Assault on Nurse in Tenerife Rekindles Healthcare Safety Debate

An incident at the Tacoronte health center during New Year's Eve 2023 highlights judicial delays and staff vulnerability.

Generic image of a stethoscope on a medical chart, symbolizing healthcare.
IA

Generic image of a stethoscope on a medical chart, symbolizing healthcare.

A physical assault suffered by a nurse at the Tacoronte health center in Tenerife during the New Year's Eve 2023 shift has raised concerns about the safety of healthcare personnel and the slow pace of the judicial system.

The Nursing Union (SATSE) has publicly condemned the assault and criticized that the trial will not take place until May, two and a half years after the events. This delay, according to the union, exacerbates the defenselessness of health professionals.
The assaulted professional filed a complaint after the incident, but the prolonged judicial process highlights the perception of a slow and inefficient system. Despite returning to her job after more than seven months of sick leave, the physical and psychological sequelae persist, requiring rehabilitation and medical follow-up.

"This reality generates fear, stress, and demotivation among professionals, and poses a serious structural problem for the healthcare system."

a union spokesperson
The union has pointed out that this case illustrates a double vulnerability: the assault in the workplace and the slow pace of the subsequent judicial process. Furthermore, they have recalled that the Tacoronte health center has been the scene of several assaults in recent years, leading to repeated calls for solutions to guarantee staff safety.
SATSE has also insisted on the need to reinforce the center's staff, especially in the emergency service, where there is only one nurse and one doctor. This situation leads to high care pressure and leaves staff exposed to risky situations, especially outside security personnel's hours.
Violence against healthcare professionals is not only increasing but also risks becoming normalized, according to the union. Figures from the public healthcare system show an upward trend, with 664 assaults recorded in 2025 compared to 544 in 2024. Of these, 68 were physical assaults in 2025, confirming that such incidents remain a frequent reality in hospitals and health centers.