J University Health Services

J - 1   General Policy on Providing Medical Services & Sick Leave

Medical treatment policy

The UHC extends primary health care to the faculty, administrative staff, dependents, students and accident/emergency care to the dorm and campus residents.

FOR STUDENTS:

1. Students seen at the clinic for emergency or non-emergency illness, treatment is given according to the basic medication available at UHC.  If needed, prescription is given via their insurance.
2. If illness extends for more than usual, after the follow-up appointment without improvement, the student is referred to a hospital for further treatment.
3. In case of serious complications further management is required, including lab investigation; the student will be referred to a government hospital for treatment or to a private hospital if they have a private insurance depending on the insurance policy.

FOR EMPLOYEES:

1. The employee will be treated for emergency from medication that is available at UHC
2. Full medical prescription given for the necessary period of treatment via ABNIC and follow-up visit will be given accordingly.

Advice referrals can be made by the UHC in case specialized treatment is required.

EMPLOYEE SICK LEAVE POLICY

Sick leave policy is provided to protect employees for non-work related illness or injury. Employees are eligible for allowance under the sick leave policy from the date of their employment, provided they are full time employees, and have successfully completed the probationary period.

(Further information is provided at the HR webpage http://www.aus.edu/admin/hr/policymanual/policies-60-leaves.php )

Where an employee’s attendance is a concern, the department head may request individual employee to submit a certificate validated by the University Health Center, for every day’s absence. The department head may, through Human Resource Services, refer employees whose attendance is causing concern to the Health Center for a medical evaluation.

Guidelines followed at UHC on Sick Leave issues:

1. Sick Leave will not be issued for complaints via phone/email.
2. Sick Leave notes will not be back-dated or post-dated.
3. All sick leave notes, including those issued by private doctors should be endorsed by UHC as soon as possible to be valid.  Sick leave notes issued locally and more than a week old will not be endorsed.
4. In case of admission to hospital, notify UHC on the nature of illness.
5. On discharge from hospital, medical report & discharge summary to be sent to UHC for endorsement and determining sick leave days. 
6. Sick leave of more than five days while on vacation will be endorsed by UHC only if employee was hospitalized, a proper medical report and discharge summary should be  provided certified by more than 2 doctors the competent hospital authority.
7. UHC will not be responsible for providing sick leave when employee’s absence has already been approved by the Department Head.
8. If employee is frequently absent from work due to sickness, medical re-evaluation will be done to re-assess fitness to work.

STUDENTS SICK LEAVE POLICY

(Please refer to the Academic Office for students Sick Leave Policy)

Guidelines followed at UHC

1. UHC will not issue Sick Leave certificates for minor issues such as small cuts and wounds, discomfort during menstruation, etc.
2. All sick leave certificates, including those issued by private doctors should be endorsed by UHC to be valid.
3. Sick Leave certificates are to be presented to UHC for endorsement as soon as possible.  Sick Leave Certificates more than one week old will not be endorsed.
4. Sick Leave certificates will not be back-dated or post-dated.
5. Sick leave certificates will not be issued for class hours missed while waiting at the clinic

Parking Policy for patients
As part of our goal to improve and provide best health services to the AUS community, UHC is pleased to announce the establishment of a facility whereby patients have easy access through the barrier located near the clinic & temporary parking facilities.
Patients are advised to do the following:

1. Press the communication button at the barrier and inform the receptionist that you are visiting the clinic.
2. Park your car at the available parking slots and approach the Receptionist for a temporary parking permit. (The parking permit would be valid for half or one hour and the time will be mentioned on the permit).
3. Display this permit on the dashboard of the parked car.
4. Car parking space is available to patients on a “first come – first served” basis.
5. Car should be moved from the clinic parking area as soon as you leave the clinic.
6. A disabled patient can apply for a special parking permit for the duration of the illness by indicating reason and supported by medical reports.
7. Parking fine will be applied if:

1. The Temporary parking permit is not displayed on the dashboard of the parked car.
2. The car remains in the clinic parking area after the patient has left the clinic.

J - 2  Medical Services Policy for on-Campus Residents

Hours for medical services:

The University Health Center (UHC) has adopted the following hours and criteria for insuring continuous and effective medical services for employees and their dependents residing on AUS campus.  This is to ensure that the Medical Staff is not overly taxed, and will be alert and available to handle any emergency situation.  The working hours are also in line with the medical practices and standards set by the UAE Ministry of Health.

The normal hours of operation for UHC will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.  During normal working hours, the clinic’s medical staff will be available to provide medical treatment for emergency and non-emergency situations.  All medical services will be available to the community by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

After normal working hours
1. After working hours until 12.00 (mid-night) and during weekends and holidays, employees are encouraged to visit the clinics or medical facilities of the Insurance Network Providers listed for routine and non-emergency cases.
Between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 12.00 a.m. (midnight), medical treatment for non-emergencies or non-life threatening situations will be handled at UHC at a (non-refundable) charge of Dh.300. However, employees must first call the campus emergency medical team on 050-635-7651.  The attending staff that is on call will assess the severity of the situation, and if necessary, will meet the patient at the (UHC) Clinic for further diagnosis and treatment.
2. After 12.00 a.m. (mid-night) until 8.30 a.m., non-emergency services will be discontinued. However, in case of life-threatening emergencies only*, the campus emergency medical team can be contacted on: 050-6357651.
* A Life-threatening emergency is defined as “An illness or accident that is severe and sudden that it requires immediate medical or surgical attention”. Some examples of life-threatening emergencies are:

1. Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath
2. Continuous bleeding       
3. Coughing up or vomiting blood
4. Fainting
5. Prolonged and severe pain anywhere in the body, especially in the chest or abdomen.
6. Accident/Trauma – causing bleeding or possibility of fracture or concussion.

3.  For non-emergency calls after 12.00 a.m. (mid-night) until 8.30 a.m. and on weekends and holidays, a consultation fee of Dh.300 per visit will be charged to the employee for non-emergency medical services. These charges will not be reimbursed by the medical insurance (ABNIC)
The following are examples of non-emergency symptoms:

1. Influenza
2. Runny nose     
3. Cough
4. Slight fever (low grade fever)
5. Skin rash
6. Loose bowel movement
7. Infrequent vomiting

Employees are encouraged to visit the clinic during working hours to avail medical services in order to avoid the non-reimbursable expense.

1. The Ambulance will be used for the sole purpose of transferring patients with life-threatening conditions to the Hospital.

Clarification on Referral Letters from campus doctor

Employees are free to visit any clinic, doctor or hospital, including Al Zahra Hospital, in the ABNIC Network Providers List (http://www.aus.edu/admin/hr/insurance_docs.php) without a referral letter from the campus doctor.
 
The AUS Medical team is committed to providing professional and quality medical service to the AUS community.  We are constantly striving to find ways to improve our overall performance and are committed to bring you the best service available.

J - 3   Student Health Insurance Plans

POLICY:

As part of the Registrations process, every student will be offered a Health Insurance Plan as follows:

Plan1

Plan I is compulsory for AUS-sponsored students, and for those who do not have health insurance cover of their own.
Charges will be as follows:
Fall:           Dh.550
Spring :       Dh.550

 Benefits include:

A)  Full medical and hospitalization insurance up to AED 50,000 for hospitalization and AED 7,000 for outpatient expenses as follows:

1. Coverage throughout the UAE, not only on campus.
2. 20% co-pay on medicines, Dh. 25/- for consultation of outside specialist.
3. Medical Certificate for the issue of /renewal of UAE Residency.
4. Health services at the University Health Center on campus (as in Plan2)

*Insurance cards will be collected from UHC
**A Dh.50 fine is applicable if card is lost.

Plan II

Plan II is for those who have their own private insurance or a MOH Health Card.  However, proof of valid health insurance cover or MOH Health Card must be provided.
Charges will be as follows:
Fall:             Dh. 250
Spring :        Dh. 250

Benefits:

Health services provided at the University Health Center on campus will include:

1. Outpatient services for both acute and chronic cases.
2. Short-term emergency care and referrals to specialists in all fields
3. 24-hours emergency care  for students living in dorms including ambulance service
4. Basic investigation – Blood Sugar, Blood grouping, Urine dipstick, ECG, Pulmonary function test.
5. Vision and blood tests for driving license purposes
6. Fitness test and fitness certification for sports
7. Follow up care (dressing changes, stitches removal, etc.)

* A plan2 sticker will be affixed to the student’s  AUS ID card to indicate Plan enrolled.

PROCEDURES:

1. All Students (High school, IEP, undergraduates, etc.)  will be registered in either Plan1 or Plan2 as per the above-mentioned policy.
2. Students in the staff or dependants category will be registered under Plan0.
3. EMBA & CEC students studying off-campus will be registered in NPLAN.  NPLAN students who visit the clinic for medical services will be charged according to the  price list established at the University Health Center.
4. EMBA, CEC & MBA students (aged below 31years) and studying/living on campus can choose Plan1 or Plan2.  However, a one-time deposit of the premium for the whole academic year will have to be made.
5. During Fall semesters, all new students will be automatically registered in Plan1. UAE nationals will be automatically registered in Plan2.  New students should visit the clinic during the first 2 weeks of the registration period to opt for Plan2 or Plan1 if required.
6. Health insurance cover is a contract for the time period designated starting from Fall semester.  However, premium payments are made semester-wise.  There will be no refunds from the first day of class of the Fall semester.
7. Returning students will continue in their respective Plans.  If a student desires to change the Plan, he/she should do so by visiting the clinic during the first 2 weeks of the Fall Semesters registration period and signing up for the change of Plan. Insurance Plans cannot be changed after the first 2 weeks of the Fall semester registration period.
8. The Registrar should notify UHC as soon as a student withdraws from the University.

J – 4    Medical Services for Students in Dormitories

General

On arrival, medical check will be done to determine health and fitness.  Students should provide all medical documents, including history of illness, if any and medication taken. Other information such as Dorm/Room number, telephone number, major, etc. will be noted in the Medical file of the student.  Students are encouraged to opt for Plan1 of the Students Medical Insurance Plan, in their own interest.

In case of Illness

The student will be treated at the clinic and medication given initially for the relief of symptoms.  Subsequently, a medication prescription will be issued and the student will be required to follow-up at the clinic, if necessary.
Major illnesses or complications will be referred to an outside specialist and if required, coordinated by UHC.

In case of accident/emergency on campus during working hours (8.30 am to 4.30 pm)

1. Call the clinic at Ext: 2699 (Reception)
2. Arrange to send the student to the clinic immediately, if possible.

In case of accident /emergency on campus after working hours

1. Call the Nurse on Tel: 050-6357651.
2. Only Dorms Supervisor/Receptionist or any authorized person is allowed to call the above number.
3. After working hours, please call for real medical emergencies only.  E.g., a cough, or a low-grade fever etc. can be treated at the clinic next morning. The signs and symptoms in medical emergencies are given below:
1. Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath
2. Continuous bleeding
3. Coughing up or vomiting blood
4. Fainting
5. Prolonged and severe pain anywhere in the body, especially in the chest and abdomen
6. Accident/Trauma- causing bleeding or possibility of fracture or concussion
4. Students should not call directly but should request the Dorm Supervisor/Receptionist to call on their behalf.
5. Give the name of the student, Room number, and exact location of the dorm, e.g. (East/West side) and also the name and telephone number of the supervisor.
6. Dorm Supervisor/Receptionist should be present when medical personnel arrive.
7. Dorm Supervisor/Receptionist to note the arrival time of medical personnel and register the same in the book provided and note what type of help is given.
8. Give details about the patients’ complaints, any incidents leading to the emergency and other details so that the medical personnel can evaluate the patient accordingly.
9. Dorm Supervisor should accompany the medical personnel to the student’s room; especially the male students’ rooms, and stay with the student and nurse.
10. Dorm Supervisor may assist medical personnel in administering CPR or First Aid and for arranging help in calling the ambulance, if required.
11. First Aid will be provided by UHC, and depending on the severity of the accident/illness, the student will be referred to a hospital for further management.

In case of accident /emergency outside campus

1. Dial 999 for Ambulance (dial 06-5512222  Anjad in Sharjah) OR
2. Rush to the nearest Hospital / Clinic.

In case of Infectious Disease

1. Student will have to be isolated - a separate room will be required for this.
2. If possible, arrange to send the student back home.

UHC will advise on the number of days required, to be completely cured from the disease.

J - 5   Health care policy for the Day Care Center

FOR DCC STAFF:

Medical check will be performed to determine health and fitness.  Blood tests, urine/stool analysis, throat swab, fingernails swab tests will be carried out on annual basis - especially for those who handle children/infant's food.
The DCC staff should wear protective masks if suffering from upper respiratory tract infections/ common cold etc., and gloves while handling food.

FOR DCC CHILDREN:

On Admission

1. Medical/Physical Check will be done including checking of Vital signs, 
2. Hearing and visual acuity check will be done .
3. Previous history of illness will be recorded - including birth details, problems if any, congenital anomaly, any special medications, precautions to be taken.
4. Vaccination Chart - due dates for vaccinations - MOH Schedule to be attached.
5. Current use of Medications will be noted
6. Emergency telephone numbers of parents will be noted.
7. Parents' written permission required to treat the child at the UHC, or at the nearest hospital in case of emergencies.
8. Medical Record will be completed
9. The medical file will be kept at the clinic and a summary card will be issued to DCC.

In case of Illness

The child will be treated at the clinic and emergency medication given initially (24-hour dose) for the relief of symptoms.  Subsequently, a prescription for the purchase of medication will be issued and the child will be required to follow-up at the clinic, if necessary.

Major illnesses or complications will be referred to an outside specialist and if required, coordinated by UHC, according to the wish of the parent.

In case of accident /Emergency on campus

1. Call the clinic Reception at Ext:2699 (5152699)  or 050-6357651
2. Arrange to send the child to the clinic immediately, if possible.
3. Inform parents.

A separate sheet giving details on 'When to seek medical help' is attached (see Attachment II).  First Aid will be provided by UHC, and depending on the severity of the accident, the child will be either referred to Government Hospital Emergency or any clinic/ hospital of the parents' choice.
Please note:

1. Emergency transport should be made available at the DCC at all times.
2. Staff should be fully trained in CPR techniques and in administering first aid. The first-aid kit should be fully equipped.  It should be checked frequently and medications used from the kit should be replaced ASAP.  UHC will provide these medications upon request.
3. A list of telephone numbers to call in case of medical emergencies is attached (see Attachment III). 
4. A separate Sheet on 'Safety Check' is attached (see Attachment IV)

In case of accident /Emergency outside campus

1. Dial 999 for Ambulance (dial 5512222 for Anjad in Sharjah) OR
2. Rush to the nearest Hospital / Clinic.
3. Attending DCC Staff should be encouraged to carry the emergency numbers as well as parents' contact numbers at all times.

In case of Infectious Disease

1. Child will have to be isolated - a separate room will be required for this.
2. If possible, arrange to send the child back home.
3. UHC will advise on the number of days required to be completely cured from the disease (Infectivity Period).

Attached is a list of some of the infectious diseases prevalent in the U.A.E. (See Attachment V)

Vaccination Program

1. Children requiring vaccinations should inform and provide UHC with their vaccination schedules. 
2. The required vaccinations will have to be purchased; hence the parents will have to bear the cost of the vaccines.
3. UHC will maintain a Vaccination Card for the children.
4. A standard Recommended Childhood Immunization Chart is attached (see Attachment VI)

Periodic Visits
UHC staff will make periodic visits to the DCC to determine the hygiene conditions, safety, and a general check on the children and will arrange DCC to visit the Clinic in groups.

Attachment II
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
IF THE CHILD SUFFERS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

1. Trauma
2. Bleeding from any site (of the body)
3. Unable to move any part of the body - muscle stiffness
4. Swelling, acchymosis, severe pain
5. Change in behavior
6. Reluctance to feed
7. Continuous crying for no reason
8. Abnormal involuntary movement of any part of the body (fit)
9. Skin rash
10. Diaper rash - redness around genitalia
11. change in bowel motion (loose motions)
12. Paleness
13. Fever
14. Frequent vomiting
15. Abdominal pain, distended abdomen
16. Difficulty in breathing
17. Choking while eating
18. Coughing continuously
19. Abnormal sound during breathing
20. Frequent urination, change in urine color, smell.

Attachment III

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

AUS CLINIC 06-515-2699          (during office hours)
                     050-6357651         (after office hours)

UNIVERSITY CITY AMBULANCE      050-6776844

AMBULANCE    999
HOSPITALS

Attachment IV

HEALTH & SAFETY
Each staff member should be oriented with the following:

1. Emergency first aid procedures,
2. Cardiovascular resuscitation techniques. (CPR)
3. Recognition of childhood illness and indicators of child abuse
4. Fire prevention measures and emergency evacuation plans.
5. Participate in sanitation procedures,
6. Infection control.
7. Special needs and care of children who are ill.

SAFETY CHECK:

1. Emergency phone numbers should be posted near all telephones
2. The facility should be childproofed. The building and grounds should be clean, bright, neat and comfortable and free of obvious physical hazards such as uncovered electric outlets, poisonous substances, peeling paint, or unguarded stairs.
3. The facility's emergency exits should be clearly marked
4. Doors and cupboards should have latches.
5. Stairways should have gates.
6. Smoke detectors/alarms, fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies should be on hand and easily accessible and in working condition.
7. The parking lot and the drop-off and pick-up areas should be clean and safe.
8. Bedding and toys and floors should be washed regularly.
9. Furniture and play equipment should be in safe condition.
10. Heat, light and ventilation should be comfortable.
11. Outdoor Play yard should be safely fenced and supervised.
12. Outdoor equipment should be safe and well maintained with a cushioned surface below to break falls.
13. Toys should be safe, sturdy, nontoxic, in good repair, and age appropriate and kept within a child's reach.
14. Medications, household products. Cleaning supplies, poisons, sharp or dangerous items, stoves, heating appliances, etc. should be stored away from children and out of their reach.

Sanitation

1. Staff should make rigorous efforts at sanitation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
2. They should change diapers promptly rather than on a schedule, wash their hands after diaper changes and before handling food and should disinfect the food-preparation area, diapering area and toilet facilities regularly.
3. There should be a separate, clean, safe diaper area near a sink, well-ventilated sanitary area for diaper change and away from food. 
4. Children's toilets and bathrooms should be clean and safe.
5. Children should easily reach toilet and sink.
6. Hand washing should be encouraged for both children and caregiver after using toilets and before food consumption.

Attachment V

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) and transmitted either directly or indirectly from one infected person to another.  Many diseases are spread by airborne microorganisms through contact or proximity, contaminated food or water or animal or insect carriers. 
Control of infectious diseases includes isolation of infected person, immunization, personal hygiene and stringent public health and sanitation measures.
Given below is a list of some of the common infectious diseases.

1. Chicken pox
2. Influenza
3. Upper respiratory tract infection
4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
5. Measles
6. Rubella
7. Mumps
8. Gastroenteritis/ Dysentery
9. Meningitis
10. Scarlet Fever
11. Whooping cough
12. Diphtheria, etc.

Attachment VI

STANDARD CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

* Other vaccinations can be given according to the wish of the parents and/or if the medical condition requires it.

J- 6  General Medical Services Administration & Instructions to UHC Personnel:
Standing instructions on “how to attend to an emergency call on campus during working hours – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm:

1. Verify the source of the call.  UHC staff, via emergency or clinic line, should take call information from the caller, such as:
• Name
• Age
• Location
• Problem/Condition
2. Report the call immediately to the Charge Nurse.
3. Attend to the call immediately either at the clinic or at the site.
4. The Nurse should carry with her:

a.  Emergency Medical Bag and First-Aid Bag
b.  Wheelchair (if needed)

1. Carry the UHC Emergency mobile phone.  In case the Nurse requires support from the doctors at the Health Center or immediate ambulance escort, call and ask for help.
2. Check the vital signs of the victim.
3. Accompany the patient to the Health Center.
4. Admitting the patient to the Health Center.

a.  The Nurse must not leave the bedside of the patient.
b. The Charge Nurse receives the patient and informs the doctor about the case.
c.  Medical orderly staff prepares the medical file.

1. Checking the vital signs and other routine tests should be done as ordered by the doctor.
2. Call the doctor.

N.B. Further management or change can be made depending on the severity of the case and recommendations of superiors.
Standing instructions on “how to attend an emergency call on campus after working hours, weekends and holidays”.

1. Verify the source of the call.  The on-call  Nurse should take all information from the caller, such as:

1. Name
2. Age
3. Location of house & phone no. or Dorms information
4. Problem/Condition

2. Attending the call immediately.
3. The Nurse should carry with her:

1. Emergency Medical Bag
2. Portable Oxygen Bag
3. Resuscitation bag must be in the on-call car or ambulance

4. Carry the UHC Emergency mobile phone in case the Nurse needs the doctor or ambulance.
5. For students in the dorms, the Dorm Supervisor should accompany the Nurse to the patient’s room.
6. Check the vital signs and assess the patient.
7. Give necessary treatment.
8. Notify the on-call doctor if the condition is serious and requires the doctor’s intervention.
9. Document the patient’s information on the Medical Register located at the dorm supervisor’s office.
10. Document the patient’s information on the On-campus Emergency Calls Register.
11. Report to the Charge Nurse all details about the case and sick/rest granted.
12. Follow-up on the patient’s condition if needed.

N.B. Further management or change in the procedure is to be changed depending on the severity of the case and recommendations of superiors.

Medications

I.  Orders for Medications

1. Written orders or prescriptions permanent legal records that can be referred to when needed, or submitted as evidence in case of litigation.  Except in an emergency, no verbal order should be carried out by the Nurses.
2. No nurse can modify or in any way alter the physician’s order.  An order cannot be disregarded.  If there is reason to think that an error has been made, the Nurse is required to check with the physician and seek clarification.

II. Care of Medications:

1. Some preparations such as medications, vaccines, suppositories, and Insulin are to be kept in the refrigerator of L27.
2. Narcotic and Controlled drugs must be kept in a locked box.  The key is to be kept with the Charge Nurse.  Registration of controlled medicines kept with the doctor.
3. All Medications should be kept under lock and key.  Medications should not be freely accessible to the public.

III. Administration of Medications:

1. For every medication of which the staff  Nurse assumes responsibility of administration, a written and clear order by the doctor must be available on a prescription.
2. Verbal orders given in an emergency should be written out as soon as possible on the same day.
3. Medicines of an order should be prepared, administered and recorded by the same Charge Nurse.
4. All AUS Employees and families registered under Insurance coverage and All Plan I AUS students enrolled with ABNIC, visiting the Health Center when sick must get prescriptions filled and stamped by the doctor at the University Health Center.
5. Plan II AUS students can be prescribed emergency medicines upon the physician’s order, if the prescribed medicines are available at the Health Center.
6. Emergency medication will be prescribed to all patients in need without any discrimination. Such medications include:

    ** Injections, Antipyretics, Painkillers, Bronchodilators, Emergency Cardiac   medications, etc.

1. Exceptions to the above instructions may be allowed in particular circumstances, subject to the doctor’s recommendation.

IV. Administration of IV Medication by Push;

Purpose:    To administer allowed medications through a running IV.
Procedure:  All intravenous medications added in the bottles or given by push should be administered by the Nurse with the exception of the listed medications bellows which to be given solely by the doctor:
  **  Calcium Gluconate, Calcium Chloride, Adrenaline, Atropine, Isuprel, Digoxin, Inderal, Valium, Aminiphylline.

1. If any of the above medicines is given by IV push by the Nurse, a doctor should be available with her and a written order should be recorded.
2. The staff Nurse who is administering such medicines may only do so is she is aware of the Pharmacology and Nursing Considerations involved.

V. Use of “Prescriptions”:
In filling the UHC prescription, the following should be adhered to very strictly:

1. All writing should be clear and legible.
2. No erasing or scratching is allowed on the prescription form or on the continuation form of the patient’s medical file.
3. Names of the patient, physician and Nurse should appear clearly and in full.
4. Prescriptions must be stamped by the examining doctor.

VI. Medications Needed After Working Hours.

1. Each Emergency Medical Bag has a stock of emergency and commonly used medications to be used after working hours.
2. When medication is given to a patient on Campus after working hours, it should be listed on a prescription. Indicating date and time given, name, dose, quantity, and signed by the On-Call Nurse and/or the prescribing doctor.
3. The medical bag should be replenished with the consumed medicines the next day.

VII. Medication Reaction:

Any signs of medication reaction must be immediately reported to the doctor and the medication is to be discontinued.

VIII. Medication Errors:

1. Errors must be immediately reported to the doctor in charge and the Nurse.
2. The  Nurse has the responsibility to follow up on the causes of each medication error and takes the necessary measures to correct faulty procedures.
3. A medication incident form is to be filled by the Nurse responsible for the error and the reasons leading to the error reviewed.  Disciplinary action will be taken according to the type of error committed.

IX. Storage of Medications:

1. The Main Store of Medications is located in L30.  It consists of seven metallic locked compartments.  The key is to be carried on a separate chain by the Charge Nurse.
2. Each medication has a stock card where In & Out stock is to be registered.  This is made for easy control of consumption and auditing.
3. Medications Stock and Value are to be issued on monthly basis by the Charge Nurse, copies are to be forwarded to the Director of the Health Center and ready for the AUS Auditor.
4. Medications are only to be used up to the date printed on the box.
5. Expiry dates should be recorded on the Delivery Notes of medicines in order to keep track for auditing purposes.  Any expired medicines should be recorded on a prescription signed and dated by the Charge Nurse and in witness of other Health Center staff.  The witness should sign simultaneously before discarding the medicine.
6. The Sub Store is in L27. It is one cabinet unit where various medications are issued on weekly basis.
7. Responsibility of Nursing in Respect to Medications:
1. Responsibility of request, main storage.  Accountability and proper dispensing of medicines within the Health Center is delegated to the Charge Nurse.
2. Purchasing orders are made through the Banner System.
3. All purchasing orders or medications must only be approved or disapproved by the Director of the Health Center.
4. The Charge Nurse is responsible for the proper storage of the sub store.
5. Daily counts of medicine consumptions are to be made at the end of each day by the Charge Nurse.
6. All discrepancies, loses or breakages, should be accounted for, via an incident report signed by the Charge Nurse.

EMERGENCY CARE PROCEDURES FOR NURSES:

1. The medical emergency telephone line is to kept open for 24 hours and all calls are to be attended to whether emergency or not.
2. Medical aid is to be given immediately.
3. Register the date/time/name of person calling the emergency number.
4. Register the time of arrival at the dorm or residence/time of calling the ambulance and the time of ambulance arrival.
5. Contact the on-call doctor if special opinion is needed or any help in getting more information.
6. Call the ambulance if immediate hospitalization is required.
7. Accompany the patient in the ambulance, any transfer to hospital must be accompanied by nurse.
8. Follow up on the progress of the patient.  Report the next day should be shown to the medical director.
9. Inform the Dorm Supervisor in case of admission report issued to the VC of Student Affairs.
10. In case of severe emergency more than one nurse might be asked to attend even if she is not on call, since she is residing on campus.

Registration of emergency calls and transfer to hospital for treatment

DURING NIGHT

1. The medical emergency telephone line is to be kept open for 24 hours and all calls are to be attended to whether emergency or not.
2. Medical aid is to be given immediately.
3. Register the date/time/name of person calling the emergency number.
4. Register the time of arrival at the dorm or residence.
5. Call the doctor on call in case of serious illness or further information is needed.
6. Stay with the patient until condition is stabilized.
7. Take the opinion of the doctor if transferred to hospital is required.
8. Accompany the patient in the ambulance.
9. Follow up on the progress of the patient and report the next day.
10. Give information during transfers.  Call hospital if needed before transferring patient.
11. All medication and treatment given should be documented.

DURING DAY

1. Attend to the emergency call
2. Give medical aid immediately
3. The doctors at the clinic will determine the condition of the patient and decide on the transfer to hospital if necessary.
4. Accompany the patient to the hospital
5. Follow up on the progress of the patient
6. Encourage all patients to visit the clinic.
7. In case of a real emergency, send ambulance to the site, if not via Golf cart with ambulance assistance.  Nurse should carry with her the emergency medical bag and telephone.
8. Duties should be distributed equally between nurses and doctors.
9. Compensatory off will be given for those working on AUS official holidays.
10. Nurses on call at night will be allowed to report at 10.00 p.m. the next working day if she received calls after 12 a.m.
11. Doctor would be required to act as cover for the nurse while the nurse is busy attending to emergencies and transferring patients to hospital
12. The nurse on duty the next day will be considered to be 2nd on call and would be expected to cover in case of sickness or absence of the on-call nurse.
13. Doctor may be required to accompany patient during transfer to hospital in case of severe emergency
14. Ambulance should be checked routinely by the on call nurse for emergency supplies and equipment .

Ambulance Transfer from Campus.

1. The ambulance should be stationed on campus and available 24 hours.  It can be used only in case of severe emergency and if immediate hospitalization is required.
2. The ambulance can be called only via the proper channel i.e. through the medical team members.  AUS community members may call the ambulance in case of life-threatening conditions to save time.
3. A nurse should accompany the patient in the ambulance during transfer of patients to hospitals.
4. The doctor may be required to accompany patient during transfer to hospital in case of severe emergency
5. The ambulance should be checked routinely by the on call nurse for emergency supplies and equipment.

Policy for medical check for visas / UAE residency

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorized UHC to perform part of the procedures of medical checks required for the issue of residence visas for employees.  This is to save employees time which on traveling and queuing at the MOH labor clinics.  As per the directive of MOH, UHC will collect blood samples of the employees with the assistance of MOH Charge Nurse and deliver these samples to the MOH clinic.

PROCEDURES

1. HR prepares a list of employees & dependants required to undergo the medical checks
2. Public Affairs department arranges the required documentation in Arabic
3. Make necessary arrangements for blood samples collection, storing and transportation.
4. PR representative to accompany employees to MOH clinic for x-rays

POLICY ON MEDICAL CHECK FOR DRIVING LICENSE

The Traffic Police Dept. has authorized UHC to perform part of the medical check procedures required for the issue of driving licenses for employees.  In coordination with the PR Dept. UHC will accordingly perform vision and blood group tests.

PROCEDURES

1. The PR Dept. will type out the forms in Arabic and prepare the necessary paperwork for the student or employee.