Renovation of the ICU of the Santiago University Hospital Complex

The University Hospital Complex of Santiago (UHCS) is the reference hospital in Santiago de Compostela, which serves the entire population of the city and offers a wide range of medical specialities. 

In 2021, work began on the refurbishment of the ICU, a very sensitive space which, during the pandemic, kept its intensive care activity to the maximum, both for Covid and non-Covid patients.  

The new ICU consists of a total of 10 spaces, in which glass hermetic doors were installed separated with electro-polarised glass partitions. These new rooms are spacious, individual and independent, providing greater privacy for the people admitted than the old ICU facilities.  

The glass hermetic doors allow the patient to be seen from the outside, so that the patient's condition can be monitored at all times, without the need to disturb them by entering and exiting the room. It can be opened using a touchless switch, without having to touch the door, or by means of an elbow push button if your hands are busy and you cannot get close to the sensor.  

Screens with electro-polarised glass not only allow to separate the different rooms, but also preserve the privacy of both patients and relatives.  

Humanisation of Spaces 

The refurbishment has led not only to improvements in terms of health care by enlarging the space in the ICU, but also in terms of infrastructure for the work of the healthcare professionals.  

Until then, patients were isolated from their families and visits were short, but thanks to the new rooms, all of which are closed, a more "humanised" and "pleasant" environment has been created. Patients can receive their relatives for a longer period of time and accompany them for as long as necessary, a restorative measure for both patients and accompanying persons.