Major Upgrade to Emergency Services at Tenerife’s Hospital de La Candelaria

The University Hospital Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has officially inaugurated its newly expanded emergency department, a significant milestone achieved through a substantial financial investment. This development is set to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide critical care to the community.

Significant Financial Backing and New Infrastructure

On November 25, the hospital proudly unveiled its newly developed emergency services area, which has been constructed with a generous budget of €9.5 million allocated by the Government of the Canary Islands. This expansion adds an impressive 2,000 square meters to the facility, effectively doubling the available space for managing a variety of emergencies, including general medical cases, trauma incidents, and mental health crises.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several high-profile officials, including the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, and the Health Councillor, Esther Monzón. They were accompanied by Adasat Goya, the head of the Servicio Canario de Salud (SCS), and Óscar Díez, who manages the hospital complex. Their presence underscored the importance of this expansion for the region’s healthcare landscape.

Improving Patient Care with Specialized Areas

The newly constructed emergency department is thoughtfully organized across two floors. The ground floor is dedicated to adult emergency services, while the first floor is specifically designed for pediatric and obstetric/gynaecological emergencies. This strategic layout is intended to enhance patient care by creating specialized areas tailored to meet diverse medical needs.

During the opening event, President Clavijo emphasized that this expansion represents a significant leap forward in the quality of emergency services offered at the hospital. He remarked that the new facilities are designed to improve comfort for both patients and healthcare professionals during critical care situations, thereby fostering a more effective treatment environment.

Health Councillor Monzón provided insights into the phased activation of the new emergency building, noting that the adult services on the ground floor are already operational. The first floor, which has been completed, will soon be integrated with the pediatric and delivery areas, ensuring a seamless flow of care for patients of all ages.

Comprehensive Facilities for Enhanced Emergency Response

The new emergency department boasts an extensive layout meticulously designed to optimize patient care. The adult emergency area spans a substantial 2,079 square meters and is divided into three primary sections: general emergencies, trauma, and mental health. The department is equipped with 76 treatment positions and five observation rooms, one of which is specifically designated for family members, ensuring they can stay close during critical moments.

In addition to these features, the facility includes four nursing consultation rooms, three medical consultation rooms, and four treatment rooms, all designed to accommodate patients based on the severity of their conditions. The mental health section is particularly noteworthy, as it includes a dedicated consulting room for psychiatry, two treatment boxes, and an observation area with nursing oversight, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive mental health care.

Both Ignacio Ayala, the head of the emergency department, and Óscar Díez highlighted that the design of the new facilities prioritizes not only quality service delivery but also a supportive working environment for healthcare staff. This focus on staff well-being is crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care.

With the expansion, the hospital will now feature a total of 165 beds and boxes, nine observation rooms, two critical care rooms, and various specialized areas dedicated to trauma and mental health emergencies. The integration of the new building with the existing structure is aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency and comfort of the emergency services, thereby improving outcomes for patients.

Key points

• The University Hospital Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria has launched a new emergency department.
• The expansion involved a €9.5 million investment from the Canary Islands Government.
• The new facility adds 2,000 square meters, doubling the previous emergency space.
• The emergency services are organized over two floors, with specific areas for adults, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
• The adult emergency area includes 76 treatment positions and five observation rooms.
• The hospital will feature a total of 165 beds and boxes in the expanded emergency services.
• The new facilities aim to improve patient comfort and service quality.