AZ Sint-Maarten is a modern healthcare facility located in Mechelen, Belgium. The hospital was established by merging three existing hospitals to improve service delivery, logistics, and overall functionality. This consolidation aimed to create a more efficient and comfortable environment for patients, offering a range of medical services in a state-of-the-art facility.

The new AZ Sint-Maarten campus, operational since the end of 2018, includes 654 beds and 96 day-care places. It also features a polyclinic for specialist consultations and outpatient treatments. The hospital adheres to high energy standards, aligning with sustainability goals and innovation in healthcare infrastructure.

AZ Sint-Maarten’s mission focuses on providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The hospital emphasizes innovation, quality, and sustainability in its operations, aiming to deliver the best healthcare services while maintaining financial stability and reducing costs. This is supported by substantial investments, including a significant loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which financed nearly 50% of the project cost.

AZ Sint-Maarten, located in Mechelen, Belgium, offers a wide range of specialized services. Here are some key areas of specialization:

1. Emergency and Critical Care: The hospital provides specialized emergency care and has a Medical Urgency Group (MUG) for critical cases. It also has an intensive care unit equipped with high-care boxes for severe and life-threatening conditions​​.

2. Surgical and Day Hospitalization: AZ Sint-Maarten is equipped with fourteen operating rooms and facilities for both surgical and non-surgical day hospitalization. This allows for a variety of procedures to be performed on an outpatient basis, minimizing the need for extended hospital stays​.

3. Medical Imaging and Diagnostics: The hospital boasts modern medical imaging facilities, providing comprehensive diagnostic services. This includes radiology, CT scans, MRI, and other advanced imaging techniques​.

4. Outpatient Services: There is a modern polyclinic offering specialist medical consultations and outpatient treatments. This ensures that patients can receive continuous care and follow-up without the need for inpatient admission​​.

5. Palliative and Supportive Care: AZ Sint-Maarten has dedicated services for palliative care, providing support and comfort to patients with serious illnesses. Additionally, the hospital offers psycho-social support services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of medical care​​.

AZ Sint-Maarten in Mechelen, Belgium, is recognized for its high-quality healthcare services, bolstered by several innovative practices and state-of-the-art facilities.

1. Digital Transformation: The hospital has implemented advanced digital solutions to enhance its operations. For instance, its Pathological Anatomy Laboratory has transitioned to a virtually paperless workflow with the DaVinci Laboratory Information System (LIS). This upgrade has significantly improved efficiency, quality, and traceability of pathology examinations, benefiting both clinicians and patients​.

2. Modern Operating Rooms: AZ Sint-Maarten features ultramodern, digital operating rooms equipped with high-quality imaging and video capabilities. This digital infrastructure supports minimally invasive surgeries and ensures that surgeons can efficiently access and store patient data. The system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for seamless integration of images and videos into patient files, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of surgical procedures​.

3. Geriatric Care: The hospital is noted for its extensive geriatric care program, serving over 385,000 patients annually. AZ Sint-Maarten was the first in Belgium to install Nobi smart lamps in geriatric units. These lamps provide real-time fall detection and prevention, significantly improving the safety and well-being of elderly patients. The technology also aids in better sleep quality and overall patient care by reducing unnecessary nighttime disturbances​.

Overall, AZ Sint-Maarten’s commitment to digital innovation and patient-centered care practices has established it as a leading healthcare institution in the region.

Strategic Direction

1. Patient-Centered Care:

   • Prioritizing patient needs and providing personalized care to ensure the best possible health outcomes.
   • Continuously improving the patient experience through feedback and engagement.

2. Quality and Safety:

   • Ensuring the highest standards of medical care and patient safety through rigorous protocols and continuous improvement.
   • Implementing evidence-based practices and maintaining certifications and accreditations.

3. Innovation and Technology:

   • Embracing cutting-edge medical technology and innovative practices to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
   • Investing in advanced medical equipment and digital health solutions.

Purpose

1. Comprehensive Healthcare:

   • Providing a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and emergency care.
   • Ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare for all patients, regardless of their background.

2. Community Health and Well-Being:

   • Promoting health and well-being within the community through preventive care, health education, and outreach programs.
   • Addressing social determinants of health and reducing health disparities.

3. Excellence in Education and Research:

   • Fostering a culture of learning and professional development among staff and healthcare professionals.
   • Conducting medical research to contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge and practices.

AZ Sint-Maarten has garnered significant recognition for its innovative projects and dedication to quality healthcare. Notably, the hospital won two prestigious IFMA Facility Awards in 2019 for its FELOZA- and new construction projects. These awards included the public prize and the jury prize, acknowledging the hospital's exceptional efforts in facility and logistical support, innovative use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), and overall project excellence​.

The hospital's FELOZA project, which stands for Facilitaire En Logistieke Ondersteuning van ZiekenhuisAfdelingen (Facility and Logistical Support of Hospital Departments), played a crucial role in these recognitions. This project focuses on optimizing material and patient flows, digitalization, and automation to enhance patient care by effectively supporting healthcare providers​​.

Moreover, AZ Sint-Maarten's commitment to quality and efficiency in its construction and operational processes has positioned it as a leader in the Belgian healthcare sector, particularly in the adoption of BIM for large-scale hospital projects​​.