HMC evening clinics see significant rise in patients

The number of patients receiving care at the high-demand specialties at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) evening clinics has increased significantly, a statement said Tuesday. It was as part of the ongoing programme to increase access to care for patients and reduce wait times, HMC launched evening clinics in May 2023.There has been a 33% increase in Audiology; 49% in Ear, Nose and Throat; 45% in Ophthalmology; 22% in Urology; 58% in Bariatrics; and 186% in Orthopaedics. The evening clinic programme has also resulted in reduced wait times for patient to be seen by a doctor following referral. For example, the referral to treatment time for patients has reduced by 60% in Audiology; 50% in ENT; 35% in Ophthalmology; 20% in Urology; 50% in Bariatrics; and 75% in Orthopaedics.The evening clinics are run at the Ambulatory Care Centre for Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Urology, and Audiology; the Bone and Joint Centre for Orthopaedics; and Hamad General Hospital for Bariatrics.Nasser al-Naimi, chief of Patient Experience and director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute said while HMC's ongoing work to increase access to care for patients and reduce wait times has yielded remarkable results, challenges remain. Notably, he said there has been an average "No Show" rate of 29% across all outpatient clinics.HMC encourages patients to proactively reschedule appointments if they are unable to attend. HMC reminds patients to use the "Nesma’ak” customer service helpline, 16060, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whereby upcoming appointments can be managed at HMC facilities, whether by booking an appointment in advance, changing or canceling appointments.