The Department of Health has selected the proposal from Baix Llobregat as the best out of 22 applications to deploy the new model of Integrated Health Areas. It will benefit 340,000 people with more coordinated and accessible care.
The Baix Llobregat has been chosen by the Generalitat to pilot an ambitious model of integration between health and social care. The proposal, driven by the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu and the municipalities of the region, was the highest rated among the 22 submitted to the Department of Health.
The project, which will start in January 2027, will cover nearly 340,000 people from municipalities such as Sant Boi de Llobregat, Martorell, and other towns in Baix Llobregat. The aim is to reduce waiting lists, avoid unnecessary travel, and provide a quicker and more coordinated response to the needs of the population.
A Model that Integrates Hospitals, Primary Care, and Social Services
The initiative is part of the new model of Integrated Health Areas (AIS), designed to improve coordination between hospitals, primary care, social services, local administrations, and community entities. The proposal from Baix Llobregat includes actions in four strategic programmes: territorial community health, integrated home care, continuity of care, and ensuring access, quality, and equity of hospital services.
In the field of community health, an integrated territorial corridor of a social and health nature will be created to connect municipalities, resources, and best practices. In home care, the new model will strengthen assistance for people with complex chronic diseases, dependency, or frailty through a home care service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, coordinated among primary care, hospitals, intermediate care, and social services.
Continuity of care will be another key pillar. Primary care teams will work in coordination with Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Sant Boi and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Martorell to ensure joint monitoring of patients throughout their care process. The operational integration between both hospitals will improve accessibility, reduce waiting lists, and expand the range of specialties.
Direct Benefits for Baix Llobregat Residents
The new model will translate into concrete benefits for the residents of the region. Among them, more home care for elderly people and patients with chronic diseases, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. Travel and duplication of tests will also be reduced thanks to the exchange of information between the different services.
Complex cases will have unique therapeutic plans and reference professionals, ensuring better monitoring. Additionally, a quicker and more appropriate response will be offered, addressing each need at the most suitable care level. Dr. Luis Lores, director of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Sant Boi, states that "thanks to the new AIS, an elderly person with multiple illnesses will be able to be cared for at home by an integrated social and health team, composed of primary care, hospital, and social services professionals from the corresponding municipality."
The project builds on existing experiences, such as 24/7 home care programmes, case management, and coordination between healthcare centres through shared diagnostic imaging services. The initiative represents progress at all levels, both in care and patient attention, positioning Baix Llobregat as a key player in ensuring more equitable, accessible, and quality care for the population.
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