What is the Estancia Fraternidad?

It is a place for families to stay who have family members in the general hospital. The hospital serves 30 districts and 570 municipalities in the state of Oaxaca. It also serves patients from neighboring states because the hospital has the only cobalt treatment facility in southeastern Mexico. The patients cannot be admitted into the general hospital unless there is a family member who can help in their care.

The length of stay is usually from one to fifteen days. Family members are charged 10 pesos daily for three meals and lodging. No one is turned away for lack of funds, but people without proper funds must help with cooking and cleaning. It costs the Estancia 49 pesos a day per person for lodging and meals.

In 2002, the Estancia served 23,914 people and in 2003 the Estancia served 24,164 people.

The Estancia also provides meals for people who come from the more remote areas of Oaxaca City at a charge of 5 pesos per person if they have a family member in the hospital.

Capacity

The Estancia can currently house 120 people in four dormitories. Two for women and two for men. There is also a 10 bed hospice and a 14 bed dorm for patients needing long term treatment.

Other Services

The Estancia has donated medicines available and also helps purchase other prescription medicines when the budget allows.

The Estancia has used clothing available for families.

The Estancia has two ambulances for transportation.

The Estancia helps with funeral services, including providing a coffin, help with necessary documents and transportation to the village for the deceased and the family members in an ambulance.

The Estancia has a pyscologist who volunteers and is doing her thesis on The Estancia.

The Estancia houses the office of CASA DE LA AMISTAD, an organization which provides complete treatment and medicines for children with cancer.