Quirónsalud Torrevieja: A Review of the Patient Council’s First Year and Plans for the Future

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Patient and Community Advisory Board reviews its first year of operation and announces further initiatives to improve medical care and access to services

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital held the first statutory meeting of the Patient and Local Community Advisory Council. The Council, established in December 2025, aims to involve patients, their families, and community organizations in the decision-making process regarding healthcare. During the meeting, the Council reviewed the activities carried out in 2026 and set priorities for the remainder of the year and for 2027.

The Council’s work is based on the experiences of patients and their caregivers, as well as the challenges they report. This allows the Council to identify the most pressing needs and then, in collaboration with medical staff and community organizations, develop, test, and evaluate specific solutions.

From Listening to Patients to Concrete Changes

This approach was reflected in the work of the four thematic teams.

In the field of oncology, AFECÁNCER and AECC are working together to improve patient support and the coordination of medical care. Particular attention is given to people without family support and to reinstating the procedure for obtaining a second medical opinion.

The Neuroscience Team, which includes AFA (Association of Families and Friends of People with Alzheimer’s Disease in Torrevieja), AMFA, and the Quirónsalud Foundation, provides neurological consultations, regular follow-up visits, and ongoing psychological support. Work is also underway to update the cooperation agreement.

The International Community Team, formed by Hispola, the Schweizerischer Club, and the Swedish-Norwegian Church, collaborates with the hospital’s admissions, international patient services, and communications departments. Its mission is to support hospitalized patients, reduce language barriers, and expand the network of partner organizations. SWEA’s formal inclusion in the team is still in the planning stages.

In turn, the team for people requiring special support combines the efforts of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists with initiatives from the ADIEM and ALPE organizations. This collaboration focuses on increasing access to physical therapy, providing training, and developing volunteer programs to support patients who come to the hospital without family members to care for them.

Neuroscience and Collaboration with AFA: An Example of Active Patient Involvement

The work of the neuroscience team demonstrates how patients' opinions and experiences can lead to concrete changes in the organization of medical care.

Dr. Erika Torres, director ofthe Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante Advanced Neuroscience Unit, together with representatives from AFA, presented the key areas for improvement identified by patients and their families.

Among the priorities were providing better information about available forms of assistance and benefits for people who are unable to care for themselves, facilitating the participation of caregivers and family members in monitoring follow-up visits, and adapting the procedures of the Hospital Emergency Department to the needs of people with previously diagnosed neurological conditions.

The initiative also aims to improve the transparency of information provided to patients at each stage of treatment, to explore options for providing home-based support when justified and feasible, and to update the guidelines for collaboration with the AFA by defining specific goals and methods for evaluating outcomes.

In 2027, the team will implement a comprehensive operating model that involves listening to patients’ needs, setting priorities, jointly developing solutions, testing them, and evaluating their effectiveness. This model is intended to serve as a template for the Council’s other three teams.

“Patient involvement is crucial for the continued development of a healthcare system that is more patient-centered, empathetic, and tailored to individual needs. Listening to their experiences allows us to identify areas for improvement that are not always apparent from the perspective of medical staff. This enables us to work together to provide even better care,” emphasizes Teresa Álvarez, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Managing Director of the Quirónsalud Foundation.

2026 Summary and Plans for 2027

The conclusions drawn from the Council’s activities to date set the direction for future actions.

In the field of oncology, the last quarter of 2026 will be devoted to coordinating with AFECÁNCER and the Alicante Contra el Cáncer Association to establish a procedure for obtaining a second medical opinion. This process is intended to ensure informed patient consent, the secure transfer of medical records, clearly defined deadlines, and coordinated communication of consultation results to the patient.

The plans also include free workshops to refresh volunteers' knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and events called “Café Solidario” (Solidarity Café).

These meetings are intended to create a space for conversations with patients, to learn about their experiences, and to provide practical assistance in using the Patient Portal. The challenges raised during these meetings will be used to improve the instructions, support materials, and available support channels.

In 2027, the Council plans to organize a charity run in Torrevieja with the participation of all partner associations. To this end, a special organizing committee will be formed, consisting of representatives from the hospital and partner organizations.

A task force for individuals requiring special support will also formally begin its work. Individuals will be designated to oversee specific activities, the work schedule, evaluation metrics, and guidelines for monitoring progress in the areas of patient care, physical therapy, and training.

Another important element of the plan is a project for transportation accessible to all patients, covering the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department, and specialty clinics.

The project involves an analysis of the key stages of patient interaction with the hospital, as well as digital communication channels. The goal is to introduce simpler and more understandable language, easy-to-read materials, visual aids, and assistive and alternative communication methods.

Patients, the AFA, and other civil society organizations will participate in the process of evaluating and approving the proposed solutions in 2027. These activities will be carried out in accordance with Spanish Royal Decree No. 707/2026.

“We want our patients’ experiences to have a real impact on the way we organize and provide medical care. The council creates a space for collaboration where we can listen, analyze suggestions, and work together to develop solutions that improve the quality of care and the experience of those who place their trust in our hospital,” — explains Carlos Yago, medical director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.

Healthcare Focused on People's Needs

The Patient and Local Community Advisory Council is strengthening its role as a permanent platform for dialogue, cooperation, and monitoring of changes.

Thanks to this initiative, patient experiences are translating into concrete improvements, and Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital is developing a healthcare model based on active patient participation, greater access to services, and a personalized approach to each individual’s needs.