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Murcia hospitals under fire over negligence claims and long waits
Patient Advocate reports 430 cases in 2025 while reputation rankings slip
Murcia's public hospitals are facing growing scrutiny over patient complaints, lengthy waiting lists and declining national reputation. New reports paint a challenging picture for the region's healthcare system, with multiple indicators showing pressure on services and facilities.The Region of Murcia recorded 430 complaints of medical negligence in 2025, a slight decrease from 454 the previous year, according to the Patient Advocate's annual report published on Monday. Nationally, the association handled 14,986 cases - 41 per day - with 951 deaths, "record figures" since tracking began, says president Carmen Flores. These numbers reveal "embarrassing figures" for public healthcare, with Primary Care overcrowding blamed for pushing patients to Emergency Departments.
Complaints by hospital
Virgen de la Arrixaca, Cartagena Hospital Complex, and Morales Meseguer topped Murcia's list for complaints, followed by Reina Sofía and Rafael Méndez in Lorca. Reina Sofía entered the top five this year, replacing Los Arcos del Mar Menor from 2024. The most frequent issues were waiting lists, general surgery, Emergency Rooms, Traumatology, and Gynaecology/Obstetrics. Of Murcia's cases, 40 were fatal. The region sits mid-table nationally, stable over the decade and 43 cases below the 10-year average.
The Health Department responded that complaints are a "citizen's right" vital for improving care, but questioned the report's methodology, noting it "mixes concepts such as complaints, negligence, claims or reports" without official sources or data protection verification. They direct citizens to use official channels via the electronic portal or registry offices.
Surgery waiting lists worsen
With post-holiday pressures now stretching Murcia's hospitals to full capacity. Over 34,000 patients await surgery with an average delay of 97 days as of June 30, 2025, up slightly from prior cuts -exacerbated by recent flu surges and ER overloads. Plastic Surgery (157 days), Neurosurgery (150 days), and Otolaryngology (99 days) face the longest waits, while Thoracic Surgery remains quickest at 35 days; Area I (West Murcia/Arrixaca), Area II (Cartagena), and Area III (Lorca) all fail overall management, though Area V (Altiplano) scores highest regionally.
La Arrixaca leads despite challenges
Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital remains the leading facility in Murcia, topping the regional reputation rankings according to the 11th Merco Salud study presented Monday. While it dropped nationally from 19th to 23rd place, La Arrixaca excels in key areas, ranking 8th nationwide for Obstetrics and Gynaecology and 14th for Paediatrics. The hospital's Maternity Ward handles Spain's highest birth numbers.
Health officials pledge action amid scrutiny.
The regional government vows targeted investments in staffing and infrastructure to cut waits and boost care quality. Patient advocates urge faster accountability, warning that unresolved pressures risk further trust erosion. As 2026 unfolds, balancing complaints with rankings will test Murcia's health system´s resilience.
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