The San Agustín University Hospital in Linares celebrated this Wednesday the twentieth anniversary of the launch of its hematological chemotherapy unit. The event, themed '20 years changing stories: commitment, science, and humanization', brought together professionals, patients, and institutional representatives to highlight the trajectory of a service that has transformed specialized healthcare in the northern region of Jaén.

The celebration, organized by the Hematology Clinical Management Unit, was attended by the acting delegate of the Andalusian Government in Jaén, Ana Belén Mata; the councilor for Health and Consumption of the Linares City Council, Antonio Luis Hervás; and the manager of the Northern Jaén Healthcare Management Area, José Luis García Cano. The impact of hematological chemotherapy in Linares was emphasized, allowing access to complex treatments without the need to travel to other hospitals.

Ana Belén Mata stated that the service represented "a fundamental advance in terms of health equity," demonstrating the commitment of Andalusian public healthcare. One of the most emotional moments was the intervention of the first patient treated, who shared the importance of receiving treatment close to their support system. The first professional team that initiated the unit in 2006 was also honored.

The program included round tables on treatment evolution, humanization of care, and emotional support, as well as videos with testimonials. The unit began operations in July 2006 with one hematologist, one nurse, and one auxiliary, along with one bed and eight chairs. Currently, the unit has 18 treatment chairs, four beds, and an expanded staff, increasing its service portfolio for pathologies such as lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma.

Assistance data reflects this growth: since 2019, nearly 9,300 hematological treatments and over 13,500 oncological treatments have been registered. The unit has also implemented clinical safety improvements. A comprehensive renovation between 2022 and 2023, involving an investment of 620,000 euros, expanded the area to 553 square meters and increased treatment posts to 22.

From the Northern Jaén Healthcare Management Area, they emphasize that having this resource in Linares improves patients' quality of life by avoiding travel, establishing it as a strategic resource for specialized care in the region.