Last July, the Allergology Service at the Clínic Barcelona received two accreditations as a centre of excellence from the two most prestigious organizations in allergology: the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and World Allergy Organization. The hospital has held the latter accreditation—awarded by the global organization—since 2022, and has now had it renewed until 2029.
The accreditation awarded by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is intended to recognize centres with a high level of academic output and highlights their exceptional commitment to excellence in clinical care, research, education and collaboration at European level. In practical terms, this recognition will serve to improve the quality of healthcare received by patients, research and training in allergy and clinical immunology, while promoting collaboration between centres across the European continent.
In addition, the Allergology Service has had its accreditation as a centre of excellence by the World Allergy Organization renewed for another four years. This accreditation is awarded to multidisciplinary academic centres with a proven track record in allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. The requirements include having three or more subspecialties, having a mission aligned with the WAO, as well as a solid structure and recognized mentors. Among the advantages this brings are access to international networks and scientific collaborations, participation in educational programmes, and the development of WAO training resources.
According to Dr Joan Bartra, head of the Allergology Service, these two recognitions "reinforce the Service’s clinical, research, and teaching excellence and, in turn, that of the entire hospital.” In Europe, there are three accredited centres in Spain, two of which are in Catalonia. Worldwide, six centres in Spain have accreditation, two of which are in Catalonia.
