Seha to manage Al Ain Hospital from Aug 31 [Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates)]

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) on Friday announced that it would assume full management responsibility of

Al Ain Hospital and the associated Family Medical Centres from August 31 when the five-year management contract with VAMED and Medical University of Vienna (MUV) expires. It said after careful consideration of its prior strategy of outsourced hospital management, it will not seek renewal of the management contract.

Seha was established in 2007 as part of the Government of Abu Dhabi's emirate-wide healthcare reform initiative aiming to provide the people with healthcare services that match the highest international standards.

"Our goal is to create a world-class integrated healthcare system. At this stage, we are reassessing the system of hospital management that relies on our international partners. Both VAMED and MUV have been steadfast partners of Seha since 2007 and we thank them for their support," said Carl Stanifer, CEO for Seha Corporate. "Along with Seha, they have made remarkable progress in helping Al Ain Hospital and the associated Family Medical Centres achieve healthcare service in line with international standards. Our door will always be open to working with partners like these. "I am confident this transition will occur without any patient service disruptions. Both VAMED and MUV are excellent managers and the hospital is in prime condition. For the patient and the average employee, there will be no change in the daily routine. We intend to make this as smooth as possible for everyone." he added.

George Jepson, CEO of Al Ain Hospital and a VAMED employee, said, "We have been supported by a strong partnership with all staff, the local community and Seha over the life of the contract. Al Ain Hospital has always been in the heart of Al Ain community and we are proud that we have seen a dramatic increase in use by the community of the hospital services as we have transformed the facilities and clinical skills with all the hospital staff. We are equally proud of the significantly increased management role of our Emirati staff in both the clinical and administration aspects of the hospital."

Under Seha ownership and VAMED/MUV management, Al Ain has made great strides towards being a world-class healthcare institution in the Middle East. The hospital recently won the Excellence in Diagnostic Imaging and Excellence in Patient Safety at this year's Arab Health Awards. It was also recognised as Seha's inaugural Business Entity of the Year at its 2010 Circle of Excellence celebration. Most significantly, Al Ain received its Joint Commission International Accreditation in 2010. JCI accreditation is the Gold Standard of Quality Assurance in healthcare. Seha already boasts JCI accreditation at six of its other hospitals and many of its clinics and ancillary operations.

Al Ain Hospital was built and opened in 1978 and was originally known as Al Jimi Hospital since it was in the Al Jimi neighbourhood and was one of the largest tertiary referral treatment centres in the UAE at the time. Al Ain Hospital remains a tertiary hospital with 412 licensed beds and the services include medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, as well as surgical and critical care services that support the trauma programme. The hospital also operates three primary healthcare clinics in and around Al Ain. A new Al Ain Hospital was recently approved by the Executive Council and is currently being tendered. Construction of the new hospital would commence in 2013 and complete sometime in 2016. It will be larger and more modern than the current facility.