St. Luke’s rated among world’s most beautiful hospitals

St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City. AP

It’s a patient’s nightmare: Confined to a hospital inhabited by people with the worst health conditions one can ever imagine, he becomes witness to a larger metaphor of a malignant disease—the depressing sight and grueling routine in a cold, strained setting.

This is on top of the patient’s infirmity that makes him confront his own mortality.

Despite this, or maybe because of it, local hospital officials have worked on a prescription that would provide progressive medical care in a healthier, happier atmosphere.

Marilen Lagniton, vice president for communication of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the best compliment she received from a patient on his way out of the hospital was a parting “thank you for making my stay pleasurable and comfortable.”

‘Grateful patient’

“It’s not only an honor for the hospital, but for the country as well, and will surely contribute to its tourist arrival,’’ Lagniton said, adding that the grateful patient traveled all the way from Canada to seek medical treatment in the hospital.

SLMC in Global City recently landed on the list of the World’s Most Beautiful Hospitals, a distinction conferred by editors of the US-based magazine Healthcare Management News and Insights in their March issue. The first and only Philippine hospital to be included on the list, it placed No. 11 from among 25 of the world’s best, alongside medical facilities in the United States, Europe, Central America, Middle East and Asia.

Only three hospitals were cited in Asia, the two others located in Bangkok and Hong Kong.

No boundaries

In developing the list, the magazine said interior and exterior features and their health-promoting qualities were considered. “Designs including warm woods and nature-inspired elements, soft color schemes and exterior facades designed with regard to their natural settings placed these facilities on the list.”

The magazine cited SLMC as proof that “health-focused design has no boundaries.’’

“The impressive interior and exterior design, as well as visitor and patient reviews for your hospital contributed to your ranking and we are happy to deliver the good news,’’ Lagniton said, quoting the magazine’s congratulatory e-mail.

The magazine also noted that SLMC “has received international accreditation and is recognized as one of the best hospitals in Asia and the entire world,” which is why it regularly receives patients from around Asia, Micronesia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Lagniton noted that the citation was not solicited.

SLMC stands on a land area of 1.6 hectares with a floor space of 154,000 square meters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

It is composed of two medium rise towers, the hospital proper having 600 beds and its Medical Arts building housing a 40-unit hotel for caregivers.

Affordable

Lagniton said that contrary to popular belief, the hospital’s rates are affordable, even as it has various services that address the patient’s and family’s needs.

Rates per night can be as low as P1,000 in a four-bed private room and P1,800 in a two-bed private room. Private rooms range from P2,500 to P6,000. Suite rooms are also available.

State-of-the-art

Lagniton added that a hotel was constructed inside the hospital complex for relatives who want to stay close to the hospital.

A shuttle coaster also travels from the corner of McKinley Road and goes around the Global City for free.

“It’s an added free service to visitors and relatives of patients because we believe that support from your loved ones is a major factor for early recovery and comfort of the patient,’’ Lagniton said.

Lagniton added that the two-year-old hospital is known for its expert doctors, state-of-the-art technology, continuing improvement in patient safety and quality care, expertise-driven rates and customer service.

She said the SLMC leads all medical specialties in the country, which includes, cardiovascular medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, cancer and digestive and liver diseases.

She said the hospital has also acquired the most modern equipment and is also committed to continually improving its services through advanced training of doctors and medical staff.