The Hospital del Norte in ICOD de los Vinos is set to establish a cytostatic room, enabling oncology patients in this region of Tenerife to undergo chemotherapy independently of the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) located in La Laguna.
This initiative is part of plans for the Hospital del Norte, which is backed by an investment of €1.6 million, as stated by the Insular Corporation, and is included in a collaboration agreement with the Canary Health Service.
Furthermore, the hospital will introduce a new laboratory to expedite diagnosis and clinical analyses on-site; a blood bank to ensure the immediate availability of blood products; and a sterilisation facility.
These advancements will bolster healthcare services for more than 137,000 residents across the municipalities of La Orotava, Los Realejos, La Guancha, San Juan de la Rambla, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, and El Tank.
During her visit to the Hospital del Norte, the president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, emphasised the dual objective of this investment: to enhance healthcare services in the northern part of the island to improve patients’ quality of life, while simultaneously alleviating traffic congestion on the TF-5.
According to estimates from SCS, decentralising these treatments is expected to prevent around 140,000 annual trips to the HUC, leading to 560 fewer journeys on the aforementioned motorway.
Enhanced Services
New Laboratory. An investment of €487,585 will support the establishment of a new laboratory, speeding up both diagnosis and clinical analysis within the hospital. Operating from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, it will also feature a continuous emergency service. This development is anticipated to significantly decrease waiting times for results and ensure that patients do not need to visit other facilities for testing.
Cytostatic Room for Oncology Treatments. Among the most significant developments is the introduction of a cytostatic preparation room within the day hospital, supported by an investment of €196,145. This facility will enable the administration of chemotherapy treatments in ICOD de los Vinos, sparing northern cancer patients the need to travel to HUC.
Blood Bank. An investment of €205,000 will result in the establishment of a blood bank at the Hospital del Norte, ensuring immediate access to blood products, which will facilitate major surgical procedures there. Currently, numerous surgeries are delayed due to insufficient blood supplies, necessitating transfers to HUC. This improvement is expected to enhance surgical capacity and decrease dependence on metropolitans services.
Sterilisation Unit. The establishment of a sterilisation facility at the Hospital del Norte, supported by an investment of €700,000, will enable the processing of surgical equipment on-site. Previously, materials used in operations had to be sent to HUC for sterilisation, causing delays and limiting the number of surgeries. With this new amenity, operating rooms can function in both morning and afternoon slots, thus increasing the hospital’s capability and optimising health resources.
Following her visit, Dávila engaged in discussions with the mayors of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tank, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, La Guancha, San Juan de la Rambla, Los Realejos, Santa Úrsula, and La Orotava.
