La Coma Medical Center in Paterna suspends patient intake
In one of Paterna’s districts (Paterna), in the province of Valencia, the family medicine and pediatrics departments at the local La Coma medical center have temporarily ceased operations. The decision was made after repeated threats and attacks against staff members. Regional authorities admitted that security issues in this area have long gone beyond isolated incidents and require urgent intervention.
Security threat: medical staff refuse to work shifts
In recent months, La Coma has become a hotspot for incidents involving aggression towards medical staff. A recent case, where doctors were threatened right at their workplace, became the last straw. Following one more incident, in which a female employee received threats and the perpetrator even damaged a car near the center entrance, the decision was made to temporarily close the departments. On the same day, two staff members did not report for work, as they were testifying in court about what had happened.
Patients redirected as authorities search for solutions
While the family medicine and pediatrics departments remain closed, residents of La Coma are forced to seek assistance at another medical center, El Clot, also in Paterna. Meanwhile, the addiction treatment unit continues to operate. Authorities emphasize that the closure is temporary and promise to find a structural solution to guarantee the safety of both staff and patients.
Court proceedings and new security measures
Following the latest incident, police detained two women who had threatened medical staff after being refused a sick leave certificate. The court has already ruled: the defendants are prohibited from approaching the victims or the center’s premises for six months and have been fined. Despite enhanced security measures, including guards and metal detector gates, cases of aggression continue. Regional authorities insist on the need for joint action with police and other agencies to resolve the issue once and for all.
Staff demand safety guarantees
Healthcare workers at La Coma refuse to return to work until real safety guarantees are provided. Regional authorities support their position, emphasizing that staff protection is a priority. The authorities have also engaged legal services to defend employees’ interests in the event of new incidents. The reopening of departments will only be considered once all threats are eliminated and the situation in the area is stable.
