The association of parents of children with cancer reads a manifesto at Benidorm City Hall in which it demands the continuation of this “essential work”
Aspanion is demanding resources to replace the work that patient association professionals have been doing in hospitals
The Association of Parents of Children with Cancer of the Valencian Community (Aspanion) today called for the activation of resources to replace the "essential work" carried out by professionals from patient associations in the fields of psychology and social work within hospitals, due to the entry into force of the new regulatory framework this year, 2026.
The request was made during the reading of a manifesto held today at noon in the Benidorm City Hall's Plenary Hall, on the occasion of World Childhood Cancer Day, celebrated on February 15th. The reading was carried out by the president of the association in Benidorm, María José Gutiérrez, and was attended by Mayor Toni Pérez, Councilor for Social Welfare Ángela Zaragozí, and representatives of the local council.
Aspanion expressed its concern about this situation and hence its demand for "resources" to mitigate the loss of these professionals. “If these measures are not activated, it will be the families and those affected who will suffer a significant loss in the quality of care and attention. We must all work together to prevent a setback,” stated Gutiérrez.
The president of Aspanion also announced that its professionals have offered their services to the Ministry of Health. “We demand the continuity and recognition of this work, we advocate for comprehensive, humane, and high-quality care, and we defend the value of patient associations for children and adolescents with cancer, for their families, and for the future of dignified care,” she added.
The manifesto also emphasised that patient care “cannot be limited solely to medical treatment” and argues that its quality “also depends on the emotional, social, and human support provided to those affected and their families, both inside and outside of hospitals.”
“At Aspanion, we are families caring for other families; we know how to provide close, personal support. The knowledge born from experience and pain is an irreplaceable value,” concluded María José Gutiérrez.
