The Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital – Autonomous University of Madrid does not merely treat patients and diseases—it accompanies individuals through a deeply human process, often filled with emotions, uncertainty, and personal challenges.

Through its CSR Department, the hospital works to make a difference by integrating initiatives that improve patient experience, support families, strengthen healthcare teams’ emotional well-being, and foster a culture of empathy, dignity, and compassionate care. Caring also means listening, supporting, and humanizing.

Currently, the Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborates with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), which provides the Oncology Service with a dedicated volunteer team and a permanent on-site coordinator.

Patients and Families:

• Companion Volunteer Program: Regular visits from trained volunteers for inpatients with long hospital stays or without family support (managed by the AECC’s hospital-based volunteer team).
• Comfortable rest areas for family members and companions during hospitalization.
• Emotional and physical self-care workshops: Relaxation, mindfulness, aesthetic care during chemotherapy, body image, etc.
• Live music and therapeutic art activities: Inpatient ward performances by Música en Vena, as well as writing, photography, and painting workshops.

Healthcare Staff:

• Self-care and emotional well-being spaces for staff (e.g., mindfulness programs).
• Training in empathetic communication and humanizing complex processes: Breaking bad news, patient care, and treatment communication skills.

Social Awareness and Community Engagement:

• Public awareness campaigns on cancer prevention and destigmatization, often in collaboration with AECC.
• Partnerships with cancer patient associations and civil society organizations.
• Support for vulnerable patients or those at risk of social exclusion, including emergency aid and access to health and social resources.