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Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) stroke service has become the first of its kind in the Middle East to be accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). |
JCI accreditation is based on quality and safety across all clinical and management functions and is considered the gold standard in global healthcare. All HMC’s network of hospitals, as well as the Ambulance Service and Home Healthcare Service, have been accredited by JCI.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and the number one cause of chronic disability in the world. Due to the high prevalence of many risk factors for stroke among Qatar’s population, including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension and inactivity, the incidence of stroke is high in the country.
The JCI accreditation follows significant recent improvements in care for stroke patients, with the opening of a dedicated stroke ward at Hamad General Hospital in March 2014, playing a key role in these improvements. The multi-disciplinary nature of the care has contributed greatly to ensure that stroke patients in Qatar receive the safest, most effective and compassionate care.
The extensive team involved in the treatment for each stroke patient is central to the multi-disciplinary care, patients receive. Stroke neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, stroke nurses, allied health professionals, stroke co-ordinators and clinical nurse specialists provide their expertise to shape the treatment plan according to each patient’s individual needs.
Hanan al-Kuwari, managing director, HMC said “Everyone involved with the delivery of stroke care at HMC is very proud to be accredited by JCI. This prestigious accreditation recognises our stroke service as being among the best in the world. The improvements in care for stroke patients have been made possible only through the teamwork and commitment of staff across a range of services and are perfect examples of collaborative work.”
Prof Ashfaq Shuaib, director of the Neurosciences Institute, highlighted the multi-disciplinary care “Effective care for stroke patients relies on a number of service areas across multiple facilities working in unison. The Ambulance Service has consistently met its National Health Strategy response targets in recent times, meaning stroke patients arrive as quickly as possible at the hospital.”
