Doha, 1 February 2015: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) today announced that their trauma system has received the Trauma Distinction award from Accreditation Canada International (ACI), one of the world's leading accreditation companies. The accreditation was received by HMC's Managing Director, Hanan Al Kuwari PhD and Chair of Trauma, Dr. Hassan Al Thani.

The accreditation is only given to trauma services that fulfill a range of stringent measures and achieving distinction indicated that HMC has demonstrated national leadership in the provision of high quality trauma care.

Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, who received the ACI award, explained that achieving the accreditation was truly a team effort: "We are honored as an organization to be recognized by the prestigious Accreditation Canada International. Trauma care takes a team, and each member plays a crucial role in delivering the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to our patients. I am very proud of what our trauma team and all those who work with them have achieved in this accreditation."

Dr. Hassan Al Thani, Chair of Trauma Services, explained "This accreditation represents years of hard work from an entire team to build a Level 1 Trauma Center and Trauma System for the State of Qatar, based on the highly regarded evidence-based North American models of care. Since we set out on this journey, we have seen dramatic improvement in trauma patient care. Injury is one of the leading causes of death in Qatar and has a devastating effect on individuals, families and healthcare. This is why it is so important to have a world-leading trauma system for the country. We will continue to strive to improve and innovate to ensure the best possible care for our patients."

About HMC
HMC has been the principal public healthcare provider in the state of Qatar for over three decades and is dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all patients.

HMC manages eight hospitals, incorporating five specialist hospitals and three community hospitals. HMC also manages the National Ambulance Service as well as home and residential care, all accredited by Joint Commission International. While HMC continues to upgrade its facilities and services, it has also embarked on an ambitious expansion program, targeting the areas of need in our community.

HMC is leading the development of the region's first academic health system and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. We collaborate with partners who are key experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

We are also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hmc.org.qa

© Press Release 2015