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.
You might also be interested in: Why trusting the doctor is essential for health
Image: wikicommons
Address
Avenida de la Justicia 18, 30011 MurciaTel: 868 007400
DomusVi is one of the longest-established and largest care home networks in Spain, having been offering top class facilities to residents for over 30 years and currently looking after more than 34,000 people either temporarily or on a permanent basis all over the country.
Each of their residences is designed, equipped and staffed in such a way as to guarantee comfortable and tranquil stays for residents, with personalized attention leading them to enjoy an active and sociable environment in what they soon consider to be their home.
The care offered at DomusVi nursing homes is comprehensive. This sense of emotional wellbeing is backed up by the guarantee of physical wellbeing, with safety, security and medical care being given the utmost importance. Therapies and activities are scheduled both to promote autonomy and the maintenance of the person’s abilities and to improve their physical and emotional state. This is possible thanks to the committed and dedicated professional teams who work on it.
That they can offer this personalized attention from the very first day is due to the thorough initial assessment of each new resident before their arrival, taking into account not only their physical needs but also their personal preferences, from hobbies to eating habits. Once residents see that they are treated in this way, they quickly adapt to the friendly family environment – this fact makes it possible for them to feel at home but with added comforts and luxuries such as a hairdresser, a swimming pool and a wider social circle!
The new DomusVi centre in the city of Murcia is located right opposite the “Palacio de Justicia” (the modern provincial court building) in one of the most attractive parts of the city, and with views looking out towards the mountains and the countryside of the “Huerta”. It’s location close to the inner and outer ring roads on the eastern side of the city make it easily accessible by car, and parking is generally easy close by, making it easy for visitors to pop in and visit their loved ones.
And at all DomusVi centres there are staff who speak English!
