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Abu Dhabi Names Cleveland Clinic and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City as Stroke Centres of Excellence

by Swati Gupta

July 20, 2023 6

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector received a significant boost as the Department of Health (DoH) announced the designation of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) as Centres of Excellence for stroke in the Emirate. The move highlights the Emirate’s commitment to enhancing stroke care and reinforces its position as a leader in healthcare excellence.

Both Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City have been recognized for their outstanding ability to deliver high-quality stroke care through the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The MDT comprises licensed and trained professionals specialized in cerebrovascular and neurological diseases, covering all associated disciplines such as Emergency Medicine, Stroke Neurology, Interventional Neuroradiology, Cerebrovascular surgery, Diagnostic Neuroradiology, and Diagnostic Radiology.

The designation as Centres of Excellence is a testament to the hospitals’ commitment to providing exceptional stroke care, ensuring rapid response to stroke emergencies, and employing cutting-edge technologies and techniques to enhance patient outcomes.

Under the classification as Stroke Centres, both Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City will continue to deliver unparalleled stroke care to patients, employing the latest advancements in medical science and fostering a patient-centric approach.

Additionally, the Emirate will also recognize other healthcare facilities equipped with 24-hour emergency departments featuring hyperacute imaging and intravenous thrombolysis services as Stroke Ready centres. This initiative aims to enhance the overall stroke care infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment in stroke emergencies.

Speaking on the designation, Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH, expressed his confidence in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City’s ability to deliver world-class stroke care. He emphasized that the collaboration between the two leading medical institutions and the Emirate’s healthcare authorities will contribute significantly to reducing the impact of strokes on patients and their families.

The Centers of Excellence designation also highlights the Emirate’s proactive approach to addressing the growing challenge of stroke incidence. By focusing on stroke care infrastructure and elevating the expertise of healthcare professionals, Abu Dhabi aims to enhance stroke management and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Sawsan R. Al Madhi, Director General of the Emirates Medical Association and President of the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society, praised the efforts of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in advancing stroke care in the Emirate. She emphasized that the recognition as Centres of Excellence will inspire other healthcare facilities to raise their standards and prioritize patient care.

The announcement comes as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader healthcare strategy, which includes bolstering its medical infrastructure, promoting medical tourism, and attracting leading medical professionals to the region. By investing in world-class healthcare facilities and expertise, the Emirate is positioning itself as a regional and global hub for medical excellence.

As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City continue to lead the way in stroke care, their exemplary practices will undoubtedly elevate Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for healthcare services in the Middle East and beyond. The Centres of Excellence designation represents a significant milestone in the Emirate’s journey towards achieving healthcare excellence and making a positive impact on the lives of its residents.