Orihuela Hospital Cuts Critical Surgery Wait Times by 75%

The Hospital Universitario Vega Baja in Orihuela has reduced the waiting period for priority‑1 patients—those with life‑threatening conditions—from an average of 47 days in June 2023 to 12 days in June 2026, a 75 % drop. The average wait for priority‑2 patients fell from 67 days to 44 days, a 35 % reduction. Overall surgical waiting time at the centre decreased by 13 days to 64 days, putting the hospital below the average for the Valencian Community.

Health department manager Mario Medina credited intensified surgical planning and staff effort, noting the improvements align with the regional health ministry’s strategy. The hospital is also expanding with a new inpatient building and other services, funded by an investment exceeding €80 million that began under the previous council administration.