The eagerly anticipated New Turrialba Hospital, also known as the William Allen Hospital, has started its operations in Costa Rica. The first patients were admitted on the morning of August 2nd, marking the beginning of a new era in local healthcare.
Initial Transfers to the New Hospital
The transfer process commenced at 6 a.m. and was conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. The first patients to be moved were those from the Emergency service, including individuals in the observation, nebulization, and injectable areas.
Patient Transfers Across Specialties
The admission of patients continued across a range of departments such as maternity, gynecology, pediatrics, neonatology, internal medicine, surgery, and isolation units. Notably, even newborns snug in their incubators were safely transported to the new facility.
Logistics of the Patient Transfer
To ensure smooth logistics, the hospital’s own ambulances, supported by additional ambulances from Coronado and Goicoechea, were used for the transfer. Furthermore, three buses were also utilized. Impressively, the entire transfer process was completed within 6 hours.
Rescheduling of Surgeries
With approximately 100 patients requiring transfer, several surgeries that were initially scheduled for August 3rd had to be postponed. However, these will be rescheduled at the earliest convenience to ensure patients receive timely treatment.
Becoming Fully Operational
By August 7, the New Turrialba Hospital is expected to be fully operational. It is equipped with 233 hospital beds, 28 consulting rooms, 13 procedure rooms, four operating rooms, and two delivery rooms. The hospital will also boast 22 medical specialties, serviced by a team of 45 specialists.
A Significant Investment in Healthcare
The development of this new medical facility represents a significant investment in Costa Rica’s healthcare infrastructure, with the project costing approximately ¢50,000 million.
The New Turrialba Hospital promises to provide a comprehensive range of services to the local community, enhancing the region’s healthcare delivery and offering a comfortable environment for both patients and medical professionals.
