December 1, 2023, the very day of his inauguration, the 8th University President, Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro, Jr., hit the ground running, attending a meeting with the Board of Trustees and inking contracts for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Hospital and University facilities. These future improvements were the result of the work of the Transition Management Team headed by the BOT Chairman, Atty. Juanito R. Carlos, Jr. who also served as the University’s Officer-in-Charge.Aside from creating a positive image and instilling confidence in WUP stakeholders, this manifested the Board of Trustees and Dr. Alvaro’s serious commitment to ensuring that WUP facilities comply with safety and building codes as these would guarantee a safer environment for the employees and clients.

WUP HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM CONSTRUCTION

The existing Emergency Room of the WUP Hospital was constructed in 2007. It had three regular beds and one minor surgery bed.

“There has been a steady increase in hospital census since September. The new ER will be able to cater to more emergency cases and improve its capability for minor surgical cases. It will also boost WUP Hospital’s capacity to handle emergency cases suspected of highly contagious diseases as the new ER will have an isolation area,” Mr. John Caezar Sabas, Hospital Administrator.

By January 2023, the construction of the new ER would begin. It would have seven (7) beds: three (3) regular ER beds, 2 beds for patients under observation, one (1) isolation bed, and one (1) minor surgery bed.

Mr. Sabas added that once the new ER is operational, the Administration will push the renovation of the Hospital Ground Floor to locate the ancillary services (laboratory testing, radiology, physical therapy, etc.) adjacent to the emergency room.

This plan would enhance the emergency response by enabling rapid assessment and diagnosis for a faster initiation of appropriate treatment. Additionally, this would optimize patient flow and lessen the stress, anxiety, or additional trauma both among patients and their families, particularly in critical situations.

REHABILITATION AND UPGRADING OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

In compliance with government regulations concerning water quality and general effluent standards (DENR AO No. 2016-08) and the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275), the University Administration would rehabilitate and upgrade its hospital sewage treatment plant. The sewage treatment plant would play a crucial role in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases by treating potentially infectious medical waste and preventing the contamination of water sources, such as groundwater. The DENR Administrative Order stated that “discharges from any point source shall, at all times, meet the effluent standards to maintain the required water quality per classification.” This directive aimed to preserve the quality of all water bodies, preventing and decreasing pollution and contamination.

SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

As part of the Administration’s commitment to providing a secure and accessible environment at the WUP Hospital, two units of elevators would be modernized. These elevators would enhance vertical mobility for patients and staff and contribute to the overall efficiency of hospital operations. Improved accessibility would ensure timely and effective medical care, especially in emergencies. In addition, a fire detection alarm system would be installed at the Hospital and Gloria D. Lacson Bldg. (Administration Building). This system would provide early detection of potential fire hazards. The timely identification of fire risks would enhance the safety of occupants and minimize potential damage, injuries, or loss of life.