HMC workshop highlights lessons from Villaggio tragedy

A workshop focusing on lessons on safety from the tragic Villaggio fire was recently conducted by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Occupational Health and Safety Department. About 160 HMC staff and senior management took part in the workshop, which was held at HamadMedicalCity’s Club Hotel on 11 June.

Dr Huda Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) during her opening remarks called for careful consideration of the reasons behind the tragedy that occurred at Villaggio. “We should ensure that all our hospitals are applying required safety precautions, and understand that safety is the responsibility of all, not only some departments or some staff. Everyone should contribute to ensuring safety and security throughout the corporation.”

Dr Al Noaimi emphasized that HMC staff at all levels should take part in developing the tools and techniques required to raise the general level of awareness about safety. “This will help to ensure that all HMC facilities and premises are free of all kinds of hazards, particularly fire hazards.”

Brigadier Aman Al Sulaiti, Director of Fire Prevention Department at the Civil Defense Department delivered a detailed statement on the Villaggio fire, and displayed a number of photos showing different stages of the rapid response and rescue efforts of Civil Defense personnel. He urged the participants to strictly adhere to safety and security standards required for the issuance of any license.

Brig. Al Sulaiti emphasized the need for prior coordination with the Civil Defense Department before making any changes or renovations in health facilities, in order to ensure that these changes are made in accordance with safety and security standards. He also explained that causes of fire incidents in any location are usually due to improper storage of equipment in cartons heaped up to the ceiling, leading to the failure of the sprinklers and alarm systems. Slits at the roof may also increase the spread of fire, he said.

Dr Badriya Al-Ali, Executive Director of Quality Management Department at HMC, talked about the optimal efforts being exerted by HMC to enhance safety plans and procedures in case of disasters. “Our advisors from the Joint Commission International (JCI) regularly review all our safety plans to ensure that they are competently implemented throughout all our facilities. However, individual commitment remains a key factor to avert such tragic incidents,” she said.

Dr Al-Ali added that the Quality Management Department collaborates with all hospital departments in the practical implementation of safety plans, and highlighted the importance of teamwork as required by the nature of work at HMC which comprises all types of patients, staff and public.