Surgical Block

The Surgical Block, opened in September 2016, represents a technological and quality breakthrough for patients, focusing on reducing surgery and postoperative care times, and for professionals, incorporating new surgical techniques and making their work more accurate. 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 safety and security as well as 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 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 theatres is optimised in space and time. Among other improvements, we can configure the operating room according to the type of surgery and in 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, and make the space more accessible and easier to prepare for the next operation. At the same time, it allows more sustainable energy management.

The General Hospital’s Surgical Block works with 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 m²robotic system, which distributes all the material needed for each operation.

Aside from operating theatres, 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 patients used to go to sleep and wake up in the operating room. In addition, anaesthesiology and nursing staff work in the URPA, and the Unit is clearly orientated to better and more secure patient care.

The General Hospital’s new 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 thoughts and ideas have been collected to develop healthcare projects focused on innovation and the improvement of clinical management. The new Surgical Block required an investment of €21 million in construction and €16 million more in equipment.