The family story begins two years ago with Rafael and María Dolores and their daughter Elizabeth, who was sixteen and diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The most painful moment arrived abruptly, when the family learned of the illness from their home in Requena on May 28. Elizabeth would have turned seventeen in just two days, a detail that underscored the fragile line between life and loss that hovered over every decision made that year.
After that initial shock, the care journey intensified. In July, after multiple journeys between public and private medical centers where Elizabeth received treatment, including the Eating Disorders Unit at La Fe hospital, the case finally found a new turning point. Elizabeth was referred to Requena hospital, described as a reference center for such conditions, where the family hoped for coordinated and continuous care.
Two health professionals were primarily responsible for Elizabeth’s treatment at this center. A psychologist and a psychiatrist, Martinez Hernandez, were involved in her care. However, a serious allegation emerged from the family toward these practitioners. They filed a complaint accusing the medical team of reckless murder, a claim that the newspaper has been able to verify through the record. In June, Elizabeth’s father and mother reported the events to the Civil Guard, expressing that they felt the system had failed to act and that mistreatment had occurred. Through their attorney, they called for accountability and insisted that their daughter’s treatment had not proceeded as it should have.
The family noted that an anti-suicide protocol was not activated in Elizabeth’s case, a claim they insisted must be examined. They emphasized that Elizabeth had expressed suicidal thoughts on at least four occasions and had attempted to end her life several times, according to her medical records. These statements underscored the perceived gaps in care during a period when early intervention could have altered the trajectory of her illness.
The case extended beyond the hospital walls. In addition to the Requena Instruction Court, the family sought intervention from Sindic de Greuges, and they filed complaints with regional health authorities. They argued that the reports from the Community of Valencia and the Requena Ministry of Health and General Directorate of Health Aid did not address the core concerns and demanded that the authorities acknowledge the failures that occurred in the treatment journey. Rafa Martínez stated that he had been warned about the difficulty of challenging the administration and that the family intended to persevere until justice was sought for their daughter. The complainants made it clear that they believed the system should be held to account for the harm they perceived.
In the same week, Health Minister Miguel Mínguez announced to the media that a judicial investigation had been opened into the case following the family’s complaint. At the time of the announcement there was no public record of acceptance for processing, and the family indicated that the complaint had been filed in July and that an investigation was then initiated as a result. The unfolding situation raised questions about how care teams monitor high-risk patients and how authorities respond when families report concerns about treatment and safety.
The events surrounding Elizabeth’s illness and the subsequent actions by the family illustrate a complex interplay between medical care, patient safety, and governmental oversight. They highlight the challenges that families face when they perceive gaps in treatment and the legal avenues pursued to seek accountability. This ongoing situation remains a stark reminder of the vital need for clear protocols, timely interventions, and transparent communication among healthcare providers, patients, and families in cases of severe eating disorders and associated risks. The broader context emphasizes that reliable, compassionate, and well-coordinated care can make a life-or-death difference for young patients struggling with anorexia nervosa.
Source notes indicate that the information reflects the family’s account and the responses issued by healthcare authorities and legal entities involved in the case. As the investigation continues, stakeholders in the medical and public health communities may review and reflect on procedures to strengthen the patient safety framework and ensure that young patients receive the highest standard of care in times of serious illness.