Radisson Hotel (formerly Sheraton Utama Hotel Brunei)

RADISSON Hotel Brunei Darussalam will begin operations today as  it  takes over the property formerly occupied by Sheraton Utama Hotel in the heart of the capital. 

At the stroke of midnight, signages were replaced and upgrades,  which involve major  refurbishment works to the rooms and some minor  work on the lobby and back-of-the-house facilities, were set to be put in motion. 

Sheraton will be leaving Brunei after 29 years in the market. 

Stephen Ong,  managing director of Hotel Associates Sdn Bhd, said  in an e-mail   the Bruneian investment holding firm which owns the hotel is looking forward to commencing a new chapter in the hotel's history. 

"With our tie-up with Carlson Hotels Worldwide under the brand Radisson, we are confident the new management will bring fresh ideas and initiatives in ensuring that hospitality standards be maintained at a high level," he said.

Still, he added, "It was a sad moment for all of us as it is the end of a long chapter."  

US hotel group Carlson Hotels announced  on February 26,  it will be venturing into Brunei, taking over the 142-room hotel property  which was previously managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts under the Sheraton brand name.

In a previous statement, Ong  touted  the investment holding firm's partnership with Carlson Hotels, noting  the strength of the Radisson brand globally will be the key in building the future success of the property. 

"This will be a contemporary, international full-service hotel offering all the upscale amenities and services desired by today's business travellers."

Ong  earlier said  the move is just a change in management. 

"We have had an excellent relationship with Starwood and Sheraton for the last 29 years (the hotel opened in 1981) and it's a mutual parting of ways. In recent years there is a misalignment of interest as to how we can develop this hotel further in terms of upgrading. So, we think it is more in our interest to move on with Carlson under the Radisson brand," he said. 

In connection with the rebranding that will take place today, Ong said they have in mind an upgrading programme over a period of 24 months. 

"The hotel will be of equivalent standard. We expect to maintain a high standard of service, just with a different image. We don't foresee this to change our star rating as Radisson is very strong in America, Europe, China, India and in this region, the Philippines and Thailand. It is definitely an international class brand," he added. 

Ong also said that room rates are expected to remain similar.

 Carlson Hotels is a leading global hotel company with more than 1,060 locations in 77 countries. Its brands include Regent, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inns & Suites and Park Inn.

Radisson Brunei
PO Box 2203, Jalan Tasek, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8211, 
Negara Brunei Darussalam, BS8674.

 The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2010/05/01/sheraton-has-officially-left-brunei-radisson-checks

Hospitals in Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Hospitals

This is a list of hospitals in Brunei Darussalam :

Brunei Public Hospitals

• Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, or RIPAS Hospital

BRIEF ON R.I.P.A.S. HOSPITAL, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM The main referral hospital in the country is Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (R.I.P.A.S) Hospital, which is situated on a 42-acre site about 0.8 km from the heart of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The hospital was officially opened on 28 August 1984 and is equipped with modern, cutting-edge medical technology. For Bruneian patients who require specialised treatment not provided in the country, they are sent abroad. In 2005, R.I.P.A.S. Hospital has:

Original number of bed is 523 which have been extended due to introduction of new services. 6 main blocks – Ward blocks, the Specialist Clinics block, the Plant & Engineering block, the Outpatients & State Lab block, Sports Complex and Transport Complex with jetty and helipad facilities.3498 employees

The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) is the national hospital of Brunei. Designed by Alistair MacDonald and Partners (UK) it was officially opened on 28 August 1984.

It is located on a 42-acre (17 ha) site about 0.8 km from the heart of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The hospital has more than 600 beds and offers a wide range of services to the indigenous population. Healthcare in the public sector is free for Bruneians and foreign government workers.

Presently there is only one undergraduate medical school in Brunei but the government wishes to develop a formal medical training for students. The Institute of Medicine of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam was established on September 2000 and may in time grow into a full medical school. In the meantime the medical staff either have to come in from overseas, or locals have to travel abroad to receive a formal medical education.

As of 2007, the senior medical staff of RIPAS hospital are mostly trained from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The hospital also trains medical students from the University of Queensland, Australia.

Currently the hospital is not participating in any international healthcare accreditation scheme.

• Suri Seri Begawan Hospital (SSB)

The Suri Seri Begawan Hospital is Located in Kuala Belait, 107 km from the capital. With 183 beds, it is the second largest hospital in country and serves the people of Belait District. It was established in 1972 and is currently undergoing a multi million dollar programme of phased renovation which will give it facilities comparable to the best in the region.

Phase I of the project has been completed as has seen the commissioning of a modern Operation Theatre Suite and 16 private rooms. The new Out-patient and Casualty section has facilities including minor operation theatre for managing acute trauma patients as well as other emergencies requiring immediate resuscitation.

The Hospital also provides specialist services in: Internal medicine General surgery Pediatrics Obstetrics and gynaecology Ophthalmology Oral and maxillo-facial surgery Anaesthesia Dentistry Ear, nose and throat Dermatology Psychiatry Intensive care unit Special care baby unit Physiotherapy Occupational therapy; and Other support services Renal The clinical specialties are supported by a team of well qualified pharmacists. Investigative services include: A modern clinical laboratory Blood bank and Radiologist services These are facilities for: Non-invasive cardiac assessment; and Gastrointestinal endoscopy

• Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam (PIHM Hospital)

The Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital in Bangar, Temburong District, opened in 1987. This 50-bed hospital is staffed with medical officers and dental officers who provide:

Medical

Pediatric

Obstetrics and gynecological; and

Dental services

• Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Tutong Hospital (PMMPMHAMB Hospital)

The new hospital in Tutong Districts opened to the public in 1997. The hospital has 138 beds and is well equipped with high-technology medical equipment.
The comprehensive services comprise of:

A large outpatient department

Accident and emergency

Pediatrics

Obstetrics and gynecology

Physiotherapy

Psychiatry

General surgery

Dental

Pharmacy

Ear, nose and throat clinic

Eye clinic physiotherapy

Occupational therapy; and

Inpatient wards (medical, pediatric, surgical & maternity)

Other facilities provided include a surau, canteen, engineering workshop, kitchen, administration office and a conference room.

http://www.moh.gov.bn/ 

Brunei Private Hospitals

• Jerudong Park Medical Centre 
• Gleneagles JPMC Cardiac Centre

      

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) is a private specialist hospital in Brunei Darussalam. Situated in the scenic Jerudong Park area, located along the shores of the South China Sea.  JPMC offers a spectrum of services catering to your family and organizational needs which includes general, specialized and surgical healthcare services.  These services are provided by our highly qualified and committed multi disciplinary medical team utilizing state-of-the-art technology.

At JPMC, we take pride in looking after your health and your well being.  We believe in providing quality healthcare services to all our patients.

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) is the major Private Specialist Hospital in Brunei Darussalam.

The Centre is situated within the famous Jerudong Park area, and is located on the shores of the South China Sea with patient rooms facing an expanse of beautiful, private beaches.

The hospital offers comprehensive outpatient care as well as extensive inpatient services, and within the organisation is an excellent heart centre, Gleneagles JPMC Cardiac Centre, run jointly with Parkway Holdings of Singapore.

In 2002, the Brunei government was looking at establishing a cardiac center in Brunei, because of the increasing numbers of patients that were sent overseas to Kuala Lumpur or to Singapore for cardiac treatment.. At the same time, Gleneagles International was also looking to expand in the region. It partnered with the Brunei government for this project. 

The CEO is the hospital is Dr. Peter Tay. Hospital employs over 120 staff, over 60 per cent of whom are Bruneians.

Currently the standards of the hospital have not been verified, as it is not participating in any international healthcare accreditation scheme.

Jerudong Park BG 3122
Brunei Darussalam

Phone: +673 2 611433
Fax: +673 2 612461

Emergency: +673 2 612612 / +673 7 172172

Email: feedback@jpmc.com.bn

http://www.jpmc.com.bn/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hospitals_in_Brunei