Mafraq Hospital first in the Gulf region with most advanced technological clinical imaging equipment

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 19 September 2010: Mafraq Hospital has unveiled the most powerful scanner available globally - the Philips Brilliance iCT 256-slice scanner. This innovative technology can produce 3D body images of unprecedented clarity while reducing radiation by as much as 80%.

Mafraq Hospital is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for all the curative activities of public hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi. The hospital is managed by Bumrungrad International, one of the most renowned hospital management companies in Asia, which is recognized internationally for its commitment to patient care and customer service.

The iCT 256-slice scanner, which Mafraq Hospital installed in July, can scan the body in less than a minute. It scans the body as well as rotating around it sending out 256 pulses every one-third of a second. It is so powerful that it can capture an unblurred image of an entire heart in less than two heartbeats and because the images are 3D they can be rotated and viewed from different directions - giving doctors the greatest help possible in diagnosing disease and problems.  The scan is much quicker than with current technology, as the machine's X-ray emitting air glide gantry - the giant ring-shaped part that surrounds the patient - can rotate four times in a single second - 22% faster than current systems.

John Nickens, CEO Mafraq Hospital said of the Brilliance iCT 256-slice scanner: 'The use of this technology gives our patients an advantage with a quick prognosis allowing for fast treatment.  I am delighted that we are the first hospital in the Gulf region to have this machine; I am delighted because Mafraq Hospital wants to offer the best possible treatment for all our patients and this scanner will help us achieve this.'

"This scanner allows radiologists to produce high quality images and is also designed to reduce patients' exposure to X-rays," Hal Chilton, Chief Operating Officer, Mafraq Hospital added. "It is so powerful it can capture an image of the entire heart in just two beats. The difference in scan quality is dramatic, allowing us to see anatomy and vessels much more clearly so that we can detect danger areas and disease both faster and earlier in the disease process."

Dr Nouman Habbab, Chair, Clinical Imaging Department said of the new iCT 256-slice scanner: 'This new technology can mean less time in a scanner which means less exposure to radiation. The faster speed also means less contrast materials are required and the process is over more quickly than in previous machines, this benefits  patients who have difficulty remaining still, such as children, the elderly and trauma patients."

The new scanner will also provide state of the art imaging for the detection of structural heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation to the legs), Cardiac CT angiography studies, vascular angiography and carotid artery disease (the leading cause of stroke). The iCT 256-slice scanner can be used for brain imaging in stroke situations  - time is critical in brain imaging as the sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner more brain can be saved. The machine can also prove useful in the battle against cancer. As well as picking up tumors in the body, the scanner will be able to show medics how the disease spreads and new patterns of abnormality.

Mafraq Hospital is one of the UAE's leading trauma centers and the iCT 256-slice scanner 256 will become indispensable in ER -the procedure is quick so there is no need for beta blocks which is a benefit in trauma situations. The machine provides added flexibility in properly positioning patients with trauma or disabilities, and is sturdy enough to accommodate obese patients.

The CT scanner also supports Mafraq Hospital's general radiology, cardiology, neurology and pediatric patients.

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About Mafraq Hospital
Mafraq Hospital was established in 1983 is one of the largest tertiary referral treatment hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, with 451 licensed beds. Its specialist services include medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, as well as surgical and critical care services.  Mafraq Hospital operates the largest burn unit in the country and is a Center of Excellence for ENT and Thoracic surgery. The hospital also operates two primary healthcare clinics at Bani Yas and Al Nahda.

Mafraq Hospital is part of the SEHA HealthSystem and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) which is responsible for the curative activities of the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.   It is managed by Bumrungrad International (BIL), one of the most noted hospital management companies in Asia. 

Mafraq Hospital physicians are amongst the best in their specialist fields with international qualifications and world class expertise. The medical staff is supported by a capable and professional nursing and paramedical staff who are well trained and motivated to provide quality healthcare services. Emiratization is extremely important to Mafraq Hospital and many of the hospital's highly skilled physicians are UAE Nationals. The hospital also believes in customer service excellence and in providing quality healthcare with integrity and service excellence in a caring environment.

About the SEHA HealthSystem and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA)
SEHA is health in Arabic. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC - whose marketing identity is SEHA - is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which together make up the SEHA HealthSystem.  SEHA is committed to providing high quality, cost effective healthcare in a socially responsible way on par with international standards measured through accessibility, affordability, choice and satisfaction.  SEHA has partnered with internationally recognized hospital managers to achieve these goals.  These include Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, VAMED, Vienna Medical University and Bumrungrad International.  SEHA owns and operates 12 hospitals with 2,644 beds, 62 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks.  SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with 16,500 doctors, nurses, ancillary care and administrative personnel in its employ.  For more information, visit www.seha.ae. 

For media information contact:
Amanda Banham
Director of Marketing & PR
Mafraq Hospital
E: abanham@mafraq-hospital.ae

Salwa Ali Al Hossani
Manager, Marketing & PR
Mafraq Hospital
E: shossani@mafraqhospital.ae

© Press Release 2010