In recent weeks, residents of the Canary Islands have faced a troubling situation: the operations of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have come under threat due to an acute staff shortage. This is not merely an internal crisis for the institution—the repercussions are already being felt across the entire regional justice system. Disruptions at the institute are causing delays in forensic examinations, blocking investigations, and adding to the distress of families waiting to receive the bodies of their loved ones.
The problem is worsened by the fact that the staffing shortage is chronic. Of the three required full-time autopsy assistants, only two are consistently on duty, while temporary staff hired to support them will soon leave their positions. If the situation does not change, autopsies will become impossible to carry out, effectively putting a halt to judicial investigations throughout the province.
Threat of a shutdown
Administrative failures and a lack of specialists have already led to shortened working hours at the institute. Now, staff finish their shifts at 3:00 p.m., which is incompatible with the round-the-clock need for autopsies. As a result, bereaved relatives often have to wait until the next day to collect the bodies for farewells and burial. This creates additional tension and dissatisfaction among island residents.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the temporary contracts for three additional employees are set to expire in the coming days. Once they leave, the institute will be left virtually without essential staff, which will bring the work of the pathology service to a complete halt. This will not only slow investigations but also jeopardize the enforcement of court rulings.
Impact on the justice system
The crisis has affected more than just pathologists. The shortage of psychologists and social workers has already led to the cancellation of several juvenile court hearings. Without expert assessments, judges cannot make decisions, leaving vulnerable groups without necessary protection. The lack of expert opinions is paralyzing the work of prosecutors and courts, creating a domino effect throughout the entire system.
Working conditions for institute staff are also a cause for concern. There have been reports of employees discovering that they were not officially registered in the social security system. This points to a deep administrative crisis and the absence of basic guarantees for personnel.
Risks to society
If urgent measures are not taken soon, the institute may cease operations altogether. Without permanent professionals—assistants, psychologists, social workers—the forensic system will remain in a state of permanent crisis. This will cause delays in investigations, make autopsies impossible, and compromise citizens’ rights to a fair trial.
The problem goes beyond a single institution. The staffing crisis in forensic medicine reflects a broader trend of specialist shortages within Spain’s public sector. While the situation in Tenerife has become especially acute, similar difficulties have already been recorded in other regions of the country.
Background and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced disruptions in forensic institutions due to staff shortages and administrative issues. Andalusia and Madrid have previously experienced delays in conducting autopsies and releasing bodies, which sparked public outcry and protests from families. In some cases, the crisis led to the suspension of legal proceedings and forced urgent government intervention. These situations highlight the importance of stable funding and timely recruitment of specialists to ensure the uninterrupted operation of key justice services.
