Established in 2001, the Hospital de Son Llàtzer stands as a testament to modern healthcare in Palma de Mallorca. Let me tell you its story.
Back in 1985, Mallorca had a growing population. Over half a million people lived here. Yet, there was only one main hospital for the entire island. That was the Hospital Son Dureta. It was originally named Virgen de la Salud. Clinics and health centers existed. However, they simply weren’t enough. The government decided more hospitals were needed. Thus began the plan for three new hospitals. One would be in Palma. The others would be in Inca and Manacor.
In 1989, the government decided to build a second hospital in Palma. It would be east of the city. This would become the Hospital de Son Llàtzer. People also called it Palma II. It was built near the C-715 road. A planning commission was formed that year. They planned the hospital’s functions. Construction began in 1996. By 1998, the Health Ministry created a collaboration agreement. It gave Son Llàtzer legal status. It also allowed the hospital to manage itself.
The Council of Ministers approved the Hospital Son Llàtzer Foundation in 2001. It was a private foundation. However, it was publicly controlled. The foundation managed the hospital. The director of the Balearic Health Service led the foundation. Representatives from the autonomous community and Palma’s city council also participated.
Celia Villalobos and Francesc Antich officially opened the Hospital de Son Llàtzer on December 15, 2001. Villalobos was the Minister of Health. Antich was the President of the Balearic Government. The hospital had 66 beds available. The plan was to have 564 beds in total. The hospital covered 66,000 square meters. The investment totaled 10 billion pesetas. The money came from the General State Budgets. The hospital featured 12 operating rooms. It also had two delivery rooms and 58 medical offices. There were 12 day hospital posts and 24 dialysis posts. About 1,000 people would staff the hospital. This included staff from Hospital Son Dureta. People from the Manacor Hospital Foundation were also included. So were some from the Red Cross and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. This divided Mallorca’s healthcare into three areas. Hospital Son Dureta became the main referral center. The other two were Hospital Son Llàtzer and the Hospital de Manacor.
In 2002, Hospital de Son Llàtzer became part of the Balearic Islands Health Service. This happened after healthcare responsibilities moved to the autonomous community. That same year, the emergency area doubled in size. This was because of rising demand. During its early years, the Hospital de Son Llàtzer became known for its technology. It was considered a pioneer in using new computer systems.
Today, the Hospital de Son Llàtzer serves over 250,000 people. It covers areas within Palma de Mallorca. It also serves towns in the rest of the island. You can reach Hospital de Son Llàtzer via the Vía de Cintura. Take exit 3. Alternatively, you can use roundabout 4 on the Ma-15. City buses also serve the hospital. Lines 14, 27, 28, 32, and 34 all stop here. The hospital is managed by a committee. It includes a Managing Director. They are supported by other directors and sub-directors.
From its beginnings to its current role, the Hospital de Son Llàtzer is important. It provides essential healthcare services to the people of Mallorca. It continues to adapt and innovate. It ensures the well-being of the community it serves.