The Hospital del Mar has initiated an innovative experience for the comprehensive recovery of individuals experiencing homelessness. This pilot unit provides a dedicated space to work collaboratively on health and social needs, facilitating links with community resources and offering support throughout their personal journey. The service commenced last July.
According to Laura Morro, Head of Social Work at the hospital, the unit focuses on recovery and continuity of care, with services tailored to each person's needs. Its creation facilitates the transition from acute care to a specialized resource designed to promote recovery and integration into community services.
Located at the Centre Esperança, the unit has approximately fifteen places for individuals connected to Barcelona's social services. Initially, it targets hospital inpatients who, once clinically stable, require a recovery period before returning to the community. These individuals often have chronic illnesses, social fragility, and difficulties engaging with health and social services.
The facility includes single and shared rooms, as well as common areas, aiming to foster autonomy, healthy habits, and connections with follow-up services. Stays are personalized according to individualised work plans.
A notable feature is the unit's open-door policy, allowing users to come and go freely. The interdisciplinary team comprises nursing, hospital social work, and social integration professionals, reporting to the hospital's Social Work Directorate. This organisational integration makes it the first unit of its kind in Spain within a hospital setting.
The unit will collaborate with local social and health services, such as CAP Larrard and Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili, to ensure continuity of care. Discharges will be coordinated with the city's social services to explore potential pathways to services for homeless individuals.
The project is funded by the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion and the Barcelona City Council. €300,000 has been allocated for July-December 2026, with an annual contribution of €750,000 planned for the 2027-2030 agreement.
In 2025, the hospital assisted over 600 homeless individuals, a significant increase from 400 in 2024. This group experiences an average hospital stay twice as long as other patients, with higher emergency room visits and readmission risks.
Dr. Rocío Cebrián, Deputy Manager of Hospital del Mar, highlights that the project embodies their approach to care, extending beyond medical discharge to consider individual circumstances and collaborate with social resources for genuine recovery.
