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Larger haematology unit opens in Dubai

As the number of patients with blood disorders spikes, with an almost three-fold jump in visits in just two years, a new large-capacity unit has been set up at Dubai Hospital to treat rare cancers and a range of blood disorders in adults and children.

Five times bigger in capacity than the previous four-bed ward located at Rashid Hospital, the new haematology unit has now been shifted to Dubai Hospital after the Dubai Health Authority conducted a capacity study based on patient requirements.

Statistics show that the number of patients with blood disorders has increased over the past three years for various reasons. In 2008, the previous outpatient unit (infusion centre) located in Rashid Hospital had 500 patient visits. In 2009, it had 1,200 patient visits and 1,450 in 2010.

Inaugurating the centre in Dubai Hospital on Monday morning, DHA Director-General Qadhi Al Murooshid said the unit provides treatment for patients with benign and malignant genetically inherited or acquired haematological disorders.

“The department covers a broad spectrum of disorders of blood cells,” he said, adding that treatment is available for conditions such as anaemia to more complicated blood cell disorders like leukemia as well as bleeding disorders.

The new unit consists of 20 beds eight of which 16 will be used for outpatient services and four for positive pressure rooms.

“The unit has highly qualified and experienced doctors, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that our patients receive high-quality medical care,” said Al Murooshid.

Last year, the unit received 25 new cases of rare cancers. Since 2007, the unit has received 110 cases of acute leukaemia. “Of these cases, 76 per cent were classified as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and the remaining 24 per cent were other kinds of leukaemia,” said Dr Ahmad Hamed Abdulla Al Rustamani, head of the new unit. The unit also received cases of other haematological conditions.

“The unit has been designed after undertaking a capacity study and closely looking into the requirements of our patients,” said the doctor.

“Our aim is to utilise our outpatient services to the best extent possible because we want patients to be able to go back to their family so that they can lead a normal life.”

He said the unit provides inpatient services for chronic cases and has in place four positive pressure rooms which help protect patients with low immunity from acquiring infections. “Usually, patients with chronic haematological disorders require this room,” he added.

He said the most common form of malignant disorders in adults is myeloid leukaemia followed by lymphocytic leukaemia, more common in children. Other premalignant blood disorders include failure of bone marrow production.

The unit also manages patients with post-bone marrow stem cell transplantation. “Patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation are prone to complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) which is a chronic condition,” said Dr Rustamani.

The department also takes part in international studies focusing on new cures, treatment methods, research on leukaemia and other haematological disorders. A full-time social worker provides psychological and social support to patients.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com