Hamad Medical Corporation extends fixed time appointment system

Following the successful implementation of a new fixed time appointment system for Urology clinics, in April 2012 this system is being extended to cover more clinics in the Hamad General Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD). These clinics include General Medicine, from 1 April, Chest from 15 April and Diabetes from 22 April.

The new system means, once a patient has been referred to see a specialist doctor, their referral will go directly from the referring doctor to the new Patient Contact Center. Following an assessment of their clinical need by a doctor they will be telephoned to arrange a suitable time for their visit to the OPD.

Patients will no longer need to visit the hospital in person to make an appointment. Also, their appointment will be made for a fixed time, so they won’t have to spend as long in the clinic and will have protected time with the specialist. In addition they will be reminded of their appointment by phone and SMS. 

Under the new system walk-in patients can no longer be seen and you must have a referral to get an appointment. Patients will be asked to keep to their allocated appointment time. If they can’t keep their appointment they will be encouraged to call +974 4439 5777 so a new appointment can be arranged at a more convenient time. If a patient is more than 15 minutes late for an appointment they will have to be rebooked for another day.