The Baix Llobregat region is set to become a testbed for Catalonia’s restructured healthcare system, with a pilot programme launching in January 2027. The Department of Health has selected the Integrated Health Area (AIS) Baix Llobregat Nord–Sant Boi as one of nine sites to trial a new model designed to integrate medical, social and community services.

The initiative will serve around 340,000 residents in the catchment areas of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Martorell and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Sant Boi. According to the Generalitat, the goal is to improve care continuity, reduce waiting lists and expand access to specialist services within the local area.

Four-pillar approach to integrated care

The pilot rests on four strategic pillars. First, a territorial community health corridor will link municipalities and services to promote joint prevention and health promotion activities. Second, integrated home care will be strengthened for people with chronic conditions, frailty, dependency or advanced illness, offering round-the-clock support coordinated between primary care, hospitals, intermediate care and social services.

Third, the project will enhance patient follow-up across care levels through better coordination between the two reference hospitals, primary care centres (CAPs) and intermediate care teams. This aims to reduce fragmented treatment and unnecessary hospitalisations.

Fourth, operational integration between Martorell and Sant Boi hospitals will focus on cutting waiting times, expanding specialty access and resolving more cases locally without external referrals.

The fact it has been selected with a very positive assessment is recognition of the existing capacity for collaboration between professionals, health institutions, social services and local councils in this territory.

Anna García-Altés, manager of the Metropolitan Barcelona South Health Region, said the model places people at the centre of care, enabling a more agile, accessible and lifelong support system. She highlighted that the region’s existing collaborative framework contributed to its selection.

Residents to see tangible improvements

For local residents, the changes mean more home visits, fewer unnecessary trips to clinics, reduced duplication of diagnostic tests and better monitoring of complex conditions through shared care plans and designated care coordinators.

The pilot is part of a broader plan to create 30 Integrated Health Areas across Catalonia, as outlined in the government’s health reform strategy published on govern.cat. The Baix Llobregat Nord–Sant Boi proposal was rated the highest among 22 submissions, according to the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, which is coordinating the hospital care and equity components of the project.

Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, santboi.cat, govern.cat. Reported by Regió7, Metrópoli, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, David Vila, Vilapress, elcontrapunt.cat.