'I'm sure there are a lot of people left hanging. It's a bit shocking'

Families tell of shock at German Medical Centre not paying its employees.

"I was stressed because I was waiting for very time-sensitive test results," said one former patient.

She was one of many to have visited the medical centre over the past week to pick up their files, and one of many who, temporarily or otherwise, found themselves left in the lurch as a result of the continuing issues.

"Since I hadn't heard back, I was afraid that I was going to have to try to contact the lab directly or get the doctor to intervene," she said.

"The clinic finally called me back and I went in to pick up the results - I'm just grateful that there was someone there who was concerned enough to get back to me.

"It's a testament to the integrity of the people who are still working there for free."

For another family who have been with the centre for more than two years, the news came as a shock.

"I had no idea; for me, it was a complete surprise," said Christina, from Germany.

"Health care is something that is, well, shall we say, rather a mixed bag in Abu Dhabi and so once you do find somebody you trust, in terms of their medical education and standards, obviously, you're quite happy."

Although the family do not know where their doctors have moved on to, the plan is to try to track them down.

If that is not successful, they will rely on word of mouth to find a new family doctor, said the mother of two.

The family has not required medical attention and didn't get it, said Christina, but she added that many patients will have been affected.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people left hanging. It's a bit shocking."