Andorra Health Minister Hails New Sant Lluís Mental Health Centre as Major Relief for Families

Andorra's Health Minister Helena Mas has described the upcoming Sant Lluís Mental Health Centre in La Seu d'Urgell as a major relief for local families, citing its location just a 10-minute drive away and its focus on medium- to long-term care.

In an interview with the Andorran News Agency (ANA), Mas explained that the facility—developed by the Urgell diocese in a former seminary—will serve patients who have passed the acute phase of hospital treatment for mental health conditions and addictions. It will provide subacute and convalescence stays of three to six months for up to 97 individuals, covering adults, children and adolescents, with many expected to come from Andorra.

The proximity will enable better patient monitoring and stronger family ties, Mas said, eliminating long journeys to cities such as Barcelona that have been common for specialised admissions. This offers both practical advantages and emotional support, as relatives can engage more fully in extended recovery periods. She stressed that a close facility eases everyday challenges for families and patients alike.

Mas praised the project's innovative approach, noting that the entire site is being renovated to integrate cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and patient-focused infrastructure. It will function as a complementary resource in Andorra's healthcare model, linking domestic services with external specialist networks to meet broader rehabilitation demands.

A ministry team, headed by Mas, will tour the construction site next Tuesday, 5 May, alongside Urgell diocese technicians and Episcopal Co-Prince and Bishop of Urgell Josep Lluís Serrano Pentinat. The centre is slated to open by late 2026 or early 2027.