Surgery waiting lists in Catalonia have reached a critical point, with over 202,000 people currently awaiting an operation. According to new figures, patients face an average delay of 148 days before receiving treatment. This situation exposes severe strain on the region’s healthcare system.
The Patient Ombudsman (El Defensor del Paciente) released these findings on Monday. Consequently, they warn that one in three patients has now been on a waiting list for more than six months. Meanwhile, alongside Andalusia, Catalonia records the highest number of patients stuck in this pre-surgical limbo.
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Surgery waiting lists in Catalonia drive complaint surge
The bottleneck in operating theatres causes significant distress for families. Therefore, the report highlights the longest delays in traumatology, particularly for hip and knee replacements. Additionally, plastic surgery and neurosurgery face similar backlogs.
This administrative deadlock has led to a sharp increase in public dissatisfaction. In fact, the Ombudsman received 2,059 formal complaints in Catalonia throughout 2025. This represents a 13% rise compared to the previous year. Most concerningly, 71 of these cases involved situations where the patient died.
According to data reported by Europa Press, Barcelona accounts for the vast majority of these grievances. Specifically, there were 1,731 recorded cases. Tarragona followed with 211 complaints, while Girona and Lleida recorded 68 and 49 respectively.
Hospitals under pressure from surgery waiting lists
The report names several major medical centres subject to frequent complaints. For instance, Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona tops the list. It is followed by Bellvitge in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Joan de Déu in Esplugues, Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona, and Parc Taulí in Sabadell. This pressure persists despite capacity efforts, such as the recent €30 million expansion of high-tech operating rooms at Germans Trias Hospital.
While surgical waiting lists generate the most complaints, the Ombudsman also notes significant issues in emergency departments. Furthermore, general surgery and obstetrics face similar challenges. The organisation describes the current healthcare state as a “critical situation”.
Staff shortages exacerbate surgery waiting lists in Catalonia
The association argues that the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut) is being pushed to a breaking point. Three main factors drive this: a lack of medical staff, overcrowded emergency rooms, and insufficient spending per inhabitant. These staffing issues are a key factor behind the ongoing doctors’ strike in Barcelona.
Primary care is particularly affected. In addition, the Ombudsman estimates the system needs at least 500 more family doctors. This reinforcement is required for adequate coverage in Primary Care Centres (CAPs) across the region. Without immediate workforce support, pressure on hospitals and surgical units will not ease. Broader government initiatives, like the new Catalan public employment law aimed at retaining public sector staff, attempt to address these shortfalls.
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