DOHA: The Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) through a unique initiative plans to train its patients with potentials in sport activities.

The program will be introduced as part of QRI’s aim to reintegrate patients into the community.

“QRI has initiated the program with Qatar Paralympic Committee and Aspetar to train and supervise the patients,” Dr Wafa Al Yazeedi, Chairperson of QRI told The Peninsula.

“This program will benefit patients who have the ability and interest to become athletes. We hope that with training we can get them participate in the upcoming Paralympics,” she said.

“We have initiated this very unique program with Qatar Paralympic Committee and Aspetar to train and supervise patients while they are in the hospital,” Dr Al Yazeedi added.

QRI is the region’s largest tertiary rehabilitation hospital, providing high-quality rehabilitation services through the most technologically advanced patient-centred care. QRI’s patient centred, interdisciplinary approach is delivered across the Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Musculoskeletal/Pain Management and Pediatric Rehabilitation Programs.

Meanwhile, QRI has successfully introduced many initiatives helping patients transitioning back to the community. The institute supports recruitment of people with disabilities by providing job evaluations and student assessments, helping them go back to work or continue education.

A Simulated Living Suite opened at QRI last year is helping patients re-learn the skills needed to regain their independence and reintegrate into the community.

“At the QRI, we are making a real positive difference to the lives of our patients. We do not just provide rehabilitation services to patients but help patients go back into the community,” said Dr Al Yazeedi.

QRI is also working with Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) general hospitals in Al Khor, Al Wakra as well as the Cuban Hospital and Hamad General Hospital to link the services with the community.

QRI’s services are linked with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and Step Down facilities of HMC, including the Residential Care Compound (RCC 1), one of the long-term care facilities and Enaya Specialized Care Center, both operated by Rumailah Hospital, which provide an advanced care system for long-term patients with chronic illnesses, as well as Bayt Aman, the assistive living accommodation for labourers awaiting repatriation.

“Wherever there is a rehabilitation facility — it can only help the person recover. But the community is where the person should go back and the community should accept the person,” said Dr Al Yazeedi.

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