1. Medical Engineering in the Developing World Hospital Bautista, Managua

2. Executive Overview
Hospital Bautista
Maintenance
Secondary Project

3. Hospital Bautista
Summary
The 2nd largest private hospital in Managua, Hospital Bautista prides itself on offering a variety of services to its patients. The hospital staff was a pleasure to work with; moreover, providing maintenance and technical repair in the hospital’s multiple sectors were valuable experiences.

4. Maintenance
Summary
Maintenance at Bautista involved working in every area of the hospital, from neonatal to hemodialysis to laboratory units. As a result, we gained a strong understanding of how the hospital functions as a whole.

5. Maintenance - Mentorship
Summary
The hospital staff took us in and helped us to adjust to learn as much as possible. Specifically the technicians, Osmar Moreno and Don Julio, put us in positions to contribute to the hospital. Frequently, we accompanied Osmar on trips to hardware stores to buy replacement parts and accompanied Don Julio on routine maintenance. They empowered us to be confident and use what we’ve learned to fix equipment.

6. Maintenance - Systems
Air Purification
Water Tanks
Water Purification
Summary
Large-scale systems deliver purified air and water to every area of the hospital. Working as a technician involved checking standards frequently and maintaining these systems.

7. Maintenance - Methodology
Research
Repair
Test
Summary
Learning from Osmar and Don Julio, we honed mechanical skills and adopted an approach for all types of repairs. Based on the type of equipment and nature of the problem, we were able to pinpoint likely sources of error, open up the device, perform the repair, and test based on the standards covered in lab and lecture.

8. Research
We often consulted online manuals to understand a device’s problem before opening it up and attempting to fix. Circuit diagrams became increasingly useful as we dealt with more power source problems due to blown fuses and transformers. Many manuals were written in English, so we were able to translate for Osmar and Don Julio and discuss a plan of action.

9. Repair
Many repairs were completed as expected; however, a great deal involved using innovative new methods, including: checking for wire connectivity, replacing transformers, and cleaning the interiors of microscopes.

10. Test
Before releasing equipment to the hospital for usage, the engineering team always performed the necessary tests to ensure efficacy. The correct tests varied based on equipment type. We always placed a large emphasis on testing to make sure we didn’t simply glance over problems without fixing them.

11. Maintenance - Equipment

12. Secondary Project
Summary
Bautista often emphasizes and prioritizes the comfort of its patients. We replaced the old TV in the children’s long-term stay unit with a brand new flat screen. The room is constantly filled with patients, and entertainment and relaxation are increasingly important in a high stress environment. Hopefully, life at the hospital will be more enjoyable for the children and the parents who stay by their side day and night.

13. Moving Forward
Hospital Bautista prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and welcoming culture towards its patients and faculty. At the same time, Bautista has been devoted to modernization and improvement. Recently, the hospital inaugurated its new 1500 square meter intensive care unit, which provides innovative infrastructure, better equipment, and high quality service for the most severe pathological and medical conditions.