Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Opens “Wanna Read” Section for Sheikh Khalifa Medical City BSP Unit

Dedicated Section in Behavioural Science Pavilion Will Provide Books for Children to Complement Rehabilitation Process Through Educational Enrichment

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan officially opened a dedicated area in the pediatric clinic at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) today, in support of the “Wanna Read?” initiative.

The new area will provide a colourful and dedicated environment for children, full of books and games, designed to give children a pleasant environment to recover in during their clinic visit.

SKMC, managed by Cleveland Clinic, aims to provide the highest level of medical care for patients; the “Wanna Read?” initiative complements this high standard of care by supporting the patients’ rehabilitation process through educational enrichment.

Sheikha Shamma stated: “I am passionate about The “Wanna Read?” initiative and grateful to SKMC and SEHA for their continued support. I hope to encourage members of our community and corporate partners to join us, and share their time, skills and energy to support our work.”

The ‘Wanna Read?’ initiative, led by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma, helps children in hospitals recovery by giving them a pleasant environment, with the “Wanna Read?” team designing dedicated areas, creating a colorful environment full of books and other stimuli to entertain children and encourage learning through reading.

Sheikha Shamma shared her experience at today’s event; “I was touched to see the children playing and enjoying the “Wanna Read?” room today. I was moved to hear from a mother of how she benefitted from her child having an area to read and play in the hospital.”

Last year, SKMC opened a section in the pediatric ward as part of the ‘Wanna Read?’ initiative under the direction of Her Highness.

Salama Al Haj, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Operations, SKMC, said: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration with the ‘Wanna Read?’ initiative at the BSP pediatric clinic. Under the direction of Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, this initiative enhances the patient experience by delivering learning experience while waiting to be treated.  The “Wanna Read?’ initiative compliments our mission of striving to provide outstanding and compassionate care and service, every step along the way.”
SKMC, managed by Cleveland Clinic, is part of the SEHA HealthSystem and owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.