The background
Nestled in Romania, Tulcea County features a unique landscape of channels and lagoons. The Danube Delta covers about one-third of the county and contributes to the sparse population, with most residents scattered across rural areas.
Since 1974, Tulcea County Hospital has been the primary emergency facility in the region. For many, it's the only accessible option, with alternative hospitals being a distant 90-minute journey away.
Compounding the need for modern healthcare infrastructure, Tulcea County is also experiencing a surge in tourism, growing at an unprecedented rate.
The challenge
Tulcea County hospital has operated continuously since its opening. Over the years, it faced challenges related to outdated infrastructure and equipment.
Previous EU funding helped with some upgrades, but to meet the patient's needs and align with national health strategies, a major overhaul is necessary. That's why regional authorities work in a project to modernize, expand, and renovate the Tulcea County Hospital.
The goal? To bring the hospital up to today's health and safety standards.
The action
The project aims to enhance the infrastructure and services of Tulcea Hospital in Romania through extensive renovations.
A new seven story building will replace two smaller ones, offering six operating rooms, anaesthesia and intensive therapy spaces, maternity and newborn units, a day hospital, and much more medical facilities.
The existing sections will be modernised with energy-efficient upgrades and new evacuation stairways.
The project also involves a significant investment in new equipment with around 650 pieces of advanced medical gear and 1 100 items of hospital furniture.
The new hospital aims to improve the quality of care too. This means attracting qualified staff, expanding the day hospital services, reducing unnecessary hospital stays, and fostering better collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Our JASPERS experts, as part of the EIB advisory services, provided comprehensive advisory support.
We assisted with the project's feasibility and assessed its climate and environmental impact, including estimates on CO2 savings from improved insulation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. In addition, we provided guidance on climate adaptation planning.
Finally, we supported in the preparation of the project documentation, including the analysis of alignment with funding criteria.
The results
The hospital rehabilitation will bring essential healthcare services closer to home. It's estimated that Tulcea County Hospital will attract about 75% of patients who previously had to seek treatment outside the county.
With its updated facilities, it will enhance patient care and safety.
Energy-efficient upgrades will cut costs, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainable practices, ensuring the project is climate-proof for the future.