Hospital refurb commences

Last month, Tawam hospital started refurbishing its lobby area under its five-year renovation plan to upgrade the hospitals facilities.

The US $544,000 (AED 2m) refurbishment of the lobby is expected to be complete by 16 September 2007.

"We wanted to have one central reception desk for patients and create a call centre so people can have all their enquires answered as quickly as possible. Renovating a hospital is difficult with people always inside, so we enforce safety and hygiene throughout," said Hamad Al Ahbabi, facilities manager of Tawam hospital.

The decision to renovate the hospital based in Al Ain was made due to its old facilities and the need to increase the capacity of the hospital, while utilising its space effectively.

"We have updated the facilities which now include alarm systems, a central master clock system and a building management system that complies with the JCIA (Joint Commission International Accreditations)," added Ahbabi.

The lobby has been designed to create a warmer environment for visitors and is expected to change the perception of the hospital.

"While the main hospital lobby is being redesigned, the interior finishes have been carefully selected to create a balanced environment that is warm and welcoming, with a high degree of comfort and safety," added Michael Heindel, CEO of Tawam Hospital.

The hospital's facilities management department will project manage the refurbishment until it's complete, "We had three contractors on the site, which we have worked with for three years. When it came to a particular material we let our contractor sub-contract," he said.