Inpatient

At the Women’s Wellness and Research Center, we are committed to ensuring the wellbeing and recovery of every woman and child in our facility.

Each patient room is designed to provide privacy and comfort for patients and their families.

To ensure we keep our hospital free of germs, infection and hazards related to a fire or fall, it is not permitted to bring a large number of items into a patient’s room. External items can harbor a large number of harmful bacteria, viruses, insects and dust that can endanger the health and safety of a mother and her newborn as well as the healthcare team. These include:

• Household decorative items as well as items ordered from external companies such as carpets, curtains, chairs, and lamp shades
• Electrical appliances such as hairdryers, feeding bottle sterilizers, hot water boiling machines, and irons.
• Artificial decorative flowers and plants, flower stands, assorted candles, mirror and glass decorative displays, balloons, and live pets such as birds and fish.

Patients admitted to WWRC should only bring the essential items required for the length of their stay.

Before your stay

A specialized multidisciplinary medical team will discuss all relevant information with the patient prior to their scheduled admission including instructions such as the consumption of food and/or drink beforehand and if medication is required to be taken.

Contacting the hospital - It is not necessary to contact the hospital before your admission date. All scheduled admissions and appointments have been made in advance by the doctor and the admitting office. For unscheduled admissions such as labor commencing, patients should proceed to WWRC’s emergency department immediately.

Changes to the admission date - Patients requiring a change to a scheduled admission should do so in discussion with their doctor telephonically by calling 16060 or +974 4026 1047 if it is a surgery.

Patients feeling unwell on their admission date should inform the nurse or doctor upon admitting.

What to bring - For identification purposes, all women should bring with them a:

• Valid health card
• Admission card
• Marriage certificate (only for obstetric patients)
• Qatar ID or passport
• Visitors’ visa
• Any current medications in the original containers
• Walking or hearing aids
• Bed clothes, slippers/soft shoes, toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush etc.

While staying in hospital

​​Healthcare team - HMC appreciates that patients may have many questions regarding a stay in hospital. The medical team are always happy to address any concerns or queries and clearly explain treatments and procedures.

For patients requiring language support can access WWRC’s hospital interpreter service. Multiple languages are spoken, and a translator can be coordinated through the nursing staff.

Inpatient care

• Patients will be requested to provide written consent for certain procedures and diagnostic tests that may be needed. All the necessary information relating to any required treatment or procedures will be provided, allowing patients to make an informed decision about consent.
• Patients are within their rights to refuse treatment or tests; the consequences of which will be clearly explained by medical staff.
• WWRC is a teaching hospital and medical students and researchers are a crucial contribution to the development and advancement of the hospital. Patients who do not wish medical students to be part of their care can notify their assigned nurse. At no time will this affect the treatment and care provided by staff.

Facilities

• All rooms have a TV with cable access and Wi-Fi.
• There are no laundry services or facilities on the ward; clean linen and towels will be provided.
• Mobile phones are permitted on most wards, but patients are requested that they are placed on silent as a courtesy to other patients. In certain restricted areas, phones are not allowed as the signal may interfere with medical equipment.

Patient Food Service

While staying in hospital, patients will receive three meals and three snacks daily. Special dietary needs are met according to instructions of dietetic staff and/ or on doctors’ orders.

HMC recommends that no outside food is brought into the hospital. Patients can select from various healthy and nutritious options in the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, a complimentary meal is offered to care partners.

Being discharged

• Doctors will advise when they expect a patient to be discharged, on most occasions, the evening before, so that pick-up arrangements can be made.
• Any medications prescribed will be issued to the patient.
• Physicians, in conjunction with other medical team members will also provide patients with instructions to ensure a smooth transition home.
• The unit nurse will arrange for any follow-up appointment, if necessary.
• The nurse will also arrange for a wheelchair to transport a patient to a car if required.
• For transportation of personal belongings to the car, the hospital security can be called to request a bell person.

Billing procedures

Payment is required upon discharge for any chargeable services incurred during a patient’s stay.

Visitor Information

Friends and family support make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of patients. Below is some useful information when visiting.

Contacting a patient

Patient enquiry – Those calling to enquire about a patient must have the room number to hand. Please note that it is hospital policy that patient medical information cannot be provided to relatives over the telephone. Please note that information on a patient’s condition will only be provided to relatives with patient consent (official identification will be required).

Telephoning a patient - In order to contact a patient directly, please dial (+974) 4439 6 followed by the room number. For example, the patient is staying in room 548, then the direct dial for this patient’s room is: (+974) 4439 6 548.

By e-mail - Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the wards and public spaces of the hospital for use by our patients and visitors.

Please note: Flowers are welcome, however we request that the arrangements are kept as small as possible. Large flower arrangements can block entrances and cause a hazard in emergency situations. Our staff should be able to have unrestricted, immediate access to patients at all times. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Visiting a Patient

We kindly request that all visitors adhere to the visiting hours.

Nesma’ak Patient Helpdesks are located throughout the hospital, either directly inside the hospital’s front entrance or in the outpatient department to provide support on locating patients and directions, as well as general hospital information.

Visitation Policy

WWRC has a 24/7 visiting policy which represents a transformative approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of continuous support and the presence of loved ones. By allowing unrestricted visiting hours, we prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of our patients, fostering a healing environment that extends beyond medical treatment. This policy not only enhances patient outcomes through consistent family involvement but also aligns with our commitment to providing patient-centered, compassionate care. As we adapt to the evolving needs of our patients and their families, a 24/7 visiting policy underscores our dedication to creating a more supportive and inclusive healthcare experience.

Adding to this, WWRC has introduced the Care partner program in all its units. Care Partner plays a vital role in enhancing patient care and improving overall health outcomes. A care partner is commonly a family member or close friend, serves as an advocate, support system, and active participant in the patient’s healthcare journey. Their presence helps bridge communication between the patient and healthcare providers, ensuring that the patient's needs, preferences, and concerns are effectively communicated and addressed. Care partners provide emotional support, assist with daily activities, and help monitor the patient’s condition, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety for the patient. By involving care partners in the care process, hospitals can foster a more collaborative and compassionate environment, ultimately contributing to better patient satisfaction and recovery.

Visitor numbers - There are several units at WWRC that restrict the number of visitors which are allowed: Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), located on floors 4 and 5 of the hospital only allows two visitors at a time for each patient. Parents are welcome to visit 24/7.Please refer to the visiting instructions at the main entrance of NICU. In addition, high dependency and intensive care units located on the third floor also have certain restrictions.

Care partner - Allowed to stay with the patient throughout her journey in WWRC even during labor -delivery ward and theaters – with prior approved request. However, additional visitors should remain in the waiting areas and can inquire on their loved one's status at the labor and delivery reception desk.

Doctor rounds - During rounds, visitors will be requested to wait outside the patient room until the doctor is finished. However, the patient’s care partner can still attend the doctors round and participate in the discussion of the patient’s care plan. Please consider that other patients in ward rooms need their rest and should not be disturbed by visitors.

Patient safety - All visitors to the hospital should practice careful hand washing. Unwell visitors should stay away from the hospital as some of our patients do not have the ability to fight off infections. Anyone with any of the following symptoms should not visit:

• Cold, flu, or fever
• Measles
• Sore throat
• Chicken pox
• German measles
• Mumps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hepatitis
• Skin Rash

For hygiene and infection control purposes, outside food is not permitted to be brought into the hospital. We also reserve the right to refuse outside food deliveries organized for patients.

Smoking restrictions - As per Qatar Law, smoking is prohibited in all public areas including all HMC grounds. All hospitals within the HMC are smoke free. This smoking restriction extends to all staff, patients and visitors. Any person(s) smoking in the hospital or on hospital grounds will be asked by security to immediately cease smoking and a fine may be issued.

Facilities for patient and visitors​

The medical city hospitals share an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and cafe offering an extensive selection of food, beverages, and items. These services are located within the Medical City complex.​