H.E. Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Dr. Bandar Al Knawy accompanied by a number of the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs officials, inaugurated the Stroke Unit in King Abdulaziz Medical City - Riyadh on Monday, October 24th, 2016 parallel to World Stroke Day 2016 activities.
On this occasion, Comprehensive Stroke Program Chairman, Dr. Ali AlKhathami said that this unit was effectively working for almost a year now, however, an acute care unit has been recently added to be the largest stroke unit in the Middle East with a bed capacity of 20. The unit covers 2 sections, an intensive care unit for stroke diseases and a second section to deal with stroke less severe cases.
Dr. Khathaami also pointed out that the unit is overseen by a group of neurology consultants subspecialized in stroke diseases, in addition to a highly qualified nursing staff who is trained to deal with acute and minor stroke cases.
Additionally, Dr. Khathaami pointed out that the activities marks the World Stroke Day 2016 and included an awareness exhibition in the outpatient clinics targeting the patients, visitors. Such activities will last for three days and will include stroke awareness and preventive activities, on how to identify strokes and what can be done in the event of having a stroke.
The awareness activities also includes several participations from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, in addition to the Saudi Heart Associations, Saudi Stroke Association, disability associations, diabetes and blood pressure associations, as well as non-medical disciplines, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing, social services and Nursing.
Last but not least, Dr. Khathaami explained that the World Stroke Day 2016 activities will also include a scientific day which will be held on Thursday, 27th of October 2016 in Dr. Sameer Bin Huraib Large Auditorium in King Abdulaziz Medical City -Riyadh, that will hold a series of lectures to discuss the latest developments in stroke and prevention methods of with the participation of a group of prominent doctors at the local level.