Canary Islands’ Emergency Services Tackle Record Patient Numbers amid Innovations in Care
The Canary Islands’ healthcare system faced unprecedented demand in 2024, with hospital emergency services attending to 694,142 patients and primary care centers handling 1,568,484 cases in extra-hospital emergencies.These staggering figures were revealed by Antonia María Pérez, General Director of Assistance Programs of the Canarian Health Service (SCS), during her opening speech at the XV Congress of the Canarian Society of Emergency Medicine and Emergencies (Semes-Canarias).
Held at the Insular University Hospital of Gran Canaria, the congress brought together healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in emergency care. Pérez emphasized the critical role of emergency services, stating, “In 2024, 694,142 patients were treated in our hospital emergency services and 1,568,484 in extra-hospital emergencies, that is, in primary care centers.” She also highlighted the efforts of the Canarian Emergency Department (SUC), which attended to 343,000 people and activated 307,880 mobile resource interventions last year.
The congress served as a platform to explore innovative strategies to enhance patient care.Pérez noted, “This type of meeting allows the SCS staff to discuss the challenges we face and explore new strategies that can improve the attention we provide.”
Key Themes and Innovations
Table of Contents
The event featured a robust program, including six round tables, two oral communications, and an inaugural conference by Dr. Ibán Ochoa of the National Commission of the emergency and Emergency Medicine Specialty (SEMES). Dr. Ochoa’s presentation, ‘Specialty in Emergency Medicine and Emergencies: Current Status and Accreditation Criteria,’ set the tone for discussions on professional development and accreditation in the field.
Other critical topics included advancements in acute heart failure treatment, the migrants reception device in Restinga, El Hierro, and the role of research networks in improving emergency care. The integration of artificial intelligence and digital conversion in emergency services also took center stage, reflecting the sector’s push toward modernization.
A Snapshot of Emergency Care in the Canary Islands
| Service | Patients Attended (2024) |
|———————————-|——————————|
| Hospital Emergency Services | 694,142 |
| primary Care Centers | 1,568,484 |
| Canarian Emergency Department (SUC) | 343,000 |
| Mobile Resource Interventions | 307,880 |
Looking Ahead
The congress underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the growing demands on emergency services. As Pérez aptly put it, “The challenges we face require continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure the best possible care for our patients.”
For more insights into the Canarian Health Service and its initiatives, visit their official website.
The XV Congress of Semes-Canarias not only highlighted the achievements of the past year but also paved the way for a future where technology and teamwork transform emergency care in the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands’ Emergency Services tackle Record Patient Numbers Amid Innovations in Care: An Expert Interview
In 2024, the Canary Islands’ healthcare system faced unprecedented demand, with hospital emergency services attending to 694,142 patients and primary care centers handling 1,568,484 cases. At the recent XV Congress of the Canarian Society of Emergency Medicine and Emergencies (Semes-canarias), experts explored groundbreaking solutions to meet these challenges. We sat down with Dr. Elena Marrero, a leading specialist in emergency medicine, to discuss the latest developments and what the future holds for emergency care in the Canary Islands.
Record Patient Numbers and System Challenges
Editor: Dr.Marrero, the numbers from 2024 are staggering. How did the Canarian healthcare system manage such a high volume of patients?
Dr.Marrero: The figures where indeed overwhelming. The Canarian Health service (SCS) responded by optimizing resources across hospital emergency services,primary care centers,and the Canarian Emergency Department (SUC). For example, mobile resources were deployed strategically to reduce bottlenecks. However, the sheer volume underscored the need for systemic changes, which is why events like the Semes-Canarias Congress are so crucial.
Innovations in Emergency medicine
Editor: Speaking of the congress, what were some of the key innovations discussed?
Dr. Marrero: The congress was a treasure trove of ideas. One of the highlights was the integration of artificial intelligence and digital transformation into emergency care. For instance, AI-powered triage systems are being piloted to prioritize patients more efficiently. We also explored advancements in treating acute heart failure and the role of research networks in driving evidence-based practices. Another critical topic was the migrants reception device in Restinga, El Hierro, which has become a model for handling humanitarian emergencies.
The Role of Professional Development
Editor: Dr. Ochoa’s presentation on professional development and accreditation seemed to set the tone for the event. How critically important is this for the future of emergency medicine?
Dr. Marrero: Absolutely vital. As the field evolves, so must our standards and training. Dr. Ochoa’s presentation highlighted the need for a unified accreditation framework to ensure that all practitioners meet the highest standards. This not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters trust in our healthcare system.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Technology
Editor: what are the next steps for the Canary Islands’ emergency services?
Dr. Marrero: Collaboration and innovation will be key.We need to continue leveraging technology, such as AI and digital tools, to streamline processes. At the same time, fostering partnerships between hospitals, primary care centers, and organizations like the SUC will ensure a more cohesive response to emergencies. As Antonia María Pérez aptly said,continuous advancement is essential to meet the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
The Canary Islands’ emergency services are at a pivotal moment, balancing record patient numbers with groundbreaking innovations. Insights from experts like Dr. Marrero underscore the importance of collaboration, professional development, and technological integration in shaping the future of emergency care. As the region continues to adapt, these efforts will ensure that patients recieve the best possible care, even in the face of unprecedented demand.
