Ibiza Doctors Demand Security Guards, Metal Detectors and Faster Penalties After Threats Against Healthcare Staff

10. November 2026

Doctors in Ibiza are calling for stronger security measures at healthcare facilities following repeated incidents of threats and violence against medical professionals. The Balearic Medical Union (SIMEBAL) has called for security guards at high-risk health centres, metal-detection arches where necessary and tougher penalties for people who assault healthcare workers.

The demands were presented on Tuesday 10 November 2026 during a protest outside Sant Antoni Health Centre, following an incident in which a doctor reportedly had to hide outside her consultation room after being threatened by a patient.

The demonstration was led by SIMEBAL president Miguel Lázaro, who called on the health authorities to identify facilities with a higher risk of violence and introduce security measures according to the circumstances of each centre.

The union also wants stronger consequences for aggressors, including significant fines and restrictions on returning to the same healthcare facility, subject to the necessary legal safeguards.

SIMEBAL Calls for Security Guards and Metal-Detection Arches

During the protest in Sant Antoni, Lázaro argued that healthcare authorities should create a risk map identifying health centres where professionals are particularly exposed to threats and aggression.

The aim would be to identify facilities requiring additional protection and determine which measures are appropriate for each location.

SIMEBAL specifically identified Sant Antoni Health Centre as a facility requiring attention, given the repeated incidents reported there.

Among the measures proposed by the union are permanent or reinforced security personnel at centres considered particularly vulnerable, alongside metal-detection arches where an assessment shows they are necessary.

Lázaro argued that healthcare professionals already work under considerable pressure and should not also have to fear threats or physical attacks while treating patients.

The union maintains that responsibility for providing a safe working environment rests with the health administration.

Union Proposes Faster Fines and Restrictions for Aggressors

In addition to security improvements, SIMEBAL wants tougher consequences for people who threaten or assault healthcare professionals.

Lázaro called for substantial, rapid fines against aggressors and suggested that people who attack medical staff could be prevented from returning to the same health centre.

He compared the proposed restrictions with measures designed to protect victims of other forms of violence, including restraining orders.

However, such restrictions would require an appropriate legal framework and must not prevent patients from receiving necessary medical treatment.

The union also called for regular public awareness campaigns reminding patients that healthcare professionals have rights and that patients have responsibilities when receiving care.

Lázaro stressed that frustration over waiting times, medical decisions or the refusal to issue sick-leave certificates cannot justify threats, insults or violence against staff.

Doctor Reportedly Hid After Threats at Sant Antoni Health Centre

The latest protest followed an incident on Friday 6 November involving a doctor at Sant Antoni Health Centre.

According to the doctor's account, published by Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera, a patient began shouting and making threats during a visit to the facility. The doctor said she became frightened and had to hide outside her consultation room until the Guardia Civil arrived.

The incident was reported to the Guardia Civil. The doctor also questioned the absence of an on-site security service capable of responding immediately when a situation becomes threatening.

The reason for the patient's visit was reportedly a request for a referral to the Psychiatry Department. The circumstances of the appointment do not alter the need for healthcare professionals to be protected from threats and intimidation.

The doctor said that no professional should have to hide to protect their safety while carrying out their work.

David Fernández, a 061 emergency medical doctor and SIMEBAL spokesperson for Ibiza and Formentera, referred to the incident during Tuesday's demonstration and called for an immediate response from the health authorities.

Previous Violence at the Same Health Centre

The latest incident follows another protest at Sant Antoni Health Centre on 17 July 2026.

On that occasion, several members of staff were attacked by a patient. According to local reporting, a nurse was spat at and the centre's coordinator was kicked outside the building, causing her to fall to the ground. The Guardia Civil subsequently detained the alleged aggressor.

The repeated incidents have made Sant Antoni a particular focus of the union's demands for stronger protection.

SIMEBAL argues that security should not depend exclusively on police intervention after an incident has already occurred. It wants healthcare facilities to have appropriate measures in place to prevent escalation and provide immediate assistance to staff.

The union also highlighted that violence affects more than doctors. Nurses, emergency medical technicians, administrative workers and other healthcare professionals can also face threats and aggression while carrying out their duties.

Healthcare Violence Statistics Raise Questions

During the demonstration, Lázaro referred to 165 acts of violence against healthcare professionals, describing this as a 20% increase. However, he did not specify the geographical area or reporting period associated with that figure in the statements reported by La Voz de Ibiza.

There are also differences between the published statistics available for the Pitiusa Health Area.

A La Voz de Ibiza report published in March 2026 attributed 165 reported incidents to 2025, compared with 140 in 2024. That represented an increase of approximately 18%.

However, Cadena SER reported on 10 November that the figures for the Pitiusa Health Area showed 109 reported cases in 2023 and 208 in 2025. It also reported 114 cases so far during 2026, including seven physical assaults.

The available reports do not explain the differences between these figures or establish whether they use identical reporting criteria. They should therefore be treated as separate published datasets rather than combined into a single statistical series.

Despite the differences, the figures demonstrate that reported aggression against healthcare professionals remains a significant concern in Ibiza and Formentera.

Lázaro also warned that official records may not capture the full extent of the problem because many incidents involving psychological violence are not formally reported.

Insults, humiliation, intimidation and repeated verbal abuse can have serious emotional consequences even when no physical injuries occur.

The union is encouraging healthcare professionals to report these incidents, including those that do not involve physical contact, so that they can be properly recorded and addressed.

Health Minister Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy

Health Minister Manuela García expressed support for healthcare professionals and reiterated the Balearic Government's zero-tolerance position towards aggression against medical staff.

Speaking ahead of the protest during a visit to Can Misses Hospital, García highlighted existing protection mechanisms and the importance of reporting every incident.

She noted that public healthcare professionals have legal protection in the exercise of their duties and that assaults can carry criminal consequences, including prison sentences in applicable cases.

The minister also referred to the role of the police liaison officer and the support available to affected professionals.

Among the measures already in place are an institutional campaign against aggression and collaboration agreements with the official medical and nursing colleges. These agreements are intended to make it easier for professionals to report incidents through their respective organisations and receive assistance and guidance.

García said the priority was to ensure that affected professionals felt able to report what had happened and receive appropriate support.

However, the statements reported following her visit did not announce a new commitment to install metal-detection arches or provide permanent security guards at Sant Antoni Health Centre.

A Wider Debate About Safety in Ibiza's Health Centres

The demands from SIMEBAL come amid an ongoing debate about the level of security provided at healthcare facilities across Ibiza.

In July, medical and nursing representatives had already called for more consistent security coverage, particularly at centres providing urgent care.

The health service has previously explained that security arrangements include seasonal reinforcement at certain facilities, reflecting the increased demand during the summer months.

The unions, however, have argued that threats and aggression are not limited to the tourist season and that protection should be assessed according to the risks faced by each centre throughout the year.

The latest protest has renewed calls for a more structured approach, including risk assessments, better reporting, appropriate security personnel and stronger legal consequences for aggressors.

For healthcare professionals in Ibiza, the objective is clear: they must be able to treat patients and provide emergency care without fearing threats or violence while carrying out their duties.

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