Dubai: The master plan for Rashid Hospital at a cost of Dh3 billion includes six new specialised health centres, two hotels, villas and apartments for staff, and a mosque set in a picturesque setting with a lake and landscaping.
The increased capacity will not only cater to more patients but the holistic setting – green building standards, natural light, open areas and lake views – will promote faster recovery.
The master plan is part of the Health Strategy 2013-2015 laid out by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
In a media statement, engineer Eisa Al Maidour, director-general of the DHA, said, “The plan has been designed to ensure the hospital, two hotels [four and five-star], rehabilitation and recreational areas face the Dubai Creek Park - Al Khor Park and so that patients and medical tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the Creek. All colour schemes and interiors will also aid in the healing process and provide a positive and relaxing atmosphere.”
Of the hospital’s three-tower design, he said that it has been inspired by the three finger acknowledgement associated with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The three fingers stand for victory, triumph and ‘I love you’.
“Each tower will be seven-storied and will have 300 beds, bringing the total capacity to 900 beds. A covered car parking area that can accommodate 4,000 cars will be connected to the hospital. The area will also have a mall with a walkway that has a string of coffee shops, utility stores, flower shops etc,” he said.
The plan includes a dedicated outpatient building which will be established to reduce the pressure on hospitals. Towards this, Abdul Salam Rafi and Sons donated Dh38 million. The DHA will execute the project with an expanded vision, said Al Maidour.
The trauma and emergency centre expansion will add 160 beds and 116 treatment rooms. It will be expanded in the next two years on the concept of pre-engineered buildings, which means that walls will be manufactured in advance and will be installed directly onsite.
“The trauma centre will continue to function as usual and at the same time the expansion work will be ongoing,” he said.
The state-of-the-art rehabilitation area will accommodate 500 beds, he said.
“Patients who come for rehabilitation and do not need hospitalisation can stay in the hotels itself. The area will be beautifully landscaped with a lake way,” said Al Maidour.
