Emirates Health Services Reviews Initiatives To Eliminate Bureaucracy In Psychiatric Services

Emirates Health Services (EHS) recently convened a session of its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital. The meeting was attended by Dr. Yousif Mohamed Al Serkal, Director General of EHS, Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services in the UAE, Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of Mental Health Department, Dr. Ammar Al Banna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, and other officials.

The PFAC was established in 2021 to foster collaboration between patients and EHS. Since then, it has conducted 15 meetings with representatives from across the UAE. These meetings have led to 30 recommendations that have enhanced health services quality. Notably, 98% of patients view the council as a valuable tool for enacting meaningful change.

Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital has made significant strides under the "Zero Government Bureaucracy" programme. The hospital introduced the "Faster Entry, Better Quality" initiative to streamline patient admissions into inpatient units. This effort reduced admission steps from 10 to just three and cut wait times by 90%, aligning with their goal to improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The hospital also offers proactive mental health services aimed at enhancing life quality and easing burdens on patients and families. Their community psychiatry program includes home visits, which have decreased hospital visits and increased satisfaction rates to 96%. Additional services include a helpline for patient support and various community-focused initiatives.

Dr. Yousif Mohamed Al Serkal highlighted EHS's commitment to developing the mental health system in line with national goals and global best practices. He stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy and simplifying procedures. "We are focused on delivering innovative solutions that enhance the patient experience," he stated, emphasizing seamless access to sustainable services.

Mohamed bin Taliah praised the "Zero Government Bureaucracy" program as a national effort impacting all sectors. He noted that this initiative reflects the UAE leadership's vision centered on simplifying life by reducing procedures. He commended EHS’s efforts in making processes easier for patients and families.

Role of PFAC in Enhancing Service Delivery

Dr. Noor Al Mheiri described PFAC as a crucial link between EHS’s vision for innovative health services and their implementation. She emphasized that reducing bureaucracy is essential for improving patient experiences and operational efficiency. "We are committed to providing mental health services that are easy and effective," she said.

Dr. Ammar Al Banna confirmed that Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital is progressing towards EHS’s vision of integrated therapeutic services that enhance patient quality of life while supporting families.

The ongoing efforts by EHS reflect a broader commitment to improving healthcare delivery through innovative solutions and streamlined processes, ensuring better outcomes for patients across the UAE.

With inputs from WAM