A leading Campus

These distinctions place us on the map of the European network of leading centres in rare diseases and also among the leading centres recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the Generalitat de Catalunya.

Moreover, some departments or units of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital belong to networks for the treatment and study of rare diseases. The reason is that the prevalence of some pathologies is very low in our patients.

Our certifications recognise our clinical experience, research capacity, ability to exchange information and work in a network and the preparation of our professionals and facilities, amongst other things.

European Reference Networks - ERN

We form part of the European Reference Networks (ERN), which strive to improve patient care and share information with other leading European centres in the field of rare diseases. The Campus is part of a European Commission initiative to bring together health institutions who are highly specialised in certain rare diseases. These institutions can also offer healthcare which is both profitable and high-quality.

The aim of these "virtual networks" is to discuss the diagnosis and best possible treatment for patients with rare diseases throughout Europe, to contribute to the study of these pathologies and to offer the highest quality of care. Ultimately, the main mission is to facilitate discussion on rare or complex conditions and diseases that require highly specialised treatment.

ERN accreditation requires centres that are part of the network to serve as a point of research and knowledge, to participate in scientific studies, to provide treatment to patients from all member states, and to have the appropriate facilities to do so. The network also works to disseminate services and expertise within the European Union.

Reference Centres, Departments and Units - CSUR

At Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus we have multiple "Reference Centres, Departments and Units" (Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia), with this certification being awarded by the Spanish Government to hospitals that play a key role in the treatment of certain pathologies.

The main objectives of these accreditations are: to improve equality in terms of access to highly specialised services for all citizens; to concentrate highly specialised expertise in the provision of quality, safe and efficient healthcare; and to improve the treatment of rare diseases and the corresponding procedures.

The Spanish Ministry of Health issues this accreditation through the Quality Agency to institutions that have passed a verification process of a series of common and specific standards. Among the requirements are the need to address patients' rights, the implementation of a quality assurance programme and the establishment of an annual audit plan.

In order to receive this accreditation, centres must demonstrate a great deal of knowledge and experience in the management of different pathologies, techniques and procedures. It is also necessary to prove a certain volume of activity and to ensure that the necessary equipment and staff are in place to provide quality care to patients. The regulation also establishes the need for an information system that makes it possible to analyse the activity and evaluate the quality of the services offered. The fact that the centre has the capacity to train other professionals in the reference activity is also valuable.

Networks of Clinical Expertise Units - XUEC

We are also part of several Networks of Clinical Expertise Units (Xarxes d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica) in rare diseases. These are networks of specialised clinical departments from different hospital centres that have a high level of diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge in how to deal with certain groups of diseases, which meet the quality criteria established by the Catalan Health Service.

At Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus we place great importance on treating rare diseases, and these networks help us to do this. It also forms part of the Catalan Health Service's strategy for treating rare diseases.

This allows us to better care for patients with rare diseases in Catalonia, facilitating their referral to the healthcare park.