The Allergy Department at Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital has significantly increased its healthcare capacity, handling 11,647 patient consultations and carrying out 14,630 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during 2025.
The service, which specialises in diagnosing and treating allergic and immune system disorders for residents of Lanzarote, has experienced strong growth over the past three years. Initial consultations have risen by more than 60 percent, while follow-up appointments have increased by around 31 percent. Diagnostic testing has also grown substantially, climbing from 9,608 procedures in 2022 to 14,630 in the past year.
Hospital management attributes the expansion to the recruitment of additional staff, support from the Plan Activa Canarias programme, and improvements in organisation and patient management. Over recent years, the department has added one specialist doctor, two nurses, and two nursing assistants, bringing the current team to five allergists, five nurses, five nursing assistants, and two administrative staff members.
Same-Day Diagnosis and Treatment
The department operates high-resolution consultations, allowing many patients to receive diagnosis and treatment during the same visit. Following medical assessment, patients undergo skin and respiratory function testing, alongside investigations for allergies to foods, medications, and other allergens.
The service also works closely with Primary Care centres to support referrals, resolve clinical queries, and improve patient follow-up.
Advanced Treatments Available in Lanzarote
The Allergy team provides daily immunotherapy treatments, allergy vaccines, and biologic therapies for severe conditions including asthma, nasal polyposis, severe atopic dermatitis, and eosinophilic oesophagitis.
Led by Dr Elena Martín, the department also runs desensitisation programmes for milk and egg allergies, two of the most common food allergies affecting children. These treatments, which previously required patients to travel to Gran Canaria, are designed to help patients build tolerance to the foods and reduce severe allergic reactions.
The hospital also carries out desensitisation procedures for cancer patients who have suffered allergic reactions to chemotherapy drugs, allowing them to continue treatment safely under specialist supervision.
Investment in Equipment and Facilities
To support the growing demand for allergy care, the department has continued investing in equipment and infrastructure. Last year it acquired a FeNO measurement device used in the treatment of inflammatory respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Plans are also in place to expand the functional testing area with a new room dedicated to skin and patch testing.
Commitment from Staff Recognised
Dr Elena Martín praised the commitment of the department’s staff, highlighting the effort required to manage rising demand while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.
“The most important thing is that today we can better care for patients,” she said. “Behind every consultation, test, and treatment are people who need a caring, safe, and effective response.”
Lanzarote Health Services manager Pablo Eguia del Río also recognised the work of the department, describing its development as evidence of the professionalism and adaptability of its staff.
Health authorities say the progress made between 2022 and 2025 has resulted in measurable improvements in allergy care accessibility and treatment capacity for patients across Lanzarote.
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