Sidra Medicine, the high tech world class, premier health care facility in the region for children, young people and women and a member of Qatar Foundation, delivered its first baby as the hospital opened the new building and welcomed the first inpatients.
“Baby Mariam, weighing 3.1kg, was the first to delivered at the hospital, that too with her father witnessing the birth in the operating theatre,” announced Dr Justin Konje, chair, Women’s Services Clinical Management Group, Sidra Medicine. He was addressing a press conference to mark the opening of the inpatient facility of the hospital.
“We have admitted nine child patients at the hospital. So, including the delivery of the newborn baby, the total number of people admitted at the hospital is 10," said Dr David Sigalet, chair of the Department of Surgery.
Sidra Medicine presently works on referrals from Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation. It will start receiving referrals from private hospitals this year onwards.
The first inpatients seen by Sidra Medicine are children requiring low-risk surgeries and women undergoing elective C-sections. These services will be increased through mid-2018 to include more complex paediatric surgeries, specialist paediatric services in neurology and cardiology, among others, as well as deliveries, focusing on high-risk pregnancies.
“The opening of the main hospital at Sidra Medicine marks the achievement of another major milestone in the expansion of healthcare facilities in the country. The new hospital will further enhance the healthcare provided for women and children and reinforce our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people in Qatar,” said HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari said in a statement.
Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, vice chair of the Board of Governors at Sidra Medicine, told the press conference, “As part of Qatar Foundation, Sidra Medicine is a true embodiment of the country’s wider, long-term efforts to build a world-class healthcare and research infrastructure in Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s specific focus on transforming the care of women and children. Qatar Foundation, with Her Highness Sheikha Moza at the helm, has been a powerful force for progress. It has established Qatar as a leader in education, science and community development.”
“Sidra Medicine offers specialised treatment for the citizens and residents of Qatar. It will help them avoid the trouble of travelling abroad as well as spending large amounts of money for treatment. We will be able to use the facilities in the hospital to attract more patients from outside Qatar standing in the world as a beacon of excellence in healthcare. The safety and comfort of our patients is of utmost importance and we look forward to welcoming them,” said Peter Morris, CEO, Sidra Medicine.
Sidra Medicine will open its Emergency Department by the middle of this year. It will also accept regional and international referrals for women, young people and children who need its specialist expertise.
The press conference was also attended by other officials of Sidra Medicine including, Dr Abdulla al-Kaabi, executive chair, Children’s Services Clinical Management Group, executive vice chief medical officer and member of the Board of Governors; Dr John Ferguson, chief medical officer; Morag Gates, chief operating officer and Dr Rashid al-Ali, division chief, Biomedical Informatics.
