Top U.S architectural firm to design Um Al-Emarat women & children's hospital

Um Al-Emarat Hospital or 'Mother of the Emirates' is UEM's flagship project and will set new standards in architecture and healthcare delivery throughout the region.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Managing Director & CEO of UEM says, "It is a privilege for us to develop this project as a tribute to H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. The hospital will be designed to be at the medical forefront, with the latest technology supporting the most advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures. No resource will be spared to ensure that the hospital will provide the best healthcare services for the women and children of the UAE."

"We chose HKS for their international prominence in providing innovative architectural planning and design solutions for healthcare clients including 90 new hospitals and over 150 women and children's facilities throughout the world. This project is a perfect fit with HKS's expertise in medical equipment planning, clinical evidence-based design, and healing environments."

He concluded, "This hospital will be more than a place of world-class care for the women and children of the UAE - it will become a center for the entire community and a destination of excellence throughout the region."

The new hospital is the first planned all-digital hospital in Abu Dhabi and will feature medical and surgical services; a specialty 'Birthing Center' offering a wide range of maternity services including a labor evaluation unit, a high-risk pregnancy unit for expectant mothers needing hospitalization, labor/delivery/recovery rooms (LDRs), a special care nursery, and a mother/baby unit; a comprehensive 'Fertility & Genetics Center' offering the latest in assisted reproductive technologies and IVF treatments; inpatient and outpatient surgical suites; a 24-hour emergency department; and adult and pediatric intensive care units.

Additional facilities will also include primary care and specialty clinics; a fully integrated advanced imaging and diagnostics center; and a wellness institute that integrates medical sciences with fitness and education programs. Premium hotel-like services and amenities will include medical concierge services, restaurants and cafes, a signature spa and a Presidential Suite with its own medical team and support services.

Steve Jacobson, HKS senior vice president, added, "HKS is also a leader in the hospitality, sports, and entertainment design industries. Creative collaboration over the years has allowed our healthcare team to adopt progressive concepts from hotels, resorts, retailers, and sports venues as they are very attuned to positive distractions, comfort and an overall positive experience. We believe that successful healthcare facilities are blurring the lines between hospital and hospitality design."

Jacobson continued, "Today's healthcare facilities focus on the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. These healing places are more than places of comfort and care - they serve as healthcare destinations. Nowhere is that more apparent than in a new women's and children's hospital."

UEM has also appointed Ted Jacob Engineering, a leading US consultancy firm specializing in mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineering for healthcare projects. The local architect of record is STH Consultants who are currently involved in a number of healthcare projects throughout the UAE.

A well known international project management firm will ensure long term excellence and success of the technically complex project. Ground is set to be broken in mid 2008. The Um Al-Emarat women's and children's hospital is scheduled for completion in 2010.