Launch of robotic surgery

Surgical services at Al Wakra Hospital have been enhanced with the introduction of a surgical robot in the main operating theaters. Robotic surgery techniques are now used at Al Wakra Hospital for general surgery as well as bariatric surgery procedures. Robotic surgery offers a number of benefits to patients including smaller incisions, faster recovery time and minimal scarring. Al Wakra becomes the second hospital within Hamad’s network to use robotic surgery techniques, following the success of robotic surgery procedures at Hamad General Hospital in recent years.

Expanded ophthalmology services

The addition of day-case surgery for ophthalmology extended Al Wakra Hospital’s portfolio of ophthalmology services in 2016. Patients living in the south of Qatar now benefit from ophthalmology day-case surgery services close to home and no longer need to travel to Doha for treatment.

Burns Theater

A dedicated Burns Theater has been commissioned at the National Burns Center at Al Wakra Hospital to complement existing services. The specialist theater is colocated with the hospital’s Burns Unit following the unit’s establishment in 2014. Through the Burns Unit and theater, patients now benefit by having access to a modern purposebuilt facility, highly trained burns experts, increased bed capacity and specialist surgery services.

Peritoneal Dialysis Service

Al Wakra Hospital continued to strengthen its delivery of dialysis and renal medicine services in 2016. Originally launched in late 2015, the Peritoneal Dialysis Service – an established modality of renal replacement therapy – expanded significantly in 2016. The new service has the advantage of maintaining the patient’s lifestyle in addition to providing high-quality medical care. The service is also a good example of enabling direct patient involvement and integration in their medical care.

Simulation program

An evidence-based teaching and learning simulation program was launched at Al Wakra Hospital. The program aims to build confidence and provide an excellent bridge to clinical practice when caring for patients, especially during low-frequency, high-acuity and critical situations. Simulation as an interactive learning strategy addresses team dynamics and effectiveness as members explore partnership and collaboration opportunities, including problem solving and critical thinking skills.