ACCIONA has reached 15% progress in the construction of La Serena Hospital, completing the first contractual milestone set out in the project schedule awarded by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP). This important milestone was achieved on December 4 — two weeks ahead of the date established in the concession contract.

“This achievement reflects efficient management, rigorous planning, and full alignment with the timelines established in the concession contract, as well as our company’s commitment to delivering this public infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for the residents,” said Diego Pini, Infrastructure Director at ACCIONA in Chile.

Currently, work on the new hospital is focused on constructing the initial foundations, which are 90% complete, as well as on the installation of seismic isolators. A total of 354 isolator structures have been installed — equivalent to 82% of the total projected for the building. These devices decouple the structure from the ground, reduce seismic accelerations, and operate with combined isolation and friction dissipation mechanisms, positioning the hospital among the safest healthcare facilities in the country in the event of major seismic events.

In parallel, progress has been made on the civil works for the emergency building and the neonatal ICU and NICU facilities, among other areas where final details are now being completed.

THE PROJECT

The construction of the new La Serena Hospital began in October of last year with initial excavations to prepare platforms and main access routes. To date, the building works have required 35,000 m³ of concrete and 4,000 tons of steel, used for the construction of concrete slabs, structural walls, columns, beams, and floors.

The new hospital will encompass more than 125,300 m² across seven levels. With an investment of approximately US$278 million, it will benefit more than 750,000 residents of the Coquimbo Region. The healthcare facility will house 671 beds, 15 operating rooms, 138 consultation rooms for various specialties, six comprehensive delivery wards, and an emergency department — in addition to specialized services such as neonatal care and oncology — positioning La Serena Hospital as one of Chile’s most modern healthcare facilities and a flagship hospital for the northern region.

POSITIVE IMPACT

Committed to respecting the urban environment and its relationship with neighboring communities, ACCIONA has carried out various initiatives such as the long awaited paving of 250 meters of Braulio Arenas Street and the labor inclusion of women from the Coquimbo Region through the Women Middle Management Program, which, through training, opens the door to new professional opportunities in the construction sector.

With these actions, ACCIONA helps equip communities with the tools to improve their quality of life and to advance projects that have a positive impact on their well being and development.