The Generalitat de Catalunya has announced a significant improvement in stroke care in Tarragona. Starting April 11, the Joan XXIII University Hospital will offer mechanical thrombectomies on Saturdays and Sundays, covering a schedule from 8 AM to 8 PM. This measure, known as the 12/7 Plan, represents an eleven-day expansion of the current operation.
The Minister of Health, Olga Pané, reported this decision during the weekly meeting of the Consell Executiu, chaired by Salvador Illa. The autonomous government spokesperson, Sílvia Paneque, detailed that the objective is to increase response capacity in the most severe cases, improving accessibility and clinical safety to save lives.
“"The expansion of Joan XXIII and Arnau de Vilanova will be carried out through collaborations with Bellvitge and Vall d'Hebron hospitals."
This expansion will not only benefit Tarragona but will also extend to Lleida starting in June, with the Arnau de Vilanova Hospital. The Generalitat is working with a timeline that foresees the implementation of uninterrupted 24-hour mechanical thrombectomy service from summer 2027, once accredited professionals are available to guarantee the quality and safety of the service.
The decision comes after the Parliament of Catalonia approved a motion by Junts per Catalunya on March 12, urging the Government to urgently implement mechanical thrombectomy in reference hospitals. Additionally, the Balcó del Mediterrani in Tarragona hosted a demonstration with about 500 people demanding this 24/7 service.
According to data from the Department of Health, in 2025, 35% of Tarragona patients requiring mechanical thrombectomies were referred to Bellvitge Hospital. Of the 122 users who needed the technique for acute stroke, 78 were treated in Tarragona and 44 in Bellvitge.
