The Hospital General de Almansa has significantly expanded its capacity to protect its most vulnerable patients through the successful launch of its specialized Preventive Medicine clinic. In its first six months of operation, the consulta de Medicina Preventiva del Hospital de Almansa has seen 444 patients complete their visits, marking a critical shift in how the region manages healthcare-associated infections and patient safety.
Operating under the Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Almansa and the Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, the clinic was designed to eliminate the need for high-risk patients to travel long distances for specialized care. Prior to this initiative, patients in the Almansa area requiring these services were forced to travel to the city of Albacete, creating a barrier to care for those with compromised immune systems.
The clinic officially opened its doors on October 1, 2025, following an organizational phase that began in July of that year. Since then, the demand for these services has shown a steady upward trajectory. Of the 491 patients cited for appointments, 444 attended, representing a high attendance rate of 90.4 percent.
Targeting High-Risk and Immunocompromised Populations
The primary focus of the clinic is the management of patients who are immunodeprimidos (immunocompromised) or those facing a high risk of infection. For these individuals, a standard vaccination schedule is often insufficient or potentially dangerous; they require a tailored approach to immunization and clinical monitoring.
Lucía Suárez Betancourt, a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Almansa, explains that the clinic provides an individualized evaluation of infectious risk. This process includes a comprehensive review of the patient’s vaccination calendar, specialized counseling on preventive measures and ongoing clinical follow-up to ensure the patient remains protected while undergoing complex treatments.
The demographic most affected is patients over the age of 50 who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies. These medications, while essential for treating chronic conditions, leave the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections, making the precise planning of immunization a medical necessity rather than a routine precaution.
| Period | Total Patients | First Visits | Follow-up Visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct – Dec 2025 | 217 | 72 | 145 |
| Jan – Mar 2026 | 274 | 80 | 194 |
The Role of Strategic Vaccination
Vaccination serves as one of the foundational pillars of the Almansa clinic. By integrating vaccination directly into the hospital’s preventive framework, the facility can ensure that high-risk patients receive the correct doses at the optimal time relative to their primary treatments.
Data from the first six months reveals a significant volume of activity: 743 vaccine doses have been administered. The distribution shows a growing trend, with 309 doses given in the final quarter of 2025 and 434 doses administered between January and March 2026.
This specialized approach is supported by a multidisciplinary team. Suárez Betancourt is joined in the clinic by nurse María Cano Copete, ensuring that the administration of vaccines and the education of patients are handled with the specific care required for those with weakened immune systems.
A Transversal Approach to Hospital Safety
While the direct patient clinic is the most visible aspect of the service, the Preventive Medicine department operates as a transversal unit within the Hospital General de Almansa. Which means its influence extends beyond the clinic walls and into every ward and surgical suite in the building.
The service is tasked with the constant surveillance and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This involves analyzing specific cases, managing potential outbreaks, and updating clinical protocols to prevent the spread of pathogens within the facility. By collaborating with nursing staff, clinical services, and executive management, the department works to harden the hospital’s defenses against infection.
The integration of this service is further evidenced by the high volume of internal referrals. The clinic operates two days a week, receiving “interconsultas” (internal consultations) from various specialties. The Department of Rheumatology has been the most frequent referrer, with 47 patients sent for preventive care, followed by significant contributions from Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Dermatology.
Suárez Betancourt emphasizes that the core philosophy of the department is to act before a clinical crisis occurs. By utilizing epidemiological surveillance and implementing preventive measures, the hospital can reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and improve the overall quality of care for the most vulnerable.
Next Steps for the Service
Moving forward, the Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Almansa aims to consolidate the specialized clinic for immunocompromised patients and further refine its infection prevention strategies. The goal is to fully integrate Preventive Medicine as a permanent, key element of the hospital’s healthcare delivery model, ensuring that patient safety is managed proactively rather than reactively.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider regarding vaccination schedules and the management of immunosuppressive treatments.
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