Cárdenas University Learning Hospital

The Hospital's San Pedro Cardiology Centre, a specialist facility for cardiovascular care and research. It is located at the southern end of the campus.

Cárdenas University Learning Hospital (Martino: Hospital Universitario del Aprendizaje de Cárdenas, HUAC) is a leading teaching and medical facility located in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It is affiliated with the prestigious University of Cárdenas, specifically the Department of Health Science. It serves as the foremost centre for clinical education, advanced biomedical research, and primary medical care in Cárdenas and Santander. The hospital is renowned throughout the Federation for its cutting-edge treatments, teaching excellence, and medical innovation. HUAC is certified as a Level I Trauma Center, meaning it has its own specialists and operates 24/7 emergency services. The Hospital has an annual operating budget of over €7.3 billion - half of which is spent on personnel - with a further research budget of €900 million in collaboration with the University. It has a capacity of 2,100 inpatient beds (200 ICU), with 35 operating theatres. A total of 18,000 staff are employed, including 12,000 medical professionals and 1,500 researchers.

The architecture was designed originally by Gabriel Vasquez and Sabrina Olmann. It was built in a modernist style with reinforced weaponised concrete and curtain glass façades. Subsequent extensions were designed by other architects, including Oscar Pedero, Joaquin Mínguez, and Sofia Ferrandis. The last expansion was built in 1737 AN.

The hospital has been the location of several medical breakthroughs, including the first gene therapy for leukemia in 1726 AN, and the pioneering of AI-enhanced stroke diagnosis in 1738 AN. The hospital has consistently been ranked as #1 hospital in Nouvelle Alexandrie: between 1716 AN and 1723 AN, as well as between 1734 AN and 1737 AN.

History

Early Development

HUAC was established in 1698 AN as part of a citywide effort within the implementation of the national New Prosperity Plan to modernize healthcare and expand access to medical training in the newfound capital. Built adjacent to the University, it opened with 250 inpatient beds and a modest surgical ward, staffed primarily by university faculty and medical students. Its founding marked the beginning of a new era in health policy, focused on universal access, clinical education, and integrated care. One year later, the Hospital Metro station was inaugurated as part of the capital's growing underground network. It provided direct access to the hospital's main entrance and played a vital role in ensuring patient, staff, and student mobility throughout the rapidly growing city.

Expansion and Specialization

Recognizing the need for specialist care, the hospital launched a major expansion in he first decade of the 18th century, constructing dedicated wings for pediatrics, oncology, and trauma care. The most significant addition came in 1706 AN, with the opening of the San Pedro Cardiology Centre, a state-of-the-art institute focused on cardiovascular research and surgical intervention. This expansion was timed to coincide with the opening of the Cardiology metro station on Line C, providing direct rapid-transit access for cardiac patients, visitors, and medical staff. The hospital added more wings in the following years, including:

• The Valentina Arroyo Pediatric Clinic in 1709 AN, with a modern neonatal wing known for pioneering children's healthcare.
• The Advanced Trauma and Emergency Services Unit (USATE) in 1713 AN, designed to respond to urban and rural accidents with helicopter-accessible rooftops and highway emergency access.
• The Maria Solís Oncology Research Centre in 1716 AN, with stare-of-the-art facilities and methodologies for cancer therapies and clinical trials.

Recent Developments

In 1724 AN, HUAC became one of the founding members of the Cárdenas Medical Consortium, a network of hospitals and public health organizations within Cárdenas, Santander, and Wechua. With this consortium, HUAC launched its first mobile clinic in 1731 AN. In 1730 AN, the National Health Plan put forward by the government of Marissa Santini allocated over €15.8 billion towards the expansion, upgrading, and modernization of HUAC. The hospital upgrading existing facilities with new technologies and design, and expanded with new facilities:

• The Alfonso Patrón Nueroscience Centre in 1734 AN, with integrated MRI research labs and post-operative recovery units.
• The Elisa Donguerro Mental Health Clinic in 1737 AN, the first of its kind in Nouvelle Alexandrie to incorporate community-based psychiatry and integrated substance use treatment.

The success of this program has led to HUAC being designated a Specialist Centre of Excellence by the federal government in 1732 AN.

Facilities

HUAC currently operates over 2,100 inpatient beds, with a sprawling main campus that includes:

• Main Building (also known as Hogar del Corazón - Home of the Heart) - the backbone of inpatient care, offering 24/7 internal medicine, surgical, and post-operative services.
  • Surgical Suites (40 ICUs, 50 HDUs, 12 ORs) - offers advanced surgery support with fully equipped operating theaters for both ICU and HDU services, including robotic-assisted surgery systems and advanced anaesthesia. Also equipped with a surgical step-down recovery suite for recovery and monitoring.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology Wing (10 ICUs, 4 ORs) - Includes private and semi-private maternity suites for labor, delivery, and postpartum care; special care for high-risk obstetrics, including fetal monitoring; and fetal imaging, with 3D/4D ultrasound and advanced diagnostics tools. Also includes the Women’s Health Advocacy Office staffed with counselors and social workers for patient support.
  • Orthopaedic Wing (6 ORs, 20 private rooms) - Offers trauma orthopedics, specialized in fracture management and emergency orthopedic surgery; joint replacement surgery with dedicated operating theatres; and rehabilitation services with physical-, occupational-, and hydrotherapy.
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology Wing (10 ICUs, 6 ORs) - Includes state-of-the-art facilities for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; pre- and post-transplant care, including organ procurement coordination; and outpatient clinics for chronic conditions.
  • Ophthalmology and ENT Wing (4 ICUs, 8 ORs) - Features surgical theatres for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal surgeries; and cochlear implants, sinus surgeries, and complex skull-base procedures. Also includes an audiology clinic for hearing tests and rehabilitation.
  • Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology Wing (9 ORs) - Includes an MRI center with high-field machines for detailed imaging; Multi-slice CT Scan suites for rapid and precise diagnostics; PET-CT units for oncological and neurological imaging; and interventional radiology suites for minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and biopsies.
• Valentina Arroyo Pediatric Clinic (30 NICUs, 15 PICUs, 6 ORs) - Offers specialized ORs for children; Level III NICU suites for premature and critically ill newborns; and PICU suites for children with life-threatening conditions. Also includes a Family Center for pediatric therapy and children wellness programs.
• Advanced Trauma and Emergency Services Unit (USATE) (40 ICUs, 16 ERs) - A state-of-the-art trauma center equipped to handle large-scale disasters, motor vehicle incidents, and complex emergency surgeries. Features:
  • Dedicates resuscitation bays for immediate stabilization of trauma patients;
  • 24/7 surgical teams coverage with emergency surgeons, anesthesiologists, and trauma nurses on-site;
  • A dedicated helipad with rooftop access for air ambulance transfers;
  • Multiple isolation zones (ZIs) for biohazard and infectious disease containment.
• Maria Solís Oncology Research Centre (15 ICUs, 20 private rooms, 2 ORs) - Includes private infusion rooms for chemotherapy and immunotherapy; radiation therapy units with linear accelerators and brachytherapy suites; and a palliative care unit for inpatient and outpatient services for symptom management and comfort. Also includes a dedicated Tissue Biobank for cancer research and clinical trials.
• Alfonso Patrón Neuroscience Centre (6 ORs, 15 ICUs) - Includes multiple neurosurgery theatres equipped with intraoperative MRI and neuronavigation systems; A stroke intervention unit with thrombectomy suites and stroke rehabilitation rooms; and an epilepsy monitoring unit with long-term video EEG monitoring. Also houses a Neuro-rehabilitation Centre with physical-, occupational-, and speech therapy for neurological patients.
• San Pedro Cardiology Centre (4 ORs, 10 ICUs) - Houses cardiothoracic surgical theatres for open-heart and valve replacement surgeries; and a 24-hour catherization lab for angioplasty, stent placement, and electrophysiology surgeries. Also includes a dedicated Heart Transplant Centre for advanced heart failure management and transplant coordination.
• Elisa Donguerro Mental Health Clinic (40 private rooms) - Includes secure and therapeutic environments for acute mental health crises; outpatient counselling suites for individual, group, and family therapy; and a substance use recovery center for detoxification, counseling, and relapse prevention programs. Also includes a dedicated Adolescent Behavioral Centre for specialized care for teens with mental health and behavioral issues.
• Xavièr Olan Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic (12 ICUs, 3 ORs) - Includes an ICU burn care unit for acute burn management and wound care; skin grafting and reconstruction suites for reconstructive surgeries; and a scar rehabiliation suite with laser surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological support.
• San Gabriel Infectious Disease and Pandemic Response Centre (5 ICUs, 6 ORs) - Includes multiple BSL-3 laboratories equipped with high-containment units for infectious disease research; negative pressure wards for isolation of patients with airborne infections; and an outbreak response command center for coordination with national and international health. Has been vital in the past to provide rapid respond to (inter)national epidemic outbreaks.
• Public Health Outreach and Education Centre (CEEDSP) - Manages mobile clinics, multilingual health campaigns, vaccination drives, and rural health education. Trains community health workers and hosts international exchange programs.
• Hospital Simulation and Training Centre (CSFH, known colloqually as eSalud) - Includes high-fidelity simulation labs for medical nursing, and emergency response training. Also includes a Crisis Training Facility to drill for disaster scenarios to improve hospital preparedness.

The hospital also houses the University Healthcare Museum and Research Centre, one of the largest medical collections in Nouvelle Alexandrie.

The hospital has two annexes adjacent to the Main Building. The Administrative Annex houses the Dean of Medicine’s office, personnel lounges, and conference centers. It is connected by a skywalk to the USATE and the CEEDSP. It was completed in 1700 AN to integrate the day-to-day leadership, teaching, and strategy of HUAC into a central location. It is well-known for its stained-glass ceiling inscribed with scenes of the Four Pillars of Medicine (Beneficence, Autonomy, Compassion, and Justice).

The Allied Health Campus is the main hub for institutions, public agencies, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations that support, complement, and expand the hospital’s mission of cutting-edge care, education, and innovation. It was opened in 1704 AN to foster interdisciplinary cooperation between the hospital and private partners. It houses both the National Health Institute's Federal Centers for Cardiovascular Disease and the FC for Child Health. It also houses numerous biotech startups, medical device developers, and health data analytics firms in the so-called Biomedical Innovation Park. In 1728 AN, renown pharmaceutical developer Medinova opened a major branch, specializing in surgical tools development.

Administration

HUAC is governed by a Board of Directors, appointed jointly by the Secretary of Social Security and National Solidarity and the University of Cárdenas. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a Dean of Medicine. Since 1735 AN, the position has been filled by Dr. Amara Beltrán, a renowned epidemiologist and former advisor to the Federal Health Commission.

The hospital employs over 16,000 staff members, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, technicians, and administrative personnel. It also hosts approximately 3,800 medical students and 1,000 residents and fellows annually.

Administrative divisions include:

• Office of the Dean - provides strategic oversight of medical quality, patient outcomes, and professional standards; approves credentialing and continuing education requirements for physicians; and advises on major medical incidents, ethics reviews, and institutional emergencies.
• Office of Clinical Operations - Manages inpatient and outpatient care, bed logistics, and patient flow; oversees clinical department heads and standard operating procedures; coordinates nursing services, surgical scheduling, and multidisciplinary rounds; and ensures implementation of hospital-wide clinical guidelines and best practices.
• Office of Hospital Administration - Responsible for budgeting, HR, legal compliance, and procurement; manages facilities, construction projects, and utilities; oversees contract negotiations and partnerships with vendors and insurers; and coordinates board meetings and internal governance.
• Office of Academic Affairs - Coordinates all academic programming, curricula, and faculty appointments; oversees medical student affairs, internships, residencies, and fellowships; manages accreditation, academic audits, and teaching quality standards; and organizes lectures, seminars, and inter-institutional academic exchanges.
• Ethics and Patient Advocacy Unit - Reviews clinical trial proposals and oversees hospital-wide ethics compliance; advises on complex care decisions (e.g. end-of-life cases, organ allocation); provides mediation between patients, families, and care teams; and manages consent, complaint resolution, and patient rights initiatives.
• Office for Collaborations and Grants - Develops partnerships with foreign institutions, hospitals, and NGOs; applies for global health grants and coordinates donor-funded projects; supports visiting scholars, physicians, and medical delegations; and hosts exchange programs and oversees compliance with international standards.
• Office for Strategic Planning and Institutional Development - Leads long-term institutional strategy, expansions, and investment planning; Conducts risk analysis, performance forecasting, and scenario modeling; Coordinates with the Department of Social Security and National Solidarity on system-wide reforms; and oversees mergers, acquisitions, and affiliate hospital networks.

Clinical Divisions and Departments include:

1. Emergency Medicine Division - Provides 24/7 emergency response & triage, mass casualty preparedness, disaster medicine, and ambulance & air rescue coordination.
2. Department of Internal Medicine - Provides general diagnostics, chronic illness management, and systemic disease care.
3. Department of Surgery - Provides general, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, vascular, and neurosurgery services; and minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures.
4. Department Cardiology - Provides advanced diagnostics and treatment for heart disease; and cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology operations.
5. Department of Neurology - Provides Stroke assistance, epilepsy care, neurodiagnostics, and neuromuscular disorder care; collaborates with Psychiatry and Rehabilitation for holistic neurocare
6. Department of Pediatrics - Provides Neonatal ICU, pediatric ICU, pediatric emergency services, pediatric oncology, surgery, developmental medicine, and immunizations.
7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Provides maternity services, labor & delivery services, prenatal diagnostics, reproductive health, fertility services, and gynecologic oncology.
8. Department of Oncology - Provides chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical cancer trials; as well as tumor operations and and organ-specific oncology procedures (breast, GI, lung, etc.)
9. Department of Psychiatry - Provides inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient therapy, substance use treatment, crisis stabilization units, adolescent psychiatry, and forensic assessments
10. Department of Radiology and Imaging - Provides MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, PET, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology and image-guided procedures.
11. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science - Provides Biopsies, bloodwork, histopathology, diagnostic lab tests, infectious agent typing, toxicology, and forensic pathology.
12. Department of Rehabilitation - Provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy; as well as post-surgical, stroke, and neuro-motor recovery programs.
13. Pharmacy Service - Provides hospital-wide medication dispensing, compounding, and safety checks; runs inpatient and outpatient pharmacies; and supports therapeutic monitoring and pharmaceutical research.
14. Security and IT Division - Provides physical security, access control, incident response; Cybersecurity and patient data protection; and risk mitigation planning for pandemics, fires, and security threats.
15. Transport and Logistics Division - Manages patient transfers, supply chain logistics, and courier services; and oversees ambulance docking and airlift pads.
16. Hospitality Division - Coordinates food services, interpreter services, and chaplaincy; conducts patient satisfaction surveys and service improvement campaigns; and manages visiting policies and concierge-style family services.
17. Facility Service - Maintains buildings and equipment, transport links, utilities, waste systems; and oversees expansions, retrofits, and campus greening initiatives.

Transport

The HUAC is directly linked with multiple modes of transport in Cárdenas. It has a major transit facility that is served by the Metro, Tram, and Bus. The Metro has three dedicated stops:

• Hospital de Universitad is located in front of the Main Building;
• Cardiologiá is located in front of the San Pedro Cardiology Centre;
• Campus de Salud is located about 100 m north of the Allied Health Campus.

The Tram has four dedicated stops:

• Hospital de Universitad about 50 m north of the metro stop;
• Calle de la Salud Pública is located in front of the Public Health Outreach and Education Centre;
• Avenida del Sanatorio is located in front of the Advanced Trauma and Emergency Services Unit;
• Instituto de Emergencias is located in front of the San Gabriel Infectious Disease and Pandemic Response Centre.

The Bus has six dedicated stops:

• Hospital de Universitad, located parallel to the tram line;
• Cardiologiá is located about 20 m south of the metro stop;
• Avenida del Sanatorio is located parallel to the tram line;
• Instituto de Emergencias is located parallel to the tram line;
• Museo de la Salud is located in front of the Healthcare Museum and Research Centre;
• Campus de Salud is located about 20 m north of the metro stop.

The HUAC is located on a long heavy-purpose carriageway, the Avenida del Sanatorio. The road has a dedicated hard shoulder for emergency vehicle access to the facilities. There are also three dedicated parking facilities: a four-story underground parking garage underneath the Main Building, with space for 640 vehicles; a two-story underground parking garage underneath the Cardiology centre, with space for 220 vehicles; and a rooftop garage on the Outreach Centre, with space for 80 vehicles.

See also

• Healthcare in Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Department of Social Security and National Solidarity