Health Department to unveil 24-hour stroke care plan for Tarragona in 15 days

Minister Olga Pané reverses previous stance, promising a schedule for full-time thrombectomy services at Joan XXIII Hospital.

Generic image of a hospital exterior with emergency lights.
IA

Generic image of a hospital exterior with emergency lights.

Health Minister Olga Pané has announced that the Catalan Government will release a schedule within 15 days to implement 24-hour mechanical thrombectomy services in Tarragona.

This decision marks a significant policy shift. Only three months ago, Pané had dismissed the possibility of a 24/7 service at Joan XXIII Hospital, citing a lack of specialized staff and insufficient case numbers to justify the expansion.

"Soon, in 15 days, we will announce the calendar to extend thrombectomy care to other hospitals."

Olga Pané · Minister of Health
The change follows intense local pressure, including a recent demonstration at the Balcó del Mediterrani. The Minister criticized previous administrations led by ERC and Junts for failing to train the necessary medical specialists required for such a highly technical service.
While Tarragona Mayor Rubén Viñuales supported the move, ERC leader Oriol Junqueras emphasized that the 24-hour service remains a key condition for budget negotiations with the PSC government.