Doha: Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, visited Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Mesaieed Hospital today where she met with two of the last group of recovered COVID-19 patients being discharged. Mesaieed Hospital becomes the second of HMCs dedicated COVID-19 hospi-tals to discharge its final COVID-19 patients, following Ras Laffan Hospital at the start of July.

Mesaieed Hospital was rapidly opened at the start of April as part of the healthcare sector’s comprehensive plan to expand hospital capacity and meet the increased demand as a result of COVID-19. The hospital is one of seven facilities that have been dedicated to caring for patients with COVID-19.

“Right from the start of the virus outbreak, we have worked hard to ensure that every patient with COVID-19 is able to quickly access the medical care they need. Along with Ras Laffan and Lebseeyer Hospitals, and a field hospital in the Doha Industrial Area, Mesaieed Hospital was converted into an advanced treatment facility for COVID-19 patients within just a few weeks, significantly boosting the healthcare sectors capacity. Congratulations to the leadership of Mesaieed Hospital and to the hundreds of dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to deliver a world-class standard of care to thousands of COVID-19 patients,” added the minister.

Chairman of HMCs System Wide Incident Command Committee (SWICC) Dr Saad Al Kaabi for COVID-19, explained that the closure of Mesaieed Hospital as a COVID-19 facility was a positive sign for Qatar, but warned the public against becoming complacent.

“The number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Qatar has been consistently falling in recent weeks and it is clear that we are past the peak of the virus. Yet despite this encouraging trend, there is still a significant risk from COVID-19 to peoples health. Every day, dozens of people are admitted to hospital needing treatment for their symptoms, with some requiring admission to Intensive Care Units. It is important that people remain vigilant and play their part in controlling the virus by following preventive measures: adhering to physical distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly,” said Dr. Al Kaabi.

Mesaieed Hospital was originally built with an intended capacity of just 120 beds, yet throughout its time as a COVID-19 facility, the hospital provided 610 acute beds, 45 intensive care beds, and 27 acute pediatric beds.

The hospital had more than 480 COVID-19 patients under its care at its peak; care that was provided by over 870 healthcare staff including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, and hospitality and administration personnel. Chief Executive Officer of Mesaieed Hospital Mahmoud Al Raisi praised the role of his staff.

“I am proud to have been part of this exceptional team of healthcare professionals at Mesiaeed Hospital over the past few months. The circumstances we have faced have been unprecedented, yet as a team, we have risen to the many challenges that we have faced and overcome each and every one with distinction. Mesaieed Hospital has been a central part of HMCs COVID-19 hospital network and with the last recovered patients leaving the hospital today we are now busy planning the opening of a range of routine services that will improve access to healthcare for the local community,” said Al Raisi.

Clinical Lead for Mesaieed Hospital Dr. Ihab El Madhoun added: “Commissioning more than 610 acute beds in just a few weeks to provide high quality and low-risk care for COVID-19 patients was a strong example of the strength of HMC and the resilience of the healthcare system in Qatar. The team at Mesaieed Hospital has provided care to more than 6,000 male and female patients including specialist mental health services for those patients who required psychological support. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a reality.”