Vilvoorde Hospital, officially known as A.Z. Jan Portaels, is a renowned healthcare institution located in Vilvoorde, Belgium. The hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and services to the community, with a focus on patient-centered care, innovation, and excellence.

Mission: Our mission is to deliver exceptional healthcare services that meet the diverse needs of our patients. We strive to create a safe, compassionate, and healing environment, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.

Vision: We envision a future where A.Z. Jan Portaels is recognized as a leading healthcare provider in the region, known for its cutting-edge medical practices, advanced technology, and highly skilled healthcare professionals. Our goal is to continuously improve our services and exceed the expectations of our patients and their families.

Core Values:

• Compassion: We treat every patient with empathy, kindness, and respect.
• Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions.
• Excellence: We are committed to providing the highest quality of care through continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaboration: We work as a team, valuing the contributions of each member to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and technologies to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Below are the key specialized services offered by the hospital:

1. Cardiology

   • Diagnostic and interventional cardiology
   • Cardiac rehabilitation
   • Electrophysiology

2. Oncology

   • Medical oncology
   • Radiation therapy
   • Hematology and blood disorders

3. Orthopedics

   • Joint replacement surgeries
   • Arthroscopic surgeries
   • Sports medicine

4. Neurology and Neurosurgery

   • Diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders
   • Neurosurgical interventions
   • Stroke management and rehabilitation

5. Gastroenterology

   • Endoscopic procedures
   • Liver diseases
   • Gastrointestinal surgeries

6. Pulmonology

   • Respiratory function testing
   • Treatment of chronic respiratory diseases
   • Pulmonary rehabilitation

7. Gynecology and Obstetrics

   • Prenatal and postnatal care
   • High-risk pregnancy management
   • Gynecological surgeries

8. Pediatrics

   • Neonatal care
   • Pediatric intensive care
   • General pediatrics

9. Urology

   • Minimally invasive urological procedures
   • Treatment of kidney stones
   • Prostate care

10. Dermatology

    • Skin cancer treatment
    • Cosmetic dermatology
    • Treatment of chronic skin conditions

AZ Jan Portaels is committed to providing high-quality and safe healthcare services. The hospital has implemented a comprehensive quality and safety plan that includes regular internal and external audits, quality measurements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

1. International Quality Label: In 2017, AZ Jan Portaels obtained the NIAZ-Qmentum quality label from Qualicor Europe, achieving a score of 97%. This label guarantees a high standard of care and safety for patients​.

2. Quality Measurements and Indicators: The hospital participates in the Flemish Institute for Quality of Care (VIKZ) project, which includes monitoring various domains such as oncology, patient experience, medication safety, hand hygiene, and patient identification. These indicators are regularly updated and displayed on quality boards throughout the hospital​.

3. Quality Improvement Initiatives: AZ Jan Portaels follows LEAN management principles to enhance efficiency and care quality. Monthly improvement actions are defined and monitored by departmental staff, focusing on critical areas like patient identification and pressure ulcer prevention​​.

4. External Inspections: The hospital undergoes regular inspections by the Care Inspectorate, which evaluates care pathways for surgical and internal medicine patients. These inspections ensure compliance with high standards of care and identify areas for improvement​​.

Overall, AZ Jan Portaels demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining and improving the quality and safety of its healthcare services, ensuring the best possible outcomes for its patients.

The strategic direction and purpose of AZ Jan Portaels revolve around providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services to the residents of the Vilvoorde region. The hospital's mission includes a commitment to patient-centered care, continuous improvement in quality and safety, and fostering a strong, supportive environment for both patients and staff.

AZ Jan Portaels places a significant emphasis on quality management, utilizing LEAN-management principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. The hospital has been recognized for its robust quality and safety plans, which are continuously monitored and improved upon through regular quality measurements and incident reporting systems. This dedication to quality is further highlighted by their recent accreditation by Qualicor, which acknowledged their exceptional training and performance policies within their HR department.

The hospital's leadership team plays a crucial role in steering its strategic direction. Under the guidance of General Director Sarah Stroo, who has been instrumental in building a dynamic HR team, the hospital focuses on contemporary HR policies that cover learning and development, workplace well-being, recruitment, and career development. Additionally, Dr. Véronique Fabré, the Chief Medical Officer, and Koen Verbruggen, the Director of Finance and IT, bring extensive experience and expertise to the hospital's management, ensuring the integration of advanced medical practices and efficient administrative processes.

Overall, AZ Jan Portaels aims to be a leading regional hospital by continuously enhancing its healthcare services, embracing innovation, and maintaining a patient-centric approach.

A.Z. Jan Portaels has been recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to future-oriented healthcare. One of the significant acknowledgments includes being selected for the Flemish Government's "Hospital of the Future" project. This initiative focuses on developing a sustainable, agile, and cost-effective health facility. The hospital's plans align with the Flemish Government's vision, emphasizing preventive care, integrated healthcare, and a shift from traditional inpatient admissions to day clinic admissions​​.

Additionally, the hospital's commitment to sustainability and advanced healthcare infrastructure has been recognized through substantial investments by the Flemish Government. The construction of the new "health house" on the CAT site in Vilvoorde exemplifies this, aiming for an energy-neutral building and integrating modern technologies like digitization and robotization to enhance care delivery​​.