Abu Dhabi's new dedicated rehab hospital is changing lives, say patients

The Specialised Rehabilitation Hospital has treated more than 1,000 outpatients in four months

Mohammed Al Hossani said his ongoing treatment at the hospital was fantastic. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A patient at a new rehabilitation hospital in Abu Dhabi has applauded the dedication of medical staff after being struck with a rare brain condition.

Mohammed Al Hossani, 41, who suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, said his care had revolutionised his life.

The Specialised Rehabilitation Hospital first opened its doors in the capital as part of a staggered launch four months ago.

Since then it has treated more than 1,000 outpatients and around 50 inpatients - two of whom were transferred from the United States.

“What I have done here in three months is equivalent to one year of treatment I have received at other hospitals,” said Mr Al Hossani.

“They have advanced equipment that I did not find elsewhere in the country and the physical training was very professional.”

Mr Al Hossani, a father of three, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome three years ago.

The rare condition causes a rapid onset of muscle weakness as the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks a patient’s nerves.

Since being diagnosed, Mr Al Hossani, an Emirati, has been confined to a wheelchair and has lost his job at an oil company.

He has been receiving treatment from the outset, but said the last three months at the new hospital had benefited him the most.

“I can now get in and out of a car, with a driver, on my own,” he said. “Also, three months ago I could not sit straight up.

“My long-term goal is to go back to my normal state. I am a 41-year-old and I can still be productive.

“There are many things that I can do like human resources or public relations. Here, they gave me tips on how to manage going back to work in a wheelchair.”

Dr William DeMayo, a consultant physician at the new hospital, described the extent of its facilities.

The hospital has its own intensive care unit, laboratories, physio and speech therapy centres and endoscopy suites. It also has a specialist dental wing.

“We are able to look at patients who have complex needs [such as] spinal cord problems and complex strokes,” he said.

“They [patients] can move as quickly as possible from acute care into rehab, and we can focus on their goals in an effective manner.”

Dr Mishal Al Kasimi, chief executive of Capital Health, which helped launch the hospital, added: “To receive transfer patients from the US in four months shows incredible trust.”