Madrid – Febuary 3, 2026 – A new gynecological clinic in Parla, Spain, is breaking down barriers to healthcare for women with hearing and vision loss, offering a uniquely accessible and patient-centered experience. The clinic,named AMIGA – which stands for Atención Médica Individualizada Ginecológica Accesible (Accessible Individualized Gynecological Medical Care) – is the first of its kind in Spain.
A More Inclusive Approach to Women’s Health
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The AMIGA clinic aims to provide equitable, safe, and respectful healthcare for women with hearing and vision loss, offering a uniquely accessible and patient-centered experience.
- The clinic employs sign language interpreters and tactile communication methods.
- AMIGA utilizes visual aids to overcome communication barriers.
- The clinic offers extended appointment times to accommodate patients’ needs.
- AMIGA hopes to expand its services to include preventative workshops and education.
Dr. Irene Coronado,a gynecologist at the public Infanta Cristina Hospital,launched the clinic after recognizing the important communication challenges faced by patients with disabilities. “I realized the need for accessibility in medical consultations for both deaf and deafblind individuals, who have serious problems in communication,” she explained.
What makes this clinic different? It’s not just about offering sign language interpretation. AMIGA employs a multi-faceted approach, incorporating tactile sign language (hands-on signing), finger spelling, visual aids like anatomical atlases and physical models of intrauterine devices (IUDs), and plans to install a magnetic induction loop for improved audio accessibility.
Dr. Coronado noted that gynecological care often involves sensitive topics and potential anxieties. “Gynecology still has a lot to do with taboo subjects, fears, and insecurities…” she said, emphasizing the importance of clear and pleasant communication.
Beyond sign Language: A Holistic Approach
The clinic’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond sign language. Recognizing the needs of deafblind individuals, AMIGA utilizes tactile communication methods like tactile sign language and finger spelling.Furthermore, the clinic provides visual supports, including anatomical charts, physical models, and plans to install a magnetic loop system.
These resources aren’t limited to patients with sensory impairments. They can also benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism, and tactile aids are helpful for those who are blind. “in principle, they don’t have communication problems like deaf or deafblind people, but they can take advantage of the resources we have, so we invite them to come to the clinic as well,” Dr. Coronado added.
to ensure effective communication and address the complex needs of patients, appointments at AMIGA are scheduled with extended time slots, coordinated through a patient’s primary care physician.
Expanding Access Throughout the Region
Currently, there are no othre clinics in Spain offering this level of specialized care for individuals with hearing and vision loss. AMIGA hopes to serve women throughout the Community of Madrid, leveraging the region’s policy of free specialist choice. “We want patients from other health areas to come here for gynecology,” Dr. Coronado stated.
The clinic is also extending its accessibility efforts to maternity care.Dr. Coronado highlighted the importance of clear communication during childbirth, noting that misunderstandings are a common source of trauma for new mothers, even those without disabilities. She referenced the film Sorda, which depicts the distress of a deaf woman during labor due to the inability to read the lips of masked healthcare professionals.
“We are now working to make the consultations accessible, but the idea is that the project will be expanded to include prevention and education workshops aimed at this population, which are also essential for health,” Dr. Coronado concluded.
