The Vega Baja University Hospital in Orihuela has cut its Priority 1 surgical waiting list by 75% over the past three years. These patients, who face life-threatening conditions and must be treated within 30 days, were waiting an average of 47 days in June 2023. By June 2026, that figure had fallen to just 12 days.

For Priority 2 patients, who should be treated within a recommended maximum of 90 days, average waits have dropped from 67 days three years ago to 44 days, a reduction of 35%.

Overall, the hospital’s average surgical waiting time has fallen by 13 days in the past year to 64 days — a 17% decrease — placing the centre below the Comunitat Valenciana average.

Orihuela Health Department manager Mario Medina has praised surgical teams and improved planning, in line with the regional Health Ministry’s strategy to prioritise the most serious and oncology cases. The department serves around 184,000 residents, and an €80 million hospital expansion project is nearing completion.