Health Department promotes the modernization of the old Bayamón Regional Hospital

Patients of HURRA now have an additional guarantee of medical excellence after obtaining Joint Commission accreditation, an international recognition that certifies the highest standards of quality and safety in health care.

By The Star Staff

With an investment of more than $21 million, the Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital (HURRA in Spanish) has significantly transformed its medical services and infrastructure, consolidating itself as a modern and efficient health center at the service of the community.

These improvements seek to meet the current needs of patients and position the hospital as a model of cutting-edge medical care in Puerto Rico.

Among the most notable advances is the acquisition of new high-precision medical equipment, such as a modern CT Scan, a 1.5 tesla MRI, and state-of-the-art X-ray systems. These investments strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capacity, reducing waiting times and improving precision in the care of critical cases. Likewise, HURRA has expanded its medical team by hiring more than 40 radiologists and six specialized surgeons, who now offer outpatient services in external clinics. These changes ensure broader and faster access to surgical and diagnostic care.

To ensure operational continuity during emergencies, the hospital has implemented a robust energy infrastructure that includes three 2.5-megawatt generators with the capacity to power 100% of the institution for five consecutive days. In addition, it has internal and external fuel tanks that ensure a long-term reserve. These measures make HURRA a resilient center that is prepared to face adverse events and emergencies without interruption of services.

HURRA has also renovated its clinical areas with strategic investments to improve the patient experience and staff safety. With an investment of $444,000, the hospital now has the largest hospital isolation area in Puerto Rico, designed to safely handle cases that require a controlled environment. Some 11 PYXIS advanced medication dispensing systems were purchased and the pharmacy clean room was completely renovated, with an investment of more than $1 million, improving safety and efficiency in medication management.

In addition, this modernization includes the installation of ramps for people with functional diversity and LED lighting in parking lots, creating an accessible and safe environment for all visitors and patients.

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López highlighted the positive impact of these improvements.

“We want HURRA to not only meet current standards but to establish a new parameter of excellence in medical care in Puerto Rico. The improvements in infrastructure and services reflect our effort to maintain a health space that responds to the needs of our community and is prepared for emergency situations,” he said.

The ultimate goal of these investments and projects is to restore the Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital to the prestige it has enjoyed since it opened in 1975. With these improvements, the hospital not only strengthens its operational capacity but also improves the quality of medical care, positioning itself as a model of resilience and excellence in health. “The transformation of HURRA into a resilient and cutting-edge hospital is the result of the joint effort of a team committed to excellence,” concluded Mellado.

Patients of the Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau Hospital (HURRA) now have an additional guarantee of medical excellence after obtaining Joint Commission accreditation, an international recognition that certifies the highest standards of quality and safety in health care.

This achievement not only validates the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement but also ensures its participation in the Medicare program, which guarantees essential services for thousands of patients in Puerto Rico.

“The Joint Commission accreditation is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to quality and safety in medical care. This achievement validates the constant efforts to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of the hospital,” said Mellado López.

The inspection carried out by the accrediting entity included administrative aspects, infection control, physical environment and surgical services. The results confirmed that HURRA is up to the highest international standards, consolidating itself as a pillar of excellence in medical care in Puerto Rico.

Yesarel Y. Pesante Sánchez, executive director of the hospital, emphasized the impact of this recognition: “The accreditation represents a significant endorsement of the tireless work of our clinical and administrative team. We will continue to strive to consolidate HURRA as a trusted and excellent health center for our community.”