Ramón y Cajal Hospital accused of manipulating surgical waiting lists

The Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid is facing allegations of manipulating surgical waiting lists. Reports indicate that approximately 57 patients in the orthopedic surgery and traumatology department had their priority status downgraded from 'preferential' to 'normal' between February and March 2025. This change effectively extended the maximum waiting time from 90 days to 180 days, potentially allowing the hospital to meet regional productivity targets.

Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, has demanded explanations from the Community of Madrid, stating that it is “clear there is makeup” regarding the lists and questioning the reliability of the data. She has requested guarantees regarding the supervision of these records and whether such practices are occurring in other centers.

The Community of Madrid has denied any wrongdoing. Regional Health officials stated that surgical list management is the responsibility of the specific medical services and is overseen by a weekly operating room committee. They emphasized that neither the Medical Direction nor the Management directly modifies individual patient records. Furthermore, the regional health counselor, Fátima Matute, dismissed the accusations as a “vile attack,” suggesting the claims may stem from a healthcare worker with an existing disciplinary record.