SHARJAH // The physiotherapy department at Al Qassimi Hospital has been partly closed for renovations.
The upgrade at one of the biggest government hospitals in the emirate will include the installation of new equipment and the separation of patients by gender.
The project was expected to be completed by mid-November, said Dr Khalid Khalfan Al Ali, the hospital's technical affairs deputy director.
"We have some small space where we manage our inpatients while the renovation process goes on," he said. "And we have had arrangements with Kuwait Hospital to take on most of our outpatients for the time being."
He said the renovations were a joint project of the hospital administration and the Sharjah Government.
Appointments could be accepted after the Eid holidays, said Margaret Klimas, the director of the physiotherapy department.
"Everything here is being changed and new equipment is being installed," she said. "We really appreciate our patients' understanding to let us do this renovation, and we promise it will be so much better."
Among the new equipment to be installed are ultrasound machines and electrical equipment that reduces swelling.
Last year the hospital's reception area was shut down because of roof leaks, and patients had to use the women's wing entrance.
