King Khalid National Guard Hospital

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

   GENERAL INFORMATION

Situated approximately 30 km south of Jeddah and 55 km from Makkah, the National Guard King Khalid Hospital is a 550 bed modern facility providing hospital and health care services to Saudi Arabian National Guard soldiers and their dependents.

The Hospital is one of the most modern facilities in Jeddah, delivering a high standard of patient care in the following areas:

• General Surgery and Urology
• Internal Medicine
• Paediatrics, NICU, PICU, SCBU
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Ophthalmology
• ENT
• Orthopaedics
• ICU, CCU
• Continuing Care
• Renal Dialysis
• Oral Surgery

Working Hours

Staff are required to work 48 hours per week exclusive of lunch breaks. The normal core of working hours is 08:00-18:00 Saturday-Tuesday and 08:00-17:00 Wednesday. Ward staff work a 12 hour shift pattern rotating days and nights either 07:00-19:00 or 19:00-07:00 with 3 days off per week and 2 weekends off per month. Saudi Arabian weekends are Thursday and Friday.

Uniforms

Uniforms are provided on arrival. Uniforms consist of white trousers and tunic top for females, and white trousers and a jacket for males. Duty shoes are not provided and should be purchased by the employee. These are readily available from any of the souqs in Jeddah. However, if you have a preference for a particular brand of duty shoe it is advisable to bring a supply from home.

Security

As the hospital is a military facility, security is an important consideration. All staff and dependents are issued with an I.D. badge which must be carried at all times and produced on request. Security staff are also empowered to enforce the rules and regulations of the hospital and of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dress Code

Islamic culture requires that all staff conform to modest dress standards. For females this means loose fitting clothes that cover the arms and legs and for males this means avoiding shorts in public places, long hair and jewelry. Female staff are requested to wear an abaya (a loose fitting black wrapover available in Kingdom) when attending the hospital out of uniform and in public places.

Jeddah is hot and humid all year with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months of June, July and August. It is recommended that you bring clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable attire at private beach complexes, at the pool side and within sports facilities. Staff are reminded, however, that appropriate clothing should be worn when traveling to and from the facility. Although dress at most functions is casual, it is advisable to bring a supply of evening wear with you as there will be occasions when you will want to dress formally.

The financial rewards of working in a country with no taxation whatsoever are well known and the advantages of free accommodation and utilities should be acknowledged.

Working in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will permit rare insight into the customs, culture and traditions of a very private, very conservative people.

Lifestyle restrictions are mitigated by the comfort of living in a safe, stable environment where crime is rare and offenders brought to swift and sure justice.

All new staff will be given full orientation to the hospital and the culture and will have the opportunity to attend a basic Arabic Language course.

Working in The Kingdom will prove to be an unforgettable experience where new friends are made and new challenges met. We look forward to having you with us.

  RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Apart from the facilities available at both the on and off site accommodations there are numerous recreational activities available in Jeddah with something to meet all tastes.

They include participation in choral recitations and operatics with groups such as Hejaz Chorus and the Jeddah Light Operatics Society.

Organized camping trips to local scenic areas and places of interest take place at regular intervals and it is possible to join others from the hospital on short trips to neighbouring countries such as Egypt, Yemen and Jordan.

Various cultural events such as operatic evenings, jazz evenings, and piano recitals take place in Embassies and Consulates throughout Jeddah and a country and western square dance group get together each week for an evening of fun.

Runners can pit their skills against others at Jeddah Hash Harriers. The Rugby Club and Diving Club provide recreational diversion for many people. Water sports such as snorkeling, swimming and windsurfing are enjoyed at the many beach resorts. The Red Sea has one of the best coral reefs in the world and the hospital has access to a private beach complex.

While living in Jeddah interested parties will discover opportunities to develop skills at private classes teaching a range of subjects including languages, horse riding and musical instruments.

Jeddah probably enjoys the best shopping facilities in The Kingdom. There are numerous well stocked, western style, supermarkets, ultra modern, air conditioned shopping malls and dozens of traditional local markets with an atmosphere all their own. Good buys include gold, watches, carpets and electrical goods.

The absence of taxation in any shape or form renders prices extremely competitive but check your own customs and excise regulations concerning importing goods purchased overseas before making any commitments.

Whatever your hobbies and interests, Jeddah will provide you with numerous opportunities for an enjoyable leisure time.

   HOUSING

Some photos of typical housing

Medical City

The City covers approximately one square mile set against a background of low desert hills. It is entered through a security gate. This first class accommodation is in apartment blocks of one, two or three bedrooms and is within easy walking distance of the hospital. All hard and soft furnishings are provided free of charge including washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer and all kitchen utensils.

Female staff, other than those of very senior grade, will be required to share two bedroom accommodation with another female in a segregated female block. In keeping with the traditions and values of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is forbidden for single males and females to mix freely in single accommodation.

Medical City facilities include an Olympic size swimming pool and sundeck areas, tennis courts, gymnasium and indoor games room. A new basketball court and health club were recently completed.

A restaurant providing hot and cold snacks from 10:00 until 21:00. Take-out service is available. A supermarket, library and hairdressing salon are also provided. There is also a petrol station.

Medical City accommodation incorporates a motel where on call staff living off site are housed.

For children of eligible staff there is child care for pre-school infants as well as a primary school providing a British based education system.

Al Aoun Village

Al Aoun Village is comprised of three bedroom detached and attached villas where mainly accompanied status housing and single male housing is located. In addition to the villas there are three and one bedroom bungalows. You will have complete comfort and privacy like your own home.

Al Aoun Village offers 24 hours security to maintain peaceful and secure surroundings. The facilities offer exemplary services, spacious gardens and beautiful landscaping, swimming pools, modern fitness and recreation center, gymnasium, satellite TV, and a spacious parking area.