A mini emergency room was opened at the American Mission Hospital (AMH) in Manama on Wednesday.

"The setting up of the BD127,000 ($336, 870) Increased Acuity Unit will ensure that some of the patients requiring extra and special care can remain at the hospital rather than be moved to another medical facility," said AMH chief medical officer and chief executive officer Dr Paul Armerding.

"This unit has been launched with the support of the 2007 AMH Island Classic (golf tournament) sponsors. Equipment purchased for this unit includes ventilators to control the patients' breathing, patient monitors to monitor blood pressure, body temperature, pulse and breathing rhythm and special beds that are easily adaptable to any patient position required."

Dr Armerding said the creation of the two-bed unit also coincided with the upgrading of the central gas system throughout the hospital.

Those supporting the new unit are Aer Rianta International, Alba, American Express, Bahrain Petroleum Company, Bahrain Mobility International, Chevron Bahrain, Contax, Deeko Bahrain Ltd, E K Kanoo, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Merrill Lynch Bank, Securities and Investment Company, Standard Chartered Bank, United Gulf Bank and Yateem Oxygen.

"We are delighted with this development and can now be sure that when our patients need extra care we are in a position to provide that care," said Dr Armerding.

"Specialised equipment ensures that the patient is closely observed and given the best conditions for recovery."

He said the unit was located in a separate area near the nursing station. "We hope to continue to provide even better healthcare for the community," said Dr Armerding

AMH director of communication and developments Robert Grey said with the launch of the unit, the hospital aimed to demonstrate how quality of care can make a difference for patients.

"Many studies have shown that special care and attention mean that patients recover quicker and make a better recovery than if they receive standard care," he said.

AMH marketing and development coordinator Bahnaz Abbas thanked the sponsors, without whose support, she said, the launch of this unit would not have been possible.

"The charity golfing event supports this by raising funds for much needed medical equipment and development without adding to the patient's cost," said Abbas.

She said most of last year's support was utilised towards the launch of this unit. - TradeArabia News Service