The innovative new Person Centered Care Ambassador Program at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) – which enables members of the community to volunteer to support the delivery of patient care – was launched this week during Qatar’s first Patient Experience Forum.

Five of the first Ambassadors to take part in the volunteer programme were joined by Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy Chief of Quality, Center for Patient Experience and Staff Engagement and Director of the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute and other VIP, as part of the launch.

The Ambassador Program will provide people who want to volunteer their time to support patients in hospital with the opportunity to put on activities ranging from exercises and reading to patients to spiritual and social support. The initial focus for the Ambassador Program will be on paediatric patients and the elderly.

Al Naimi said the volunteer programme was significant in the development of a patient-centred approach to care at HMC.

HMC’s Person Centered Care Ambassador Program is a unique initiative and an opportunity to enhance the delivery of patient-centred care and improve patient experience – volunteers can help to ensure that the patient comes first.’

According to Al Naimi, many patients – particularly the elderly and the young children – can benefit from extra stimulation when they are in the hospital. It takes their mind off the treatment. Studies also show that it can aid the healing process for patients as well.

Ambassadors will undergo appropriate selection processes, management and training courses. Al Naimi added that the programme was also designed to provide an important link to the community.

It is important for healthcare providers to have deep links to the community they serve. This programme is an essential bridge to our communities. We thank those who have come forward to become our first Person Centered Care Ambassadors and look forward to welcoming more volunteers in the future.’

As part of the volunteer programme, Ambassadors will commit at least two to four hours per week – each shift is two hours long.

Maryam Nasser Abdulla Al Thani, one of the first ambassadors to join the programme, said she wanted to help patients and use her spare time to help others in the community. She is calling on her fellow citizens to also volunteer their time.

Michelle Bickett, a medical social worker and an American residing in Qatar, said she looks forward to being part of the programme.

For me, volunteering is an opportunity to connect with another human being and be part their journey. It is a privilege to serve another person. Sometimes it may be a simple act like providing directions and other times it may be more involved like listening to someone’s story, or providing emotional support when they need it most.’

The Ambassador Program is open to all Qatar citizens and residents over the age of 30 who are passionate about volunteering and making a positive difference in the lives of patients. For queries about the PCC Ambassador Program, you can send an email to [email protected] or call 4439 4757.