Mallorca's Son Espases frees 32 beds a week after surgery

Mallorca’s Son Espases University Hospital in Palma makes 32 more ward beds available each week: a unit for patients recovering from surgery has cared for 540 people in its first year. Patients stay in the unit for no more than 24 hours. The Balearic Islands Department of Health reported the figures on 28 October 2026.

A short stay after surgery

The unit has eight beds open from Monday to Friday. A nurse and a nursing assistant staff it continuously, alongside specialists from the patients’ medical teams. More than 96 per cent of patients leave without needing a bed on a regular hospital ward.

The unit is for people who still need a short period of observation after an operation. Son Espases’ admissions service estimates that about 20 per cent of patients operated on there each day could qualify.

More room on the wards

Before the unit opened, patients suitable for it spent an average of two days on a regular ward. The health department says the shorter stays now make 32 more ward beds available each week.

The hospital also plans to speed up discharge paperwork. Once a patient has moved from the operating theatre through recovery to the observation unit, the treating doctor is expected to prepare the documents using criteria set in advance.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com