2 December, 2025
barnaclínic+ celebrates 25 years with an event that highlights trust, vocation and the future of the model
On 27 November 2025, barnaclínic+ celebrated its 25th anniversary with an institutional event that brought together patients, professionals and staff in a meaningful and close-knit format. The Aula Magna of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona became a space of memory and recognition, where each voice helped to reflect on what this quarter-century journey has meant.
Watch the full 25th anniversary event of barnaclínic+:
The event began with remarks from Dr. Antoni Castells, Medical Director of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, who emphasized the importance of “pausing, looking back, and acknowledging everything that has been built.” He noted that celebrations like this “are more necessary than they may seem,” as they allow us to value the collective effort and the real impact of the model. Afterwards, barnaclínic+ General Manager Carles Loran recalled that the project was created with a goal as simple as it was essential: to strengthen the sustainability of the Clínic, offer opportunities to its professionals, and guarantee excellent care. In a warm and transparent speech, Loran highlighted that, twenty-five years later, the project remains true to its essence and ambition, summarized in the anniversary slogan: “Sumem futur, construïm salut”.
“barnaclínic+ has carried out an exceptional exercise in transparency and rigor over the years, and that largely explains its strength as a model.”
Dr. Antoni Castells, Medical Director of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
“barnaclínic+ has carried out an exceptional exercise in transparency and rigor over the years, and that largely explains its strength as a model.”
Carles Loran, General Manager of barnaclínic+
“If we have come this far, it is because we have known how to adapt, grow, and keep improving. This project has been possible thanks to many people who have believed in it from day one.”
“Sumant salut”: a frank conversation between patients and professionals
The first round table, presented by Àlex Rubies, Head of Communication and Marketing, was the heart of the celebration. Patients and barnaclínic+ collaborating professionals shared a live dialogue shaped by real-life videos and genuine questions. What emerged was an open and spontaneous conversation that revealed the driving force behind the project: trust, reassurance and personalised care.
Mr. Luis Conde opened the session by recounting two complex surgeries he had undergone — with the same feeling in both cases: impeccable care. Dr. Óscar Vidal, Head of the General and Endocrine Surgery Section of the Clínic de Barcelona, responded by highlighting the peace of mind that comes from working under the umbrella of the Clínic and with a strong, cohesive multidisciplinary team.
Dr. Óscar Vidal – Head of General and Endocrine Surgery, Clínic de Barcelona
“A patient’s peace of mind depends on being able to work with a team that supports you.” Mr. Jaime Lis then took the floor with humour and emotion, explaining that several members of his family have trusted barnaclínic+ over the years — and that his father still refers to Dr. Marta Sitges as “his fairy godmother”. Dr Sitges, Director of the Cardiovascular Institute, emphasised the importance of team coordination as the key to offering all therapeutic options safely and effectively.
Dr. Marta Sitges, Director of the Cardiovascular Institute of the Clínic de Barcelona
“Few centres can offer all treatment options with the same guarantees. We try to retain talent, recruit the best and help them grow.”The testimony of Mrs. María Esteve and her daughter provided the most emotional moment of the day. Dr. Alfons López Soto, internist, head of the hospital ward and Assistant Medical Director of barnaclínic+, responded with a profound reflection on the essence of medical practice: listening, earning trust and accompanying patients throughout their journey.
Dr Alfons López Soto, former Head of Internal Medicine at Hospital Clínic and Assistant Medical Director of barnaclínic+
“Patients are almost always right; you just need to know how to listen.” “Seeing a patient recover their quality of life is the best part of this profession. Some cases give meaning to an entire career.”Finally, Mr. Adrià Bas asked a question about what a surgeon looks at during a first consultation. Dr. Joan Fontdevila, Head of the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Service of the Clínic, answered naturally: “I see the person first; the lesion comes after.”
Dr. Joan Fontdevila, Head of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Clínic de Barcelona
“Our background as Clínic physicians and university professors is what makes the difference. Trust is born when the patient feels you are by their side.”An inside look: the 25th anniversary video
After the first panel, the central video of the 25th anniversary campaign of barnaclínic+ was shown — a piece that encapsulates what these years have meant for all the people working in the organisation. Featuring professionals from every area, the video offers an intimate and honest look at how the project has grown from its early days to the present.
The piece closes with the anniversary motto, “Sumem futur, construïm salut” (We add future, we build health), becoming a collective tribute to both the present and the future of barnaclínic+.
Watch the barnaclínic+ 25th anniversary video here:
“Construïnt barnaclínic+”: from the beginning to the future
The second panel, featuring Dr. Catiana Cabrer, former Director of barnaclínic+, Dr. Jaume Balust, Assistant Medical Director, and Carolina Chamero, nurse and Case Manager, reviewed the evolution of the project from complementary perspectives. Cabrer described the early years with her characteristic energy, recalling how Professor Joan Rodés convinced her to lead a project that, at that time, was as bold as it was necessary.
Dr Catiana Cabrer, former Director of barnaclínic+
“barnaclínic+ was born because the Clínic needed financial resources… but it had enough talent and commitment to make it work.”Chamero brought the present-day view from the nursing and patient-care perspective, while Dr Balust spoke about the immediate future: new consultation areas, expanded outpatient activity, consolidation of the international programme, and the need to retain talent in an increasingly demanding healthcare environment.
“The evolution of the Ward and the consultations has been enormous, but what has not changed is how we accompany the patient.”
Carolina Chamero, Nurse and Case Manager at barnaclínic+
Before closing, Dr Balust shared a message that captured what barnaclínic+ needs in order to keep moving forward: the effort and generosity of its staff, the commitment of its professionals, and above all, the trust of patients, which gives meaning to the entire model.
“To keep moving forward, we need everyone’s effort, the commitment of professionals and, above all, the trust of patients. The challenge is growing without losing the proximity or the quality that define us.”
Dr Jaume Balust, Assistant Medical Director of barnaclínic+
A recognition that symbolises many others
One of the most special moments was the tribute to Mireia Martín, executive secretary and the first barnaclínic+ professional to reach 25 years in the organisation. This recognition marks the beginning of a new tradition that will be extended to all professionals who achieve this milestone.
Closing: looking ahead
Dr. Josep M. Campistol, General Director of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, closed the event by emphasising that barnaclínic+ “is a successful and resilient project: it has managed to grow, endure and provide value to patients and to the system.”
Dr Josep M. Campistol, General Director of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
“barnaclínic+ is a resilient and successful project: it has grown, endured and brought value to both patients and the system.”The event left a clear message: 25 years later, barnaclínic+ remains a story of people who care, who resolve complex situations and who build health with rigour and humanity. A project that looks to the future with the same strength with which it was born — because, as the anniversary motto reminds us, adding future and building health is, and will continue to be, a collective effort.