The three CSUR designations were awarded by the Clínic in collaboration with the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, a model of care continuity that distinguishes both institutions, and which allows for the provision of highly specialized care to patients with conditions requiring a very high degree of diagnostic and therapeutic complexity, throughout their lives.
The XUEC and CSUR accreditations recognize clinical and research excellence of the professional teams, the ability to treat particularly complex cases, and the Clínic’s commitment to providing multidisciplinary, innovative care that is centred on the needs of patients and their families. Furthermore, these accreditations constitute the public administration’s organization of high-complexity care, with the aim of guaranteeing access for all patients in Catalonia (the XUEC) and Spain (the CSUR) to the most appropriate care for their condition, regardless of where they live.
Reference centre for rare cardiac and ophthalmological diseases
The new UEC designation for rare cardiac diseases recognizes the expertise of professionals in the Cardiology Department (among other specialities) in the care of a wide group of uncommon conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart. These diseases included inherited cardiomyopathies, channelopathies or cardiac electrical disorders, some complex congenital defects and other rare cardiovascular diseases. These are diseases that often have a genetic basis and require specialized lifelong monitoring, as they frequently carry a high risk of arrhythmias, heart failure or sudden death.
The accreditation covers three areas of specialization: genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies, genetic and non-genetic minor arrhythmias, and congenital defects in adults and children. The unit is coordinated by Dr Elena Arbelo, who is responsible for the arrhythmia area, together with Dr Ana Garcia, Head of the Cardiology Department and coordinator of the cardiomyopathy area, and Dr Silvia Montserrat, coordinator of the congenital defects area. The recognition highlights the Clínic’s track record in the comprehensive management of these conditions and in genetic and family counselling, key elements for early diagnosis and better prevention of complications.
The team from the Department of Ophthalmology has also obtained accreditation as a UEC in rare ophthalmological diseases. This group mainly includes hereditary retinal dystrophies, optic neuropathies and other rare diseases that can cause progressive vision loss from childhood or early adulthood.
The accreditation recognizes the expertise of the Clínic in five clinical areas: anterior segment, coordinated by Dr Josep Torras, retina, coordinated by Dr Ricardo Casaroli, neuro-ophthalmology, coordinated by Dr Bernardo Sánchez-Dalmau, who is also responsible for the UEC, orbit and oculoplastics, coordinated by Dr Jessica Matas, and uveitis, coordinated by Dr Aina Moll.
This recognition comes at a particularly relevant time for these conditions, as advances in genetics, molecular diagnostics and advanced therapies are opening up new opportunities for patients. The concentration of expertise in specialized units facilitates access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances and promotes participation in research projects and clinical trials.
Three new recognitions from the Ministry of Health (CSUR)
At a national level, the Ministry of Health has designated the Hospital Clínic, together with the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, as CSURs in Refractory Epilepsy, Complex Paediatric Neurosurgery, and Diverse Sexual Development.
The redesignation as a CSUR in Refractory Epilepsy consolidates the Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu integrated unit, led by Dr Mar Carreño as a centre of excellence for the care of patients with a type of epilepsy that does not respond adequately to available pharmacological treatments. This renewal, which the unit first obtained in 2010, recognizes its track record and excellence in managing the most complex cases through highly specialized multidisciplinary assessment, and access to advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical techniques. The designation endorses the ability of both centres to provide comprehensive care for patients who have often exhausted conventional therapeutic options, offering alternatives such as epilepsy surgery and other advanced treatments aimed at reducing seizures and improving their quality of life.
The designation as a CSUR in Complex Paediatric Neurosurgery, coordinated by Dr Joaquim Enseñat, recognizes the collaboration between the Clínic and Sant Joan de Déu in the care of children and adolescents with highly complex neurological conditions requiring highly specialized surgical interventions. These include complex congenital malformations, central nervous system tumours, cerebral vascular disorders, and other conditions that require highly expert neurosurgical teams and close coordination with professionals in neurology, neurophysiology, neuroradiolgy, paediatric intensive care and rehabilitation. The designation allows for the consolidation of a care model that concentrates expertise and results in particularly demanding procedures.
In the field of endocrinology, the Ministry of Health awarded the Clínic the CSUR in Diverse Sexual Development, a group of rare disorders related to chromosomal, genetic or hormonal alterations affecting the reproductive system. The CSUR accreditation, coordinated by Dr Mireia Mora, validates the ability of the two centres to offer highly specialized multidisciplinary care, which integrates advanced diagnostics, genetic counselling, specific treatments and psychological and social support, ensuring comprehensive and continuous care throughout all stages of life. The comprehensive approach to these patients is particularly important because they are a group of rare and highly heterogeneous conditions that can affect a person’s development and growth.
With these five new accreditations, the Hospital Clínic Barcelona continues to expand its network of reference units and reinforces its position as one of the leading tertiary centres in the care of rare and high-complexity diseases. A recognition that reflects the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, research and innovation, and its commitment to offering every patient the most specialized care possible, regardless of the complexity of their illness or their postcode.
