Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Launches Pioneering Survivorship Clinic for Cancer Patients
Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a significant stride toward enhancing cancer care, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a leading institution in the field of complex medical services and a part of the renowned PureHealth group, has inaugurated a specialized Survivorship Clinic. This innovative clinic is specifically designed to support cancer patients during the critical period following their treatment, addressing the multifaceted challenges they may face as they transition into recovery.
The launch of this clinic represents an important evolution in the continuum of oncology care at SSMC, a facility dedicated to delivering exceptional standards in health services. Historically, the post-treatment phase of cancer care has often been neglected, leaving many patients to navigate an array of physical and psychological challenges on their own. The new clinic seeks to fill this gap by providing targeted support tailored to the unique needs of survivors.
A Holistic Approach to Post-Treatment Care
What sets the Survivorship Clinic apart is its commitment to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Patients visiting the clinic will benefit from the expertise of a diverse team of specialists, including oncologists, internal medicine practitioners, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. This cooperative model facilitates a one-stop patient experience, allowing individuals to receive coordinated care in a single visit rather than multiple appointments scattered across different departments.
Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “The opening of our Survivorship Clinic signifies a pivotal advancement in our specialized oncology and clinical care services. This development not only demonstrates our unwavering commitment to support patients beyond their treatment phases, but it also enriches the breadth of our comprehensive cancer care offerings.”
The clinic’s multidisciplinary team conducts thorough assessments of survivors’ post-treatment needs. These evaluations encompass a wide range of areas, including specialized dietary requirements, potential cancer risk assessments, age-appropriate cancer screening protocols, psychological evaluations, and management strategies for long-term effects of chemotherapy treatment.
The Need for Evidence-Based Survivorship Care
As global cancer survival rates continue to rise, the demand for well-structured survivorship care has become increasingly pressing. Dr. Aydah Al Awadhi, Chair of the Hematology and Oncology Division and a consultant medical oncologist at SSMC, articulated the scientific rationale behind the establishment of the clinic. “With cancer survival rates witnessing continual improvement, the necessity for dedicated survivorship care has reached paramount importance,” she noted.
Dr. Al Awadhi emphasized the documented benefits of such programs, referencing studies that indicate survivorship services can enhance a survivor’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. “Our clinic will provide comprehensive evaluations that go beyond routine oncology visits, ensuring a truly integrated and customized experience for each patient.”
Tailored Individualized Care Plans
At the heart of the Survivorship Clinic’s philosophy is the creation of individualized care plans that address the unique challenges each cancer survivor faces. Recognizing that these challenges can vary significantly based on several factors—including the type of cancer, the treatment modalities employed, and the patient’s personal circumstances—the clinic adopts a nuanced approach to care.
This focus on individualized care aligns seamlessly with the transformation of oncology practices that now increasingly view patient care as a continuum, extending far beyond the active treatment phase. By systematically addressing the needs of cancer survivors, SSMC aspires to optimize long-term health outcomes and a better quality of life for patients navigating life post-cancer.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City stands as one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in the UAE, boasting 660 patient beds, 18 operating theaters, and a comprehensive array of services across 46 medical specialties. As the institution continues to innovate in its service offerings, the establishment of the Survivorship Clinic marks a pivotal chapter in its mission to redefine patient care within oncology, ultimately reinforcing the health and well-being of cancer survivors in the region.
As the Survivorship Clinic embarks on its journey, it has the potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives both locally and internationally, further underscoring the importance of holistic post-treatment care for cancer survivors worldwide.
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