Al Emadi Hospital has adopted a three-part plan involving the highest safety and prevention standards in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“As a confirmation of our contribution to the policy of the state, which is dedicated to addressing the spread of this disease in Qatar, Dr Mohamed Abdulla Al Emadi Medical Group has adopted measures and procedures that have been developed through a well thought out plan divided into parts. These effectively contribute to preventing the disease, limiting its spread and dealing with those who show some of its symptoms quickly and effectively, especially among the employees of Al Emadi Hospital at its two branches,” the medical group said in a press statement.
Dr Abdulelah al-Adimi, medical director and senior consultant and urology specialist at Al Emadi Hospital, explained the steps taken by the hospital.
“We have worked at Al Emadi Hospital to develop a specific plan that is divided into three phases. Through this, we maintain the health of our medical staff, distinguished hospital visitors and patients. The third stage is meant for those who show symptoms of the disease or similar symptoms,” he explained.
This has been applied at the hospital’s main branch as well as the North Clinic, according to Dr al-Adimi.
“We cannot work to protect hospital visitors without ensuring the safety of our employees and work to ensure that the hospital is free of the causes of infection. Therefore, we have established guidelines and set procedures to ensure the highest degree of safety and provide the finest services.
“The hospital administration formed a working team that is available 24 hours to follow up on the three phases of the plan. The first of these stages relates to administrators, employees and hospital staff, wherein we started to reduce the number of employees and divide the working hours between them in a way that limits the presence of a large number of people at the same time.
“We have also obligated all employees to have their temperature measured first, before starting their work, and then pass through sterilisation. If there is the slightest rise in temperature, the employee concerned is transferred directly to the emergency.
“We did not limit ourselves to this stage to ensuring the safety of employees inside the hospital but also worked to protect them at their residence. We reduced crowding in the housing facilities and during their transportation from home to the hospital, and we also initiated arrangements for sick leave for all the employees.
“Through our flexible procedures, we allow any patient who exhibits symptoms or has doubts about being ill, to take a sick leave. Accordingly, s/he remains isolated at home until his/her health improves. If the condition worsens, s/he will be dealt with according to the health measures followed for people with this disease.”
The second part involves visitors to the hospital and patients at the various clinics and departments of the hospital, whether in the main building or the North Clinic building.
“We have started notifying all patients and visitors at Al Emadi Hospital on the obligation to make appointments by phone. Some regular questions are asked to all callers to better understand their condition. If one of them shows any symptoms, we direct the person to the designated place/emergency to get treated before making any contact with others,” Dr al-Adimi informed.
“Further, we have closed many gates at the hospital and limited ourselves to specific entrances, so that we can control the movement of visitors, measure their temperature and provide them with a hand sanitiser. We have also worked to reduce the number of accompanying persons as far as possible,” he said.
“In addition, we have issued instructions that every patient and his/her companion(s) should go to the clinic directly without roaming in the hospital departments. We have also set specific dates to visit patients staying in the hospital, limiting such visits to 15 minutes only.”
The third part is directed at patients suspected of contracting the virus and showing some of its symptoms, similar to cold and flu accompanied by coughs and fever, the official noted.
“We are providing two systems: one for outpatient clinics and another for emergency clinics. We have set up an outpatient clinic that specialises in cold and flu. It is on the ground floor so that the patient does not have to wander inside the building. We have also set up a special room for the isolation process.
“For the main building and the hospital emergency, we have trained doctors to handle suspected cases of Covid-19 and provided an evaluation form to reveal the level of infection and determine the required treatment plan in co-ordination with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the related authorities to transfer the patient to specialised departments.
“We have set up a hotline with MoPH and the other competent authorities to communicate with the individuals in case of suspicion, and to provide details of the necessary procedures for treatment.
“Besides, we have concentrated on cancelling some services inside the hospital, including the children’s playroom and the café located in the building.
“I urge citizens and residents not to panic and not to have exaggerated fear and anxiety, as the percentage of self-recovery cases without medical care for coronavirus exceeds 80%.
“They must adhere to the guidance available and developed by the Ministry of Public Health, the most important of which is the regular and continuous washing of hands, not coming into contact with persons suspected of contracting the disease, avoiding habits like touching the nose, eye and mouth as far as possible, and avoiding all ‘endemic’ places and areas both outside and within the state.
“It is also advised to wear masks by those who have similar respiratory symptoms or who have had any contact with such patients.”