UK's Premier Eye Hospital's First Overseas Branch to Provide GCC Region with International Ophthalmic Care

Dubai: 30 January 2007 - UK based Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in conjunction with Dubai Healthcare City, the region's first integrated healthcare free zone, today announced Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) will treat its first patients from the region starting in May.

The first overseas branch of UK-based Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital at the Al Razi Medical Complex in DHCC will provide daycase surgery and outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic services, including emergency care, for a variety of eye surgical and non-surgical medical conditions.

Sir Thomas Boyd-Carpenter, Chairman of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: "We're honoured to be involved in this exciting new development, which serves to further enhance the relationship between the UK's National Health Service and the region. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is not only a hospital, it will also be a centre for international medical research and training in quality clinical care."

In addition to its Dubai-based consultant staff, visiting consultants and telemedicine links will ensure patients receive world-class diagnosis and treatment. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai will be equipped with the latest in ophthalmic technology.

Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi - Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Healthcare City said the opening of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, at Dubai Healthcare City, would bring significant benefits for patients requiring eye treatment and strengthens DHCC's status as a regional centre of healthcare excellence.

"Our partnership with Moorfields, one of the world's largest centres for ophthalmic care, reinforces our strategic commitment to provide premium service in healthcare to our patients.

"Moorfields choice of Dubai as a destination for their first overseas branch further adds to its vision of creating a hub for integrated healthcare services."

As a constituent hospital of the UK's Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai will be owned and managed by the Trust and maintain close links with London to ensure that patients receive the best eye care treatment in the world.

Chris Canning - Chief Executive and Medical Director, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai said: "We are committed to employing distinguished eye surgeons from around the world. We plan to make a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the GCC and beyond, through research and training, and incorporating the best internationally recognized standards of medical practice."

Founded in 1804, Moorfields Eye Hospital London is the oldest and one of the world's largest centres for ophthalmic care, teaching and research. Last year, the hospital conducted over 23,000 ophthalmic operations.

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© Press Release 2007