Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has said its three new hospitals "have been planned and built using a state-of-the-art patient-friendly design and unique safety features", aimed at creating the "best healing environment".
Hamad al-Khalifa, chief of Health Facilities Development at HMC, said while the new hospitals contain design features found in high-end hotels, patient safety was the ultimate priority, with the facilities designed to the highest standards of patient safety. He added that key considerations in the design of patient rooms include the latest infection control measures, regulated lighting conditions, and air quality and noise level monitoring.
“Hospital visits can be stressful, so throughout the design process we have worked hard to ensure that the facilities offer a calm and relaxing environment for patient and visitors,” said al-Khalifa. “Research has shown that hospital environment and ambiance are important factors in achieving high patient satisfaction. This incentivised us to ensure that we incorporated design features that represented a focus on healing and recovery.
"We wanted to deliver more than clinically effective treatment facilities; we wanted environments where patients can feel more comfortable and that enables them to recover as quickly as possible.”
The three hospitals have large windows that permit natural sunlight to enter patient rooms, while spacious corridors and high ceilings allow for better air circulation, according to a statement by HMC. Most of the wards also have large private rooms with en-suite washroom facilities, ample closet space and in-room televisions to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible, it points out. "Attractively landscaped gardens also provide patients and visitors with the opportunity to get some fresh air and light exercise."
The design of the new hospitals also considers the importance of communication, with technology being used to support open and timely communication with patients and their families. Digital screens are also planned and will be used for wayfinding and to support the delivery of clinical information.
Prof Adam Cairns, CEO of the new Medical City Hospitals, highlighted the special role that healthcare providers play in serving patients and their families at some of the most challenging and critical times in their lives. “We have a duty of care to provide high standards of clinical and therapeutic treatments in a safe and professional way. But equally, there is enormous value in taking a holistic approach to promoting health by creating a soothing environment where we engage with our patients and their family members and understand the importance of their psychological well-being as much as their clinical needs,” said Prof Cairns.
