Dubai Healthcare City launches state-of-the-art University Hospital at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Centre

The University Hospital will function as the main tertiary care facility within Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), reinforcing its global status as an integrated centre of excellence for clinical and wellness services, as well as medical education and research. The institution will be located adjacent to the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center (HMSDC), Institute for Postgraduate Education and Research. Physicians at the University Hospital will be granted academic appointments at HMSDC.

Setting new benchmarks in the Middle East by bringing together diverse specialities and fostering true multidisciplinary care, the University Hospital will incorporate unique features including clinical strength through collaborative care, state-of-the-art healthcare information system with electronic medical and health records, and the most technologically-advanced complex for kidney and lever transplantation.

Responding to the needs of people in the region, the University Hospital will offer a service mix consisting of inpatient and outpatient consultations and a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and experimental modalities, surgeries, imaging, clinical and surgical pathology, minimally invasive procedures, and non-trauma emergency care.

The University Hospital will open its doors to patients in 2011. Building work on the 400-bed, 1.4 million square foot hospital campus commenced in June 2007.

The institution will be a part of DHCC's Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Centre, which includes the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center (HMSDC), Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR), Maktoum Harvard Library and Jumeirah Creekside Park Hotel.

Ahmad Sharaf, Senior Vice President Healthcare & Energy, Tatweer, said: 'Tatweer attaches considerable importance to meeting the demands of Dubai's health care sector, and has successfully introduced several key initiatives for the benefit of the community. As a focal point of DHCC's development, the University Hospital will be at the core of our operations. It will set new standards in patient-focused care, while driving our mission to create an internationally recognized location of choice for quality healthcare.

'Our commitment to deliver exceptional outcomes begins with attracting best-in-breed professionals and providing them with the resources and technologies for optimum success. The underlying principle of this new medical institution will be the health and well being of the community. The hospital will also serve as the cornerstone for a new era in healthcare excellence within DHCC.'

The hospital will offer comprehensive programmes across a wide range of specializations, including Oncology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Musculoskeletal Health and Orthopaedics, as well as Cardiovascular and Thoracic Services. These will be in addition to core programmes such as Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Neonatology, ENT, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, Urology, Reconstructive Surgery, General Surgery, and General Medicine. It will also include a state-of-the-art complex for kidney and lever transplantation.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, CEO of DHCC, said: 'The University Hospital reflects an important partnership, leveraging the strengths of Harvard Medical International (HMI) and other industry leaders in planning, architecture and design. The combined expertise will significantly impact every aspect of the hospital development.'

The University Hospital will be uniquely designed to meet the healthcare challenges facing the region with its state-of-the-art healthcare information and technology system. Through electronic medical and electronic health records (EMR and EHR), healthcare providers will have instant access to critical patient information.

The proximity of the University Hospital and HMSDC will serve as yet another logistical advantage, validating the principles underlying the creation of Dubai Healthcare City.