Abu Dhabi: A new set of standards for emergency departments across Abu Dhabi health care facilities is set to boost the level of emergency care available in the emirate.
Introduced by the health sector regulator, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, the decision will recategorise units providing emergency treatment into either Emergency Departments or Urgent Care Centres, the department announced in a statement sent on Wednesday.
Emergency Departments will be responsible for providing critical care to patients with acute, life-threating conditions. They must be led by licensed emergency physicians and have to be staffed round-the-clock by a full team of specialists experienced in emergency resuscitation, surgery and intensive care.
On the other hand, Urgent Care Centres can be manned by general physicians and specialists. They will provide initial assessments, stabilisation, diagnostic and referral services to patients will illnesses and minor injuries on a walk-in basis. These units will typically operate for 24 hours.
The reforms are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to elevate patient experience, the statement said. “This new structure will provide patients with access to more better designed emergency units that meet their medical needs more efficiently and guarantee better results,” said Neil Clark, acting director of investment and capacity management at the department.
All hospitals that wish to obtain the Emergency Department licence must request to include the service during registration. The facility will also be required to complete a compliance form and pass the department’s quality audit inspection. Units that do not meet the Emergency Department resourcing and operational criteria will then be licensed as Urgent Care Centres.
“The department is already working to standardise signage and logos that will differentiate all Urgent Care Centres from Emergency Departments. In practical terms, patients can approach any kind of unit for emergency treatment, but Emergency Departments will be able to provide advanced levels of care,” Dr Kobersy said. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi already runs a licensed Emergency Department.
