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A new hospital has officially opened in Valencia, Spain, with dedicated capacity for treating public patients from Ireland awaiting treatment.
This agreement marks the next step in expanding treatment options for Irish patients under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive, through a major partnership between Healthcare Abroad, Ireland’s leading cross-border healthcare provider, and the Vithas Hospital Group.
It comes as new research, commissioned by Healthcare Abroad and carried out by Amarach Research reveals that 1 in 5 Irish patients (20%) have missed out on important life events, from family milestones to everyday activities, due to delays in accessing planned surgical care including knee and hip replacements among others. With almost 1 in 3 (30%) saying they’ve considered going abroad for treatment, the new hospital opening in Spain offers a timely solution for those looking to access expert medical care.
Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital, a brand-new, purpose-built facility in Valencia, is now open to Irish public patients under an agreement between Healthcare Abroad and the Vithas Hospital Group, supported by the HSE and the EU Cross Border Directive.
The Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility with 95 beds, including 64 private rooms, 8 operating theatres, and seven intensive care units and will deliver a wide range of planned orthopaedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, and is expected to treat up to 1,000 Irish patients annually.
Under the EU Cross Border Directive, Irish patients can access treatment in hospitals in another EU country with procedure costs reimbursed by the HSE. Patients only cover travel and accommodation, and Credit Unions across Ireland are offering financing options to help cover costs upfront while patients wait for reimbursement.
Pictured outside the Vithas Valencia Turia Hospital, Spain is Paul Byrne, Chief Operations Officer, Healthcare Abroad, Victoria Verdú Llorca, Mediterranean Director, Vithas Medical Group and Dr. Javier Palau, General Director, Vithas Medical Group
Speaking at the opening of the Valencia Turia Hospital, Paul Byrne, Chief Operations Officer at Healthcare Abroad said, “This is about offering Irish patients timely access to high-quality care in a trusted and supported way. We understand how much of an impact delays can have, not just on physical health, but on people’s lives. This new hospital gives patients a real alternative without stepping outside of the Irish public system.”
The research also found that 91% of people believe timely healthcare is essential to a good quality of life, and 64% say travelling abroad feels like a more practical option. Healthcare Abroad provides a full support service, guiding patients every step of the way from GP referrals, travel arrangements through to aftercare.
“Our team works closely with patients, doctors, and the HSE to ensure everything is clear, safe, and well-managed,” Byrne added. “We’re proud to give patients access to care they’re already entitled to, just that little bit faster.”
For more information or to apply, visit www.healthcareabroad.ie
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