Priory expands its mental health provision in the Middle East

UK-based Priory Group – the leading provider of behavioural care in the UK – has, (30 August, 2021), opened the doors to its second Wellbeing Centre in the UAE, paving the way for further expansion across the Middle East region. Priory Wellbeing Centre in Al Bateen, which is focused on providing specialist mental health support and expertise, further strengthens the Group’s offering in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, alongside its extensive provision of dedicated children’s services.

As well as the new Centre’s broad portfolio of mental healthcare support for conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm, it will provide comprehensive children’s services including developmental, speech and language, occupational therapy and educational psychology. This will include assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities and difficulties and behaviour problems.

Will Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of Priory Middle East, says: “Following the success of our first overseas Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, and in response to demand, it seemed a natural next step to expand our services further in the UAE’s capital. Since we entered the healthcare market here, we’ve received a huge level of support from government organisations and regulatory bodies thanks to the strong recognition of the need to help de-stigmatise and raise awareness of mental ill health, while providing access to niche medical services for both residents and visitors.

“We hope this new Centre, and its team of highly experienced medical professionals, will allow our services to be accessed by a wider population and act as a further stepping stone in the expansion of our healthcare and education services across the region.”

Additional key features of the Abu Dhabi Wellbeing Centre include: • A highly experienced team of psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and occupational therapists offering support in a

number of languages, including Arabic and English • Dedicated specialist speech and language and occupational therapy rooms • Children’s assessments and interventions to support child development • 19 consulting rooms

Will Goodwin adds: “The Middle East offers one of the most exciting and dynamic healthcare markets in the world and we are thrilled to be able to share our vast expertise to ensure patients - both adults and young people alike - receive the very highest levels of care and support.”

Dr Ateeq Qureshi, Medical Director at the new centre, says: “Mental ill health is not discriminatory and can affect us all at some point in our lives, regardless of age, gender and situation. We have a straightforward vision; to provide our patients with the best possible care and experience. This major new health facility will enable our team of expert health professionals to ensure patients receive the highest level of support and care and support them on their journey to recovery.

“We have made careful adaptions to ensure the culture and care provision within the new Wellbeing Centre reflects the local environment and we hope more people in the region will recognise the equal importance of looking after both our physical and mental health, and seek appropriate help when needed.” THE NEW FACILITY EXTENDS THE PRIORY’S CAPACITY IN THE UAE, WHERE ITS EXISTING FACILITIES INCLUDE A WELLBEING CENTRE IN DUBAI, WHICH OPENED IN 2017, AND ‘AL KARAMAH SCHOOL’, THE FIRST DEDICATED AUTISM SCHOOL IN THE UAE. AL KARAMAH SCHOOL WAS LAUNCHED IN 2019 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE (ADEK).