Hospital named in honor of Saudi nurse who lost her life to COVID-19
Nujood Medical Center was built in just 59 days and can treat up to 100 patients
A new COVID-19 field hospital in Madinah has been named in honor of Saudi nurse Nujood AlKhaibari. She died in June after contracting the novel coronavirus while working at a medical center in the city on the front line of the battle against the pandemic.
The Nujood Medical Center was officially opened by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman on Wednesday, in the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
“This project is established in appreciation and recognition of the efforts of all workers in the health sector, who not only serve citizens, expatriates and visitors in this country, but they have also sacrificed their lives,” Prince Faisal said. The hospital was built in partnership with ACWA Power company, and the governor thanked Energy Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman for supporting the project. The hospital, which is dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients, was built in 59 days and has a capacity of 100 beds, Al-Rabiah said in a message posted on Twitter.
“This step is to acknowledge and express gratitude to health practitioners, and to commemorate the sacrifice of nurse Nujood Al-Khubeiri, who was the first nurse to die (in Saudi Arabia) as a result of infection with COVID19,” he said.
Nujood’s husband, Turki Al-Khaibari, said he was proud but not surprised that his wife’s bravery and sacrifice had been recognized and honored by her country, and that the governor and the health minister have helped to mend his family’s broken hearts. Nujood devoted her life to helping her patients, not only during the pandemic but throughout her career, he added.
“Losing her has been painful,” he said. “She worked overtime every day, and after performing her duties she would distribute medicine to her elderly patients and persons with disabilities in their homes on a daily basis. She faithfully served her patients and was an example of patience and dedication to work.”
Nujood’s brother, Hussein Al-Khaibari, said she died in service of her country.
“She wasted no time in fighting this pandemic and was on the front line,” he said. “She was known throughout her life for her competence, honesty and devotion to her work. She vowed to serve this great country.”
Nujood, who was from Madinah and had three daughters and one son, was 45 years old when she died. She had worked in the health sector for 18 years, and was based at Ohud Hospital.
The new, 15,000-square-meter field hospital includes 20 intensive care beds and an 80-bed general admissions facility, with 40 ventilators and 100 oxygensupply devices. It also has its own laboratory for tests and research, pharmaceutical services and diagnostic services.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia reported 41 additional COVID19-related deaths, which brings the total to 2,100. A further 3,183 cases of infection have been confirmed, which means 223,327 people have tested positive for the disease. Of these, 60,131 cases remain active, and 2,225 patients are in critical condition. An additional 3,046 patients have recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 161,096.
“We are currently going through a phase of stability and control of the COVID-19 curve in the Kingdom,” said Ministry of Health spokesman Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly. “This is due to the successful measures taken by authorities, and public awareness, and we should maintain this level of commitment.”
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