Spain's regional health services grapple with staffing cuts and ambulance transport crisis

In the Canary Islands, the Federación de Salud de Intersindical Canaria accused the regional government of severe staff reductions, bed closures and deteriorating infrastructure, saying the cuts affect all seven islands, all 11 health districts and both physical and mental health services. The federation warned that patients are forced to wait in emergency corridors and that essential services such as home hospitalization and specialized dental care are under threat.

In Castilla‑La Mancha, the Unión Profesional de Técnicos en Emergencias Sanitarias released a report describing a three‑year decline in ambulance transport. The union highlighted reduced purchasing power, excessive working hours, chronic understaffing and a lack of strategic planning, blaming the regional administration, the health service (SESCAM), concessionaires and major unions. It called for a permanent transport board, independent audits, a 2035 strategic plan and full professional recognition for transport technicians.