Abu Dhabi's new mega hospital set to open in November

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City will replace Mafraq Hospital and accept up to 2,500 patients a day

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City will replace Mafraq Hospital, which will stop accepting inpatients in the coming weeks and is expected to close next year. Victor Besa / The National

The spacious foyer of the hospital, which is located between Mussaffah and Baniyas on the outskirts of the city. Victor Besa / The National

An operation room at Shakhbout Hospital. The hospital can accommodate up to 2,500 outpatients per day. Victor Besa / The National

An operation room at Shakhbout Hospital. The hospital can accommodate up to 2,500 outpatients per day. Victor Besa / The National

A women's only waiting area at the hospital. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, September 26, 2019. Media Tour of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA Reporter: Shireena Al Nowais

Dr Saeed Al Kuwaiti said the hospital will partner with a university to educate and train future doctors and nurses. Victor Besa / The National

One of the largest hospitals in the UAE will open in a few weeks.

Billed as the country's most advanced hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City will handle up to 2,500 outpatients a day from November 3.

It will replace Mafraq Hospital on the outskirts of the capital. Patients at nearby Mafraq Hospital will gradually be transferred to SSMC.

The hospital aims to position itself as the capital's main trauma centre, meaning patients and emergency services will not have to travel into the city for care.

Saeed Al Kuwaiti, head of SSMC's operation committee, last week said the hospital would offer everything from neonatal to geriatric care.

"This has taken several years and it is our biggest project to date. What makes this hospital different is not just its size but that it covers all specialities," he said.

“We have the latest technologies and will soon announce a partnership with one of the leading universities.”

The 732-bed hospital has 18 operating rooms, four wings and a surgical robot that allows doctors to perform complex procedures with precision, efficiency and speed.

"The best advantage is the location, which is on two major highways between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and Al Dhafra, making it the ideal location for trauma patients," he said.

SSMC will open in phases, with the first including the adult general cardiology, adult neurology, ENT, gastroenterology, haematology and ophthalmology sections.

Three quarters of the hospital will be operational by early next year, with an initial staff of 3,000.

Along with the advanced burns treatment centre, there will be a urology section and special units to treat tumours, kidney diseases, rheumatism as well as bone, blood, cardiovascular and endocrine disorders and diseases.

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, the emirate's public hospital operator, employs 17,000 doctors and technicians who will rotate and assist at SSMC.

"What we offer that nobody else offers is the Seha experience," Mr Al Kuwaiti said.

"The experience of 17,000 doctors who will be giving us second and third opinions – there is nowhere else where you can get that."

Many SSMC employees will come from Mafraq Hospital and recruitment is still under way. 

Work began on the hospital in 2011 and its early models were approved by President Sheikh Khalifa.

“We will be accepting all patients, regardless of their insurance,” Mr Al Kuwaiti said. “The government has invested a lot into SSMC and we are confident of the quality of services we will be offering patients.”

The hospital's pharmacy will be automated, with prescriptions filled out through a smart system.