The Generalitat Valenciana is investing more than €82 million in the expansion of the Vega Baja Hospital of Orihuela, a project set to significantly strengthen healthcare provision across the Vega Baja region.
The development will add 14,700 square metres to the existing complex, increasing its total size by around 40% to more than 50,000 square metres. Once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, marking a substantial step forward in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
The expansion centres on the construction of two new buildings connected to the main hospital. The northern block will accommodate outpatient services, day hospitals and mental health care, dramatically increasing capacity.
The number of medical consultation rooms will more than triple, while nursing consultations and endoscopy facilities will also be significantly expanded. New specialist services will include dedicated day hospitals for oncohaematology, (cancers of the blood or lymphatic system), multi-purpose treatments and mental health care for both adults and younger patients, alongside additional procedure rooms across multiple disciplines.
The southern building will focus on surgical and critical support services, incorporating modern outpatient surgery units, post-anaesthesia care, minor surgery facilities, a new sterilisation centre and a haemodialysis unit. The hospital’s inpatient capacity will also rise with the addition of 52 new beds, while the overall design includes measures to improve resilience against climate-related risks.
This first phase of expansion will also allow for a broader reorganisation of the existing hospital, paving the way for a second stage of development. Future plans include the creation of a new maternity unit, the expansion of emergency, radiology and intensive care services, and the introduction of short-stay and pre-admission units aimed at streamlining patient care.
Several key upgrades have already been completed as part of the modernisation process, including a new main entrance with reception facilities, an improved emergency access platform, a helipad and a dedicated waste management building. The surrounding infrastructure has also been enhanced with a redesigned boulevard and underground parking equipped for electric vehicles and improved accessibility.
Regional authorities emphasised that the project reflects a broader commitment to reinforcing public healthcare across the Valencian Community. In practical terms, the expansion positions Vega Baja Hospital as a modern, high-capacity medical centre, better equipped to meet growing demand and deliver more specialised care to the population it serves.
Original source: es