Residents served by the Baix Llobregat Litoral and Sant Boi-Baix Llobregat Nord Integrated Health Area (AIS) are set to be included in one of nine pilot projects for Catalonia's new health service model.

The Department of Health selected the local proposal from 22 submissions, according to Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu. For patients, the scheme is intended to improve coordination between health and social care, including care provided closer to home.

Two reference hospitals will coordinate care

Integrated Health Areas are a new way of organising local health services, with community health and primary care at their centre. The model also brings together social services, local authorities and community organisations.

The Baix Llobregat proposal includes four strategic programmes set by the Department of Health:

  • territorial community health;
  • integrated home care;
  • continuity of care between services over time; and
  • access, quality and fairness in hospital services.

Primary care teams, known as CAPs, will take part alongside the two reference hospitals: Hospital SJD Sant Boi and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Martorell. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu said the plan is designed to coordinate a person's care as they move between services.

Plans include tackling hospital waiting lists

The hospital element of the proposal centres on operational integration between the two reference hospitals. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu said the measures aim to improve access, reduce waiting lists, expand the range of specialties and resolve more cases within the area.

Metrópoli reported that the Department of Health pilot is expected to begin in January 2027 and will increase home visits and follow-up care, with the stated aim of reducing waits and unnecessary journeys.

Residents can consult Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu's project announcement for the participating services and the four planned programmes.

Primary sources: santboi.cat, govern.cat, govern.cat, eb.gencat.cat. Reported by Metrópoli, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Vilapress, Sant Boi Diari, Yael Carrasco, Francesc José María Sánchez, Regió 7.