Gold Certification Awarded for Person-Centered Care at HMC. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) has once again set a new benchmark for healthcare excellence, being awarded the Gold Certification with Distinction for Leadership and Innovation in Person-Centered Care by Planetree International,
A globally recognized non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare from the patient perspective for over 45 years.
This certification places ACC among an elite group of healthcare providers that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing person-centered care (PCC) and reflects their dedication to improving patient experiences at every level.
A Global Achievement in Person-Centered Care
Achieving this distinction is no small feat. It requires healthcare organizations to build on their Gold-level Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and go beyond the standard criteria outlined in Planetree’s certification program.
The award recognizes organizations that not only meet the highest standards of PCC but also innovate and lead in new areas to benefit patients, families, and staff. ACC achievement underscores its ongoing efforts to integrate person-centered care into every aspect of its services.
The Ambulatory Care Center is now the only organization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and one of just five organizations globally, to receive this prestigious distinction. This award highlights ACC leadership in shaping the future of healthcare by prioritizing the needs, experiences, and wellbeing of patients above all else.
Innovating Person-Centered Care for the Future
ACC’s recognition is built on years of continuous improvement and innovation in person-centered care. From its involvement in research and scholarship to its participation in global policy initiatives and international conferences, ACC has been a key driver in advancing the PCC model.
Not only has ACC leadership and staff contributed to patient care improvements on the local level, but their influence has also extended to the global stage, helping to shape the future of healthcare practices worldwide.
By participating in international conferences, webinars, and research efforts, ACC has helped to demonstrate the positive impact that person-centered care can have on healthcare outcomes.
Staff members have submitted peer-reviewed articles, contributed to public policy debates, and actively engaged with the broader medical community, further solidifying ACC position as a global leader in PCC innovation.
Recognition of Patient and Family Involvement
At the core of person-centered care is the active involvement of patients and their families in the care process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Abdul Razak Al Kuwari, Chairman of ACC Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), emphasized how this achievement reflects ACC commitment to involving patients in meaningful ways.
“We are truly grateful to be part of a healthcare system that values our input,” Al Kuwari said. “ACC has created an environment where patients and family members can contribute to decisions about their care. This acknowledgment of our voices has not only improved the quality of services but also empowered us as patients.”
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The Patient and Family Advisory Council plays a pivotal role in ensuring that care is aligned with the preferences, values, and needs of those it serves. The council’s input is considered in everything from service delivery improvements to patient care policies, making ACC a model for integrating patient perspectives into the broader healthcare system.
Leadership in Patient Experience
Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience at HMC and Director for the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, praised the Ambulatory Care Center for its dedication to enhancing the patient experience.
“ACC’s unwavering dedication to improving the experiences of patients, families, and staff has earned them this distinction for Leadership and Innovation in Person-Centered Care,” Al Naimi noted.
“They have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to working closely with patients and their families to co-design a patient-centered experience of care. I wholeheartedly congratulate them on this remarkable achievement.”
Al Naimi also pointed out that ACC’s efforts to transform healthcare go beyond individual patient care. Through their leadership, the organization has increased awareness of person-centered care across the healthcare sector, encouraging other institutions to adopt similar practices.
A Vision for Healthcare Excellence
Dr. Khalid Al Jalham, CEO and Medical Director of ACC, expressed pride in the recognition and emphasized the collaborative effort behind ACC’s success. “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our efforts in transforming the way we deliver care,”
Dr. Al Jalham said. “Our success is a reflection of the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, our patients, and even our volunteers, who have all embraced a person-centered approach to care. Together, we are creating a healthcare environment that truly puts patients at the center of everything we do.”
This achievement reaffirms ACC’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. The focus on patient-centeredness has not only improved patient outcomes but also enhanced staff engagement and overall satisfaction, creating a more holistic and supportive environment for both caregivers and patients.
Planetree Certification
Michael Giuliano, President of Planetree International, also recognized the impact that ACC has made in the global healthcare landscape. “The Planetree Certification is unique in that it honors excellence in person-centered care across the full continuum of care,” Giuliano said.
“ACC success in implementing person-centered practices has had a ripple effect, benefiting patients not just locally, but globally. By sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes, they are helping to raise the standard of care for all.”
Before achieving this highest level of recognition from Planetree, healthcare organizations must meet rigorous criteria set by patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. These standards focus on what truly matters in healthcare experiences, from compassionate care to meaningful patient involvement.
A Model for Global Healthcare
The Ambulatory Care Center Gold Certification with Distinction is a testament to the power of innovation, leadership, and collaboration in healthcare. By continuously advancing person-centered care, ACC is not only improving the patient experience but also setting a global example for other healthcare institutions to follow.
As healthcare continues to evolve, ACC achievements demonstrate the vital importance of keeping patients and families at the heart of care delivery. This distinction serves as a reminder that person-centered care is not just a goal but an ongoing journey toward better healthcare for all.