October 27, 2021:  As part of its eagerness to enhance the quality and safety of care in health facilities, the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has launched the advisory council for the representatives of patients and their families.

Based on a comprehensive perspective, the move aims to consolidate the foundations of a new thinking in government work that adopts an integrated concept of quality of life, which contributes to achieving balance and readiness for future challenges.

As an advisory body, the council's tasks are to improve the level of health care, enable various segments of society to contribute to enhancing the quality of health services, develop channels of communication with various segments of society, make proposals to improve patient experience and suggest policies, methodologies, and practices that support the development of EHS’s health facilities.

This came during the opening session of the Advisory Council, chaired by HE Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General, EHS, in the presence of members of the Council, including representatives of patients, their families, and community representatives.

Effective partnership

'Launching the advisory council of the representatives of patients and their families falls within the EHS's strategy to consolidate patient-centered health care concept as vital to the success of our efforts and programs,' said HE Dr. Yousef Al Serkal.

It's also part of the EHS's efforts to strengthen the practices of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 203, which aims to transform life in the UAE from the concept of the good life to the comprehensive concept of integrated quality of life, added Al Serkal.
This is in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership that calls for the need to double efforts to enhance the position of the UAE as a world-leading country in the field of quality of life.

He added: 'The launch of the advisory council for patients comes in line with the state's directions that focus on customer happiness, community engagement and enhancing humanitarian aspect, at a time when we stand on the threshold of a new phase of innovation, future foresight, and sustainable initiatives within the vision of the 50th and the UAE centennial.

In this context, the EHS aims to establish a real and effective partnership between patients, health facilities and health sector personnel with a methodology that enhances wellbeing and aligns with future health services, he said.
knowing patients' perspectives and opinions on health projects and initiatives prior to their adoption is a key element in shaping successful plans that embrace the patient-centered care concept.

Thus, the advisory council will be part of the treatment plans, and patients' priorities will be the guiding factor in all future programs and plans, and we look forward to developing health services and increasing patient and healthcare provider satisfaction, he said in conclusion.
Optimizing patient experience

Dr. Mona Al-Kuwari, Head of the Advisory Council for patients and their families, said: 'The council an important part of the hospitalization process, where members provide their insights about ways to enhance the quality of health care, as well as their feedback on practices and policies that patients and their families find appropriate.'
She added that the council will also submit proposals that aim to improve the patient experience and develop comprehensive care systems and processes, which can lead to long-term benefits such as reducing errors and adverse health events, increasing customer satisfaction, and improving job performance.  

Council structure
The membership of the advisory council consists of two-thirds of the members from representatives of patients and families and community, while one-third of the members are from the EHS. 
The council structure and members reflect a diverse representation with the involvement of people from all the emirates in which the EHS's hospitals and centers are located. 

The members also represent different ages of both genders and from various social backgrounds, which contributes to providing a variety of ambitious ideas, proposals, and experiences.
The nomination of members is done by the Head of the Council and approved by the EHS's Executive Committee. 
The tenure of the president and appointed members is two years, while the terms of reference will be reviewed only every two years. Council meetings are held at least once on a quarterly basis.