CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Two vital facilities to strengthen patient safety, infection prevention, and uninterrupted life-saving care were recently inaugurated at the DOH–Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital here.
The Reprocessing Unit for Medical Devices ensures that every instrument used in patient care undergoes a rigorous and carefully controlled sterilization process.
After each procedure, instruments are transported through designated routes in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination. They then undergo meticulous cleaning using a combination of manual washing, ultrasonic technology, and automated washer-disinfectors. Each instrument is inspected, arranged, and packaged with chemical indicators before undergoing advanced sterilization systems that eliminate all microorganisms.
Strict quality control measures—including ultrasonic testing, washer verification, Bowie-Dick testing, and biological indicators—ensure that every stage of the process meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. The facility is also designed with unidirectional workflow, controlled air pressure systems, and
process meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. The facility is also designed with unidirectional workflow, controlled air pressure systems, and specialized sterilization equipment to maintain a clear barrier between contaminated and sterile zones.
Complementing this advancement in infection control is the Medical Oxygen Generating Plant, a critical facility that ensures a continuous and reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen for patient care. Which can produce oxygen with up to 99.5% purity, generating the equivalent of 400 to 500 cylinders per day to support the hospital’s operational needs.
The oxygen produced is directly connected to the hospital’s central medical gas pipeline system, supplying wards, intensive care units, operating rooms, and emergency departments. In addition, the facility includes an in-house cylinder refilling system that improves emergency preparedness, reduces operational costs, and minimizes dependence on external suppliers.
According to chief of hospital Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, these developments continue to strengthen DOH-JBLMGH’s capacity to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality healthcare—upholding its promise to provide Serbisyong may Lingap, Husay, at Malasakit for every patient and community it serves. DOH-JBLMGH
