Hospital extension on the way

THE CONTRACT to build a new surgery block for Elche general hospital has been put out to tender by the regional government with a budget of over €12.4 million.

The work, which will start towards the end of this year and is expected to conclude in mid-2023, will create 13 new operating theatres by remodelling the existing eight and adding five more.

Mayor Carlos González said it is very good news and thanked the regional government for keeping its promise to improve the hospital. Regional health councillor Ana Barceló said this is a large scale project that will enable the hospital to provide better quality care and increase its capacity.

During the construction period, activity will continue in the current surgical block before being moved into the new one when it is ready so that the old facilities can be used for other purposes to offer more care services, she explained.

One of the unique aspects of the project is that part is being built on the roof of one of the hospital buildings because there was not enough space available on the plot of land.

There will also be two elevated floors that are independent of the north block of the hospital.

The new block will have two floors, with the first floor containing the 13 operating theatres (one of them hybrid), a post anaesthesia recovery unit (with 20 booths for adults and two for children), and areas for surgical and logistical support, and for staff.

The second floor will only be partially occupied at first, with changing rooms, meeting halls, offices and lounges, etc. There will also be an elevated walkway to connect the buildings and the affected land will all be redeveloped.

The project has placed special emphasis on requiring that the building fits in with the landscape of the surrounding 'Palmeral' palm tree plantations.