Coronavirus: major Abu Dhabi hospital resumes suspended health services

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City hospital was a key treatment centre at the height of the pandemic but was declared free of Covid-19 patients on June 25

Normal operations have resumed at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City hospital in Abu Dhabi after it discharged its last Covid-19 patients. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Normal operations have resumed at a major hospital in Abu Dhabi after it discharged its last coronavirus patients last month.

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City hospital, one of the largest in the country, was deployed as a key treatment centre at the height of the pandemic but was declared free of Covid-19 patients on June 25.

It now offers all essential services that were suspended due to the coronavirus.

“Ensuring that these services continue to be accessed by the community and that patients receive the best care possible by proactively managing their health has always been central to SSMC’s mission,” said Dr Naser Ammash, the hospital’s chief executive.

“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is all the more important.

“As a nation that has invested heavily in the health of its people, it is vitally important that people of all ages, and with all conditions, continue to access relevant medical solutions to treat non-Covid-19 illnesses.”

Established as a joint venture with the Mayo Clinic and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), the hospital said it would continue treating coronavirus patients.

An Emirati man waits to be seen at the Passports Department as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP

Chairs at the Passports Department are set up to adhere to social distancing as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP

Nur Kumari Dhungel works at Fairouz Coffee & Roastery with her husband Ram Kumar. The roastery specializes in Arabic coffee, Turkish coffee, and specialty espresso coffee beans. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abra or water taxi services resume with a reduction in passengers. Antonie Robertson / The National

A man selling souvenirs browses his phone while wearing a face mask as he waits for potential clients. Antonie Robertson / The National

Women walk along the beach in Dubai as the sun rises. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shops within Souk Khabeer, in the old part of Bur Dubai. It remains closed. Antonie Robertson / The National

A door man smiles at the camera while waiting inside a restaurant for patrons to arrive. Antonie Robertson / The National

Two women take a selfie while walking along Dubai Creek. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Malls in Dubai have fully reopened, allowing 100 per cent capacity. Reem Mohammed / The National

Staffers at Hafiz Mustafa store in Dubai Mall wear mandatory face masks as part of safety measures against coronavirus. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man wears. a face mask at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Visitors wear masks are they take a look arround at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed/The National

A sign shows the rules for visitors when going to At The Top, Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Signs requiring people to social distance at Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Reem Mohammed / The National

The hospital has put in precautionary measures to keep patients and staff safe.

Its appointment system has been updated to reduce the numbers of patients in one area at a time.

All facilities are regularly cleaned and sanitised.

These include all communal areas, waiting rooms, toilets, doorknobs, light switches, and other surfaces.

Additionally, all hospital staff are regularly tested for Covid-19.

The hospital will also have isolated and clearly marked wards, walkways, and entrance points for suspected and confirmed cases.

Other measures include disinfection gates placed at the entry and temperature checks for all visitors.

Glass barriers have been placed between the reception staff and patients at registration.

Waiting rooms have also been redesigned to adhere to social-distancing guidelines.

“We want to encourage people to be proactive and avoid the risk of longer term health issues,” said Dr Ammash.

Temporary facilities elsewhere in the country, such as Dubai World Trade Centre and the Adnec Field Hospital, have also closed and returned to service hosting conferences.

On Sunday, the UAE reported 211 cases of Covid-19, its lowest daily tally for more than three months.

The new infections bring the country's total to 56,922 .