Andorra Invests €5M in Hospital Upgrades with MRI, Robotics and Helipad

The Servei Andorrà d’Atenció Sanitària (SAAS) plans to invest just over €5 million in upgrading Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, including a new MRI scanner, robotic surgery equipment, and helipad improvements. SAAS director general Meritxell Cosan described the move as a major step forward, positioning the facility as nearly ready to handle high-complexity cases at a technological level equivalent to a level 2C hospital, on the cusp of tertiary status.

Cosan highlighted the MRI's arrival after more than 20 years of debate, noting it would enable specialists to work directly with advanced imaging on site rather than relying on outsourced services. This has previously caused logistical issues, including patient transfers on weekends that could have been avoided. The technology will also aid talent recruitment, as radiologists focus on anatomy regardless of equipment, but its absence has limited professional growth and hiring.

Robotic surgery will similarly attract surgeons in fields like general surgery and urology, where training now emphasizes such systems over traditional laparoscopy. Studies show it reduces post-operative complications, shortens intensive care stays, and speeds discharges. Key benefits include reinstating radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer locally—currently referred to Barcelona—allowing Andorra to manage its three major population cancers (breast, colon, and prostate) in-house where patient volumes justify it.

The funding, drawn from this year's surplus and approved by the Consell General, receives priority processing to avoid forfeiture. Tenders are targeted for award by year-end, with services operational from late 2025 to early 2027. Robotic implementation requires additional training for surgeons, nurses, and anaesthetists via placements at partner hospitals like Sant Pau, though some staff are already accredited.

These upgrades form part of broader efforts to avert a healthcare collapse projected within five years due to population growth and ageing. Cosan stressed planning 10 years ahead, given shifting demographics where those aged 50-80 demand far more care than younger groups. Measures include expanding home hospitalisation—launched 18 months ago—to elderly care residences, providing on-site nursing and doctor support to keep fragile patients in familiar settings and reduce hospitalisation risks like dementia from disorientation.

Other steps involve diverting traumatology convalescents to the Cedre building in Santa Coloma, boosting day surgery and afternoon operating hours, and activating a fifth operating theatre. A 2024 functional needs plan, validated by external consultants, underpins hospital expansion hopes, with project tendering targeted before the current legislative term ends—ideally including works—though managed by the Territorial Planning and Urbanism department with no firm deadlines yet.

Cosan also welcomed a donated van from the Dames de Nostra Senyora de Meritxell patronat for mental health patient transport, and noted a new resource in La Seu d'Urgell to deliver proximity therapies while preserving patients' family ties, schooling, and routines.