Oasis Hospital UAE
Oasis Hospital is located in the city of Al Ain, AbOUT 160 kilometers east of the capital city Abu Dhabi, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Al Ain has been a vital link between The INDIAN Ocean and the Persian Gulf for thousands of years thanks to its strategic position and good water supply.
History
Oasis Hospital opened in November 1960 at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Shakhbut. Having experienced American medical care in Muscat and Bahrain, the rulers asked Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy to open a similar hospital here. At that time, the local population was actually declining in numbers. Infant mortality was 50% and maternal mortality was 35%. The local population suffered from many endemic diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, eye diseases, intestinal parasites, etc.
When the founders of Oasis Hospital, Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy first arrived in November of 1960, at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Shakhbut, the infant mortality rate in Al Ain was 50%, and the maternal mortality rate was 35%. Because of this and other endemic diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, eye diseases, intestinal parasites, etc., the population of Al Ain was actually declining and in need of organized healthcare.
By the grace of God, and with the assistance of their small team, the Kennedys were able to provide the first modern healthcare in the region. In 1964, they constructed the first cement block building in Al Ain which created 20 patient rooms, a nurses' station/nursery, and a utility room. The hospital was the sole source of medical treatment for the patients of Al Ain. Soon after opening, the staff was seeing nearly 200 patients per day.
Other physical developments followed including a delivery suite, x-ray facilities, additional patient rooms, and staff housing in the early 1970's. Obstetrics, Surgery and Children's Health facilities were built in 1985 and the hospital even now continues to make plans for new growth.
Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy served here until 1975 and their efforts to bring hope and renewal to the community of Al Ain are still alive today. Other Long term staff members of Oasis Hospital who left a legacy of compassion and excellent medical care include: Gertrude Dyck, nurse and author of the book The Oasis (Motivate Publishing), Janice Shafer, Margaret Paisley, Bernita Missal, Nancy Brock, Dr. Larry Liddle and his wife Marilyn Liddle, and Ruth Feldmann.
The first permanent facility remained functional until the completion of the present inpatient structure in 1990. Then a new out-patient clinic was added in 1995. Oasis Hospital has always operated on a not-for profit basis, and continues to do so today. All revenue generated from patient fees is used for operating and capital expenses.
In 2006, CURE International, a US-Based non-profit organization, took over ownership of Oasis Hospital. In 2007, Oasis Hospital became the first non-government hospital in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to receive Joint Commission International Accreditation, a mark of top medical quality recognized around the world.
In September 2009, ground was broken for a new hospital at the current location. Funding for the new hospital was provided by a grant from the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Completion of the new facility is expected in 2011.
Current staff that have been here for a number of years include Ibrahim Gul Dost, V.V. David, Jayaprakash, and Thomas Kutty. These dedicated individuals and their commitment to this community have made Oasis Hospital what is today. Their compassion continues to inspire the Oasis family to provide the best care possible.