UST Hospital chief Fr. Julius Paul Factora, O.P. discussed major developments and initiatives during the State of the Hospital Address marking the hospital’s 80th anniversary on March 6.
Despite budget deficits during the Covid-19 pandemic, Factora said the hospital continued to thrive because of its resilience and “puso” (heart).
“We lost friends, we lost colleagues, we lost confidence, we lost certainty, and yet here we are. So if you’re going to ask me how we survived, I will not start by numbers or by buildings or by equipment. I will start with one word, puso,” Factora said.
Factora outlined a number of accomplishments.
The catheterization laboratory is operational and working toward “enticing more patients” and referrals from doctors, he said.
After a pilot implementation, the Radiology Information System-Picture Archiving and Communication System, which provides secure and real-time access to imaging records and diagnostic results, has been greenlit for operation.
In a “first-of-its-kind” move among Philippine private hospitals, UST Hospital nurses will receive the Philippine Nurses Retention Incentive by April 2026, Factora said.
Hospital interns and fellows will receive monthly stipends by June, and residents are given double their previous allowances, he said.
Planning for improvements to the emergency room complex facilities started in March, while formal construction is slated in the latter part of April, he said.
Factora said UST Hospital had become one of the “leading cancer referral institutes in the country.”
The hospital has implemented electronic queuing systems, quick response-based feedback systems, electronic portals for hospital employees, and an automated laboratory and radiology information system, he said.
Prof. Charito Malong-Conscolacion, the medical director, said the hospital was working toward improving the “Alaga at Tulong Tomasino” program.
It provides free medical check-ups and other services to the general public and is done in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, and Philhealth’s “Yaman ng Kalusugan” program.
“Our Thomasian identity is what truly sets us apart… ensuring that the Thomasian heart beats strongest for those who are financially challenged,” Malong-Conscolacion said in her remarks.
The “Lingkod” awards also took place, recognizing the efforts and loyalty of doctors, medical workers, and staff.
The following special awards were given to hospital units:
Best in Audit Compliance to ISO standards – Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Best in Infection Control Audit – Department of Clinical Pathology
Excellence in People Centered Care – San Pedro ward (1st place), San Alberto ward (2nd place), and Surgical ward complex (3rd place).
With the theme “USTH: UST Heart. A tradition of service and legacy of healing,” the celebration was held at the Dr. Roberto Sy Grand Ballroom, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes O.P. Building.
