Galdakaoko Ospitalea hospital building in Galdakao, Spain

Galdakao Usansolo Ospitalea

Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea Visiting Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Essential Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Welcome to Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea – A Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea (University Hospital of Galdakao-Usansolo) is a cornerstone of regional healthcare and a symbol of cultural identity in Galdakao, Spain. Since opening in 1984, the hospital has evolved from an initial 100-bed facility to a modern institution with over 450 beds and nearly 4,000 professionals, serving more than 300,000 residents in Bizkaia and its surroundings (Euskadi.eus). As a key member of the Osakidetza Basque Health Service, it delivers advanced medical care, diagnostics, and research, while being deeply integrated into the cultural and social fabric of Galdakao (Wikipedia; Spain.info).

This guide offers detailed information on the hospital’s history, services, visiting hours, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit—including insights into nearby attractions and the rich cultural landscape of Galdakao (HollyMelody).

Introduction
Origins and Development
Role within the Basque Healthcare System
Historical Significance and Milestones
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Visiting Hours
Entry and Tickets
Accessibility and Transportation
Hospital Facilities and Services
Infrastructure and Capacity
Specialized Units
Diagnostic and Support Services
Outpatient and Community Centers
Educational and Research Activities
Architectural Features
Cultural and Social Context
Notable Achievements
Visitor and Patient Experience
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Exploring Galdakao: Travel Tips
FAQ
Conclusion
Reliable Sources

View of Galdácano town from Elexalde neighborhood in Vizcaya, Spain

Introduction

Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea, also known as Galdakao-Usansolo University Hospital, is a leading healthcare and academic institution in Spain’s Basque Country. This guide presents a detailed overview for patients, visitors, and those interested in exploring Galdakao’s heritage, with practical advice on hospital access, hours, amenities, and cultural highlights.

Origins and Development

The hospital was inaugurated on December 14, 1984, as “Hospital de Galdacano,” with 100 beds and 500 professionals (Euskadi.eus). In the decades since, it has grown into a regional healthcare hub, employing nearly 4,000 staff and serving over 308,000 residents in the Comarca Interior de Bizkaia and Valle de Aiala (Euskadi.eus).

Role within the Basque Healthcare System

As part of Osakidetza, Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea functions within the Barrualde-Galdakao Integrated Health Organization (OSI), offering coordinated care through affiliated hospitals and outpatient centers in Basauri, Laudio, Durango, and Gernika (Wikipedia). This ensures seamless delivery of specialized and primary healthcare across the region.

Historical Significance and Milestones

Expansion: Grew from 100 to 450+ beds; staff quadrupled, enabling more than 28,500 annual hospitalizations and 25,869 surgeries (Euskadi.eus).
OSI Integration: Since 2014, integration into OSI Barrualde-Galdakao has enhanced patient care coordination and innovation.
Modernization: Adoption of specialized units, advanced technology, and digital health records positions the hospital at the forefront of medical practice in the Basque Country.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Standard visiting hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily.
- Hours may vary by department or during public health situations; check with the hospital or department for specifics.

Entry and Tickets

No tickets required: The hospital is a public facility. Visitors accompanying patients or attending medical appointments do not need tickets.
Tours: Regular public tours are uncommon, but occasional health events and community open days may be offered.

Accessibility and Transportation

By Car: Access via A-8 and N-634 from Bilbao, and N-240 from Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Public Transport: Euskotren E1 (Bilbao–Donostia) and E4 (Urdaibai) stop at Usansolo station, with a shuttle service to the hospital; Bizkaibus lines connect from Bilbao and nearby towns.
Parking: Over 1,000 parking spaces in two main lots and by Usansolo station (Wikipedia).
Accessibility: The hospital is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, and designated parking.

Hospital Facilities and Services

Infrastructure and Capacity

Beds: Over 450 (as of 2025)
Staff: Approximately 4,000 professionals
Annual Surgeries: 25,869
Annual Admissions: 28,500
Modern, comfortable wards and advanced diagnostic/treatment facilities
Outpatient centers in Basauri, Llodio, Durango, Gernika

Specialized Units

Emergency, ICU (adult & pediatric), maternity, neonatology, oncology, hematology, cardiology/cardiovascular surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, traumatology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, nephrology, urology, psychiatry, and more

Diagnostic and Support Services

MRI, CT, ultrasound, laboratory, pathology, pharmacy, and rehabilitation

Outpatient and Community Services

Outpatient centers in Basauri, Llodio, Galdakao, and Durango, plus specialist consultations at Gernika-Lumo Hospital

Educational and Research Activities

As a university hospital affiliated with the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV), Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea offers medical and nursing training, residencies, and research programs, with active studies in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and infectious diseases (Euskadi.eus).

Architectural Features

The hospital is strategically located for regional access, with a modern design focused on comfort and efficiency. Digital maps and virtual tours can be accessed via the hospital’s official website.

Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea embodies the Basque Country’s values of resilience, innovation, and community engagement. The hospital actively participates in public health and cultural initiatives, reinforcing its role beyond medical care (HollyMelody).

Notable Achievements

Recognized for patient-centered care, efficient management, and research, the hospital is a leader in the Basque health system (HollyMelody).

Visitor and Patient Experience

Clear signage and digital management for appointments
Multilingual assistance and accessible facilities
Cafeterias, waiting areas, and a supportive environment in scenic Basque surroundings (Citashospital.es)

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Galdakao Town Center: Experience Basque architecture, local cuisine, and vibrant festivals (HollyMelody).
Countryside: Walking routes, natural landscapes, and traditional Basque villages are easily accessible.
Santa María Church, Galdakao Historical Museum: Explore religious architecture and local history.

Exploring Galdakao: Travel Tips

Galdakao offers a blend of traditional Basque culture and modern amenities:

Festivals such as San Juan and Galdakao Jaiak highlight music, dance, and rural sports (Spain.info).
Gastronomy: Don’t miss local pintxos, bacalao al pil-pil, and fresh market produce.
Public transport is efficient; walking is pleasant in the compact town center.
For the best experience, check event calendars and visitor information at the local tourism office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours at Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea?
A: Generally, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, but confirm with specific departments or check the hospital’s website.

Q: Are tickets required to visit the hospital?
A: No, entry is free for patients and visitors.

Q: How can I get there by public transport?
A: Euskotren lines E1 and E4 to Usansolo station, then shuttle or Bizkaibus lines.

Q: Is the hospital accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, it is fully accessible.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Not regularly, but occasional public events may offer tours.

Conclusion

Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea is not only a medical institution but a symbol of Basque innovation and community spirit. Whether visiting for health reasons, academic collaboration, or cultural exploration, you’ll find accessible facilities, rich local traditions, and a welcoming environment. For up-to-date information, visit official resources, download the Audiala app, and follow related channels for news and tips.

Reliable Sources and Further Reading

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Galdakao

Fingerprint Sculpture

Fuente Del Perro

Galdakao-Usansolo Ospitalea

Pagasarri

Puente Del Ayuntamiento