The imminent arrival of Pope León XIV to the Canary archipelago on June 11 and 12, a historic milestone for the islands, presents a significant logistical challenge. The Department of Health has implemented a special operation to ensure the continuity of care amidst high public attendance and anticipated traffic restrictions in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

In Primary Care, telephone consultations will be prioritized at health centers affected by the papal entourage to prevent unnecessary travel. Centers will directly notify patients if their in-person appointments are switched to telephone consultations. On Thursday, June 11, the reorganization will focus on Gran Canaria, impacting ten health centers, while on Friday, June 12, the focus will be on Tenerife, with fourteen centers modifying their usual operations. An increase in emergency care services has been confirmed at all these locations.

Within hospitals, internal operations will continue normally. However, external access and transport logistics pose the greatest complication. Consequently, non-urgent external consultations and rehabilitation sessions relying on non-urgent medical transport will be rescheduled. This measure will apply on Thursday, June 11, in Gran Canaria and Friday, June 12, in Tenerife. On the other islands, the transfer service will operate as planned.

Patients requiring vital treatments, such as hemodialysis, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, will have their assistance and transportation guaranteed. Patients from the onco-hematological day hospital are also unaffected. Scheduled transfers between healthcare centers and ambulance services for patients being discharged will continue, although punctual delays may occur due to traffic diversions or access difficulties in the vicinity of the pontiff's procession.

For patients attending vital treatments using their own transportation, a strict identification protocol has been established in coordination with security forces. It is essential for these individuals to carry their ID, health card, and a copy of their clinical report. The operation also includes a significant reinforcement of human and material resources, with direct coordination between the Canary Emergency Service (SUC), hospitals, and health centers.