced a neonatal developmental care model that will change the current neonatal philosophy and its environment into an individualized understanding of needs for patients and families. This model of care will focus on optimizing both short and long term physical, mental, emotional growth and supports positive health outcomes for neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care units across HMC,” continued Dr. Al Kuwari.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, H.E Al-Qahtani, H.E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani, and Dr. Al Kuwari toured the NICU extension and reviewed the new space, which includes an extra 27 cots, four mother and baby rooms, and a number of support areas and ‘quiet rooms’ for private conversations between parents and consultants.
Commenting on Daam’s contribution to the NICU expansion project, H.E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani said: “Daam is passionate about furthering the National Vision 2030 by enhancing the quality of life for everyone, including the tiniest and most fragile people of Qatar. We are committed to promoting the interests of this great nation and will continue to provide support across sports, culture, social and charitable activities.”
Daam was established by an Emiri decree No.44, 2010 to support sports, social, cultural and charity activities in Qatar.
