Miquel Pons takes over from Manel del Castillo as manager of SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital

The SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital is preparing for a new chapter. On 1 May, Miquel Pons will take up the post of managing director of the centre, succeeding Manel del Castillo, who has been at the helm of the hospital's management for the past 23 years. The appointment, approved by the Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios, culminates a progressive transition process initiated a year ago to ensure the continuity of all projects.

Miquel Pons is a medical doctor and a specialist in rheumatology, with training in clinical management and the organisation of healthcare services, and expertise in applied bioethics. Throughout his career, he has combined clinical practice with research and scientific outreach. He has held various management positions at the Althaia Foundation and the Badalona Municipal Hospital, and joined SJD Hospital in 2014 as Medical Director. Since 2022, he has served as the centre's Deputy Manager.

The new managing director will continue to drive the Hospital's strategic line, based on excellence in maternal and child care and a humanistic vision focused on the well-being of patients and their families. Among the priorities for the new phase are the introduction of cutting-edge technology, the promotion of research and innovation, as well as the continuous training of professionals and the improvement of the patient experience.

For his part, Manel del Castillo will remain involved with the institution, providing strategic support and taking on the role of Secretary General of Hospitality Europe, an association promoted by the Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios and the Hermanas Hospitalarias del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. He will also reinforce his dedication as president of the Evaluation, Innovation and Operational Reform Committee of the Health System (CAIROS).

The Hospital would like to thank Manel del Castillo for his 23 years of leadership, during which he has driven a profound transformation based on purpose, adaptability and the commitment of all professionals. We wish both him and Miquel Pons every success in this new chapter.