The Catalan Network of Oncology treats 60% of cancer patients in Catalonia. It is made up of the Catalan Health Institute (ICS) and the Catalan Oncology Institute (ICO). On the one hand, the ICS runs two large hospitals offering cancer care: Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Arnau Vilanova University Hospital. The ICO, meanwhile, can be found in Hospitalet, with centres in Girona, Badalona, Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre.

The Network was born from the desire to become a world benchmark against cancer. A benchmark for innovation, research and care in Europe and the world. The Catalonia Health Plan 2016-2020 defines cancer as one of the region’s health priorities. It establishes strategic alliances and resource concentration to strengthen networks between leading tertiary centres and hospitals in the territory.

The Catalan Network of Oncology care model works on the following lines:

• Frequent tertiary tumour programme: encompasses all care activity related to patients already diagnosed and the conventional therapeutic process.
• Rare tumour programme: therapeutic plan applied to patients with rare tumours
• Clinical research programme: includes all treatment within a clinical trial
• Palliative care: care aimed at improving the quality of life of people with cancer
• Associated Oncology Pharmacy Unit: improvement in the management capacity of the pharmacy, both in purchasing policies and in the management of service provision
• Hospital tumour register and information systems: integration of information from different centres with the aim of facilitating a shared information unit

This model is reflected in that of other world leaders in cancer treatment. It uses precision medicine, which allows for personalised treatment to be provided; and knowledge management, which facilitates data recording, the assessment of results and the transfer of information between professionals. 

The Surgical Block, opened in September 2016, represents a technological and quality breakthrough for both patients, focusing on reducing surgery and postoperative care times and for professionals, incorporating new surgical techniques and making their work more precise. In addition, the Surgical Block has a clear orientation towards sustainability and energy efficiency. The new facilities, the leading technology and the change of management through processes allow new surgical techniques to be carried out, improving patient security and the work of professionals.

Operating theatres incorporate neurosurgery navigation systems, 3D imaging systems, integrated ultrasound and the new Da Vinci Xi robot. With this incorporation, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital is the first in Spain to have two operating theatres equipped with Da Vinci® robotic technology for clinical use. In addition, it has two hybrid operating theatres. They incorporate X-ray surgical arches to be able to see surgery results directly, designed for vascular surgery and neurosurgery.

The design of operating rooms is optimised in space and time. Among other improvements, we can configure the operating room according to the type of surgery. In just a few seconds, it adjusts to the predetermined position. All the necessary devices and connection points hang from the ceiling through an electronic tower system, making the space more accessible and easier to prepare for the next operation. At the same time, it allows for a more sustainable energy management.

The General Hospital Surgical Block has a total of 700 professionals, with the aim of maintaining and improving the figure of almost 8,000 operations a year in this field alone.

To help achieve these goals, professionals have seen a series of improvements in work processes thanks to these new facilities and the incorporation of technology. For example, to facilitate the distribution of material, we use a 1,000 m2 robotic system which distributes all the material needed for each operation.

Aside from operating rooms, the Block includes two rooms for patient care before and after undergoing surgery. The Pre- and Post-Anaesthetic Recovery Unit (URPA) aims to optimise the use of the operating theatre, since previously patients would go to sleep and wake up in the operating room. In addition, anaesthesia and nursing staff work in the URPA, and the Unit is clearly orientated to better and safer patient care.

The new General Hospital Surgical Block, as well as its organisational management, has been developed with the participation of a multidisciplinary team made up of professionals from all fields. It is an example of participation and teamwork, in which voices have been collected to develop healthcare projects focused on innovation and the improvement of clinical management. This project required an investment of €21 million in construction and €16 million more in equipment.