The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program at Sidra Medicine, (a member of Qatar Foundation), has been awarded the Silver Center of Excellence accreditation by the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

ELSO is an international non-profit organization, bringing together hospitals and individuals dedicated to developing, evaluating, and researching therapies for supporting failing organ systems through the use of ECMO.

ECMO is one of the most advanced forms of life support available to infants and children experiencing acute failure of their heart or lungs. It lets blood flow outside the body through tubing to an artificial lung which is then warmed and pumped back into the patient. This permits the patients own heart and lungs to rest, increasing their chances of recovery, whilst keeping other organs in good condition.

The ELSO Path to Excellence in Extracorporeal Life Support Award recognizes that Sidra Medicine meets international quality standards for the delivery of complex ECMO care in neonates and children.

Clinical Director of Cardiac Intensive Care at Sidra Medicines Professor Duncan Macrae, said: "Sidra Medicine is the only hospital in Qatar that provides ECMO for critically ill neonates and children, having performed over 70 cases in the past five years. We are honored to receive the ELSO award, which is a testament to the commitment of every member of our team to the delivery world class intensive care services."

Source: Qatar News Agency