Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulatory body for the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) as Centers of Excellence (CoE) for stroke care. These facilities have been recognized for their exceptional quality and high levels of stroke care provided by a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals specializing in cerebrovascular and neurological diseases.
In addition to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and SSMC, other healthcare facilities within Abu Dhabi that have a 24-hour emergency department equipped with hyperacute imaging and intravenous thrombolysis services will be designated as Stroke Ready centers. When a patient exhibits early symptoms of a stroke in Abu Dhabi, they will be promptly transported to the nearest stroke-ready center for stabilization. Once the patient is in stable condition, they will then be transferred to the nearest Center of Excellence based on their location.
The designation of Centers of Excellence requires healthcare facilities to meet minimum standard requirements set by the DoH. These requirements include criteria related to clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety and quality of medical services, employee competency levels, and the facility’s medical education, research strategies, and residency programs. DoH also assesses accreditations to determine a healthcare facility’s eligibility for the Center of Excellence designation.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City boasts a state-of-the-art stroke unit operating 24/7, offering specialized care from stroke experts in cerebrovascular neurology, interventional neuroradiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and emergency medicine. The facility has recently introduced a world-class Biplane Angio Suite for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic strokes. This service, provided under the Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, will cover a large area of Abu Dhabi and significantly reduce the long-term effects of stroke.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides comprehensive services for stroke and other cerebrovascular conditions. The facility houses a team of world-class stroke neurologists, neuro-interventionalists, vascular neurosurgeons, and specialists who offer personalized care guided by sophisticated imaging techniques. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s stroke center also prioritizes patient experience and safety, consistently achieving and surpassing national and local compliance quality and safety targets.
As stroke is a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally, Abu Dhabi is committed to improving response times for all healthcare emergencies, including stroke. By designating these Centers of Excellence, Abu Dhabi solidifies its position as a leading healthcare destination, ensuring exceptional stroke care for its residents.