The Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) managed by Cleveland Clinic has successfully performed more than 900 cardiac surgeries for children since the division was inaugurated in April 2007.
SKMC is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
SKMC’s Pediatric Cardiac Program provides unparalleled service to the entire community from neonates to grown-ups with congenital heart disease. Offering a comprehensive service, the Cardiac Sciences Institute of SKMC offers the only continuous, all-around the clock (24/7) pediatric cardiac service in the UAE and the only Institute to provide complex neonatal cardiac repairs where more than 50 arterial switch operations and almost 50 hybrid procedures were performed since it opened.
Carl Stanifer, CEO of SEHA said, “I wish to recognize the continuous efforts of the surgeons and medical team of SKMC. The success of the pediatric cardiac program at SKMC is a source of great pride for SEHA and SKMC. The mission and vision of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) is to improve customer care to recognized international standards and provide our customers and communities with world-class healthcare.
This program is evidence of our commitment to the continual improvement of healthcare delivery services in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.” Dr. Tej Maini, CEO of SKMC commented, “With the pediatric cardiac program in place, SKMC is able to treat neonates and children suffering from cardiac problems in the UAE rather than sending them abroad for treatment.
Most of these newborns would require immediate surgical interference after birth, and the existence of the program helps saving the lives of these babies and improving their quality of life.”
Dr. Norbert Augustin, Chairman of the Cardiac Sciences Institute stated, “Our Institute provides full and advanced cardiac services to children and adults in the UAE. The pediatric cardiac program in specific helps us meet the needs of all those children affected in the United Arab Emirates rather than sending them abroad for treatment.
As a result, we are minimizing their suffering by giving them the opportunity to stay in the country and be with their family, get the cultural support they need and receive the follow up medical care after surgery. Health statistics show that the family is a vital part of the healing process and SKMC is proud to provide this service within the community.”
WAM