Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) newest hospital, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH) in Doha's Industrial Area, has introduced its second outpatient psychiatry clinic.
This is part of a wider strategy of HMC to facilitate easier access to specialist mental health services in the country. The new clinic, which began receiving patients late last week, will care for those who require routine outpatient psychiatry assessment and treatment.
Dr Majid al-Abdulla, medical director and acting chairman of psychiatry, Mental Health Services, said the introduction of a second outpatient clinic is a notable milestone on the journey toward the establishment of a multidisciplinary mental health service at the new community-based hospital.
“Our second outpatient clinic will provide psychiatry and mental healthcare to those living and working in the Industrial Area of Doha. Since our first outpatient clinic opened in May, we have cared for patients at around 90 outpatient visits, covering all adult psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, psychosis, and depression. The establishment of a second outpatient clinic will allow us to even better serve our patients,” said Dr al-Abdulla.
Dr Hani Kilani, medical director, HMGH, said the establishment of a second outpatient clinic is a response to the growing need for community-based psychiatry and mental healthcare services. He says the demand for mental healthcare services continues to rise and the establishment of a second clinic is part of ongoing efforts to improve the support available to patients with moderate to severe mental illness.
“The establishment of this second clinic means that patients will now have access to outpatient psychiatric clinics each Tuesday and Wednesday. Patients who present at our Emergency Department, and those admitted on surgical and medical wards or seen in other outpatient clinics, can be referred to these specialist psychiatric clinics. We will also receive patients from our local Qatar Red Crescent clinic who require routine outpatient psychiatric care,” said Dr Kilani.
Iain Tulley, CEO of Mental Health Services at HMC and National Health Strategy lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing said HMC’s ongoing expansion of community-based mental health services is in line with the National Mental Health Strategy’s objective to design and build a comprehensive and integrated mental health system. He said this latest expansion is aligned with the National Mental Health Strategy and is a reflection of efforts to develop partnerships that facilitate easier access to mental healthcare in the community.
Dr Kilani also said plans are underway to launch a dental service, prosthetic lab, and outpatient cardiology services, and he noted that a second Intensive Care Unit and expanded Emergency Department will also open before the end of the year.
HMGH provides care for adult male patients and particularly those living and working in Doha Industrial Area.
