Mortality drops in Catalonia despite a population increase

Barcelona (CNA).- The Minister for Health, Marina Geli, explained that from 2004 to 2008, mortality has dropped in Catalonia in spite of the increase in population. The number of deaths in 2004 was more than 60,000 people. In just 4 years, that number has dropped to between 57,000 and 59,000 deaths. According to Geli, this fall is due to the decrease in highway deaths and deaths from cancer, heart attacks, and neurological illnesses. The Minister has stated this after the inauguration of the new heliport at the Hospital Sant Pau, which has had a total cost of 850,000 euros.
Health Minister Marina Geli said that the decrease in mortality might also be an effect of an improvement in speed of emergency services. The Minister released this information from the roof of the Hospital Sant Pau after inaugurating its new heliport. The installation of the heliport is part of a new infrastructure with direct access to the ICU as well as to emergency and operating rooms, which may help patients to avoid having to change transport during a medical emergency. The heliport will not be exclusive to the Hospital Sant Pau; it will also by used by the Department of Home Affairs to carry out health services in emergency situations throughout the Spanish state and Europe. Geli has stated that the helicopter will likely be used in situations where the patient must be transported quickly to areas far away from Barcelona.