The Valencian regional government has announced an investment of more than 82 million euros to expand the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela. The project will add 14,700 square metres to the complex, increasing its total surface area by around 40%, from 36,300 to more than 50,000 square metres. Regional leaders say the move reflects a wider commitment to strengthening public healthcare across the Valencian Community.

The expansion includes two new buildings connected to the main hospital. The northern block will house outpatient clinics, a day hospital and a mental health unit. Medical consulting rooms will rise from 30 to 98, nursing consultations from 10 to 23, and endoscopy rooms from two to five. New day hospitals are also planned for oncohaematology, general treatment and mental health.

The southern building will focus on ambulatory surgery, including a major outpatient surgery unit with recovery and minor surgery areas. It will also contain a new sterilisation centre and a haemodialysis unit. Overall hospital capacity will increase by 52 beds, and climate resilience measures will be incorporated into the design.

Once this phase is complete, space in the existing building will be reorganised to allow further upgrades, including a new maternity unit, expanded A&E, Radiology and ICU departments, and a short-stay unit. Several related improvements, including a new main entrance, helipad and underground parking, are already in operation.