Philips signs agreement to manage clinical informatics software solutions for new all-digital academic and medical research center
Doha, Qatar & Dubai, U.A.E - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced a long-term partnership between Philips and Sidra Medical and Research Center. Philips will provide comprehensive technology solutions for the new medical and research institution, which focuses on the health and wellbeing of women and children, with terms and conditions agreed for the next ten years.
Philips will provide their latest fully-integrated IntelliSpace Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS), to address Sidra's Clinical Imaging Workflow across the Clinical Imaging Continuum. The Philips solution will inter-operate seamlessly using industry communications standards, adhering to the globally accepted standard framework.
The patients' information will be stored in multiple data centres and will be available at point of care within 3 seconds. These servers will feature enormous expansion capacity, be fail and disaster-proof with full redundancy.
This fits into Sidra's goal of operating as a fully wireless, filmless and virtually paperless facility - a concept called "paper-lite". Sidra will be an all-digital facility, incorporating the most advanced IT applications in all clinical, research and business functions. This includes the use of advanced technologies such as robotics, computer-aided surgery, diagnostics, and digital imaging with advanced 3D, supported by the solution provided by Philips.
"Sidra is one of the most exciting new developments in healthcare, not just in the Gulf region, but the world," says Diederik Zeven- General Manager of Philips Healthcare Middle East & Turkey. "We regard this project very highly, and we're very pleased to not only be providing our groundbreaking healthcare imaging products, but also to be partnering with Sidra with the goal of advancing the field even further and discovering new opportunities that await us in the future."
"Philips is an important partner for us in developing a customized solution unique to our current and future technology and business needs," commented Daniel J. Bergin, Sidra's executive project director. "For such a groundbreaking project in the Gulf region, it was essential that we work with a leading, internationally recognized healthcare solutions company that could provide not only the latest technology, but also the best long-term support."
Bergin highlighted a critical component of the Philips solution, which is the provision of a state of the art Vendor Neutral Archive where all patient images will be stored, enabling clinicians to seamlessly retrieve and review the medical imaging component of the patient's Electronic Health Record. "This partnership enables us to provide the advanced, patient-centered care that Sidra promises. Developing a strategic collaborative partnership with Philips was an obvious choice for us and we look forward to witnessing the benefits it will bring to our patients," said Bergin.
Located in Doha on Qatar Foundation's 2,500 acre Education City campus, Sidra Medical and Research Center has been designed and planned to meet the highest international standards in health sciences, addressing three essential missions: world-class clinical care; medical education; and biomedical research. Opening its doors to patients at the end of 2012, it will initially have 400 beds, with infrastructure to enable expansion to 550 beds in a subsequent phase.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 122,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.6 billion in 2011, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
About Sidra Medical and Research Center
First announced in June 2004, Sidra represents the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who also serves as Chairperson of Sidra. This vision aims to position Qatar as a leader in medical research, academic medical training, and health care in the Middle East. Sidra, the first academic medical center in the region, is being built at Qatar Foundation's 2,500-acre Education City campus. Initially, Sidra will have 400 beds available when it opens with built infrastructure to enable expansion to 550 beds in a subsequent phase.
Sidra Medical and Research Center is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Natali Fahmi
Corporate Communications Manager
Philips Middle East & Turkey
Tel: +97155 2008304
E-mail: natali.fahmi@philips.com
© Press Release 2012
