Newswise — ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic are marking the first anniversary of their joint venture that launched and operates Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the United Arab Emirates' largest hospitals providing care for patients with serious and complex medical conditions.
SSMC reflects SEHA’s and Mayo Clinic’s shared commitment to accelerate the development of the nation’s health care industry and enhance the quality of patient care in the UAE and beyond. Through their collaboration, they envision the hospital, opened in January 2020, evolving to become an international medical destination.
Since opening, SSMC completed more than 270,000 outpatient visits, cared for over 19,000 inpatients, and provided emergency care to more than 94,000 patients. SSMC performed over 8,500 surgical procedures, including the UAE's first spiral enteroscopy and first artificial intelligence-aided colonoscopy. The hospital received more than 27,500 referrals last year.
“As we celebrate SSMC’s first anniversary, we recognize the facility’s valuable contributions to the region’s health care ecosystem," said Salem Al Nuaimi, chairman of SEHA. "From bringing innovative, evidence-based treatment to the community’s doorstep, to training and developing the local medical leaders of tomorrow, to responding effectively to the community’s needs, SSMC is dedicated to patient-centered care, invested in the development of the nation’s health care system and further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global destination for treatment.”
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SSMC mobilized to provide a swift, coordinated response. Last May, 91 Mayo Clinic health care providers including physicians, nurses and other staff arrived in the UAE to assist temporarily, which allowed SSMC to expand its capacity and elevate its care for patients. SSMC introduced connected care to allow care teams to connect directly with patients and deliver health care remotely. Over the past year, SSMC saw more than 23,000 patients via telemedicine, with remote appointments increasing 325% at the height of the pandemic.
SSMC implemented AskMayoExpert, an online resource that delivers Mayo Clinic physician-vetted medical knowledge and answers to common clinical questions. Physicians can engage with Mayo Clinic specialists about a patient's care plan through the information-sharing technology eConsults.
SSMC built out many new clinical service lines supported by teams from Mayo, including physicians, nurses and other health care professionals who are now part of SSMC.
“SSMC’s first year of operation saw the core ingredients of the joint venture come to life, with the continuous and seamless transfer of talent, knowledge and expertise,” says G. Anton Decker, MBBCh, president, International at Mayo Clinic. “With international talent immersing themselves in the local culture of excellence, and regional health care professionals gaining firsthand insight into international best practices, SSMC is on track to combine Mayo Clinic’s expertise with SEHA’s rich legacy, offering the community the very best in health care."
SSMC is also committed to showcasing the capital as a hub for innovation, medical education and research. The goal is to provide the highest-quality clinical care that works, in conjunction with research and education, to meet patients’ needs.
In the coming year, SSMC will focus on enhancing the patient journey, introducing and sharpening specialties and subspecialties, and expanding its network of partners to advance physician and patient education and enrich the continuum of care in the region. In parallel, SSMC will continue building the foundation for research with the aim to pioneer medical research innovation in the region and contribute to the global movement of knowledge and discovery.
“As we gear up for our second year serving the region’s health care needs, we are committed to building a fully integrated health care system that prioritizes a superior patient journey and outcomes," says Naser Ammash, M.D., CEO of SSMC. "We are also committed to the continuous education of patients on preventive health, as well as the development of our current workforce and the future generation of health care professionals.”
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About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, and Mayo Clinic, a non-profit global leader in medical care, education and research headquartered in the United States. Established in 2019, SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of health care services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. For more information, visit https://ssmcabudhabi.ae/.
About SEHA
The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public health care system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Learn more at www.seha.ae.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and Mayo Clinic Facts for more information about Mayo.
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