Health personnel shortage
The ACAIP-UGT prison union reported a troubling incident this Wednesday at the Zuera Prison Center in Zaragoza. In Module 10, a prisoner with a history of agitation carried out a confrontation with the Director of Services. The violence occurred around mid-morning when the inmate demanded the presence of the Service Chief, who arrived with other staff members. The assailant produced a hidden sharp object and struck the Service Chief, causing injuries to the nose and face. The quick actions of the assaulted employee and nearby personnel averted more serious harm, though another worker was injured in the scuffle. In response, the ACAIP-UGT union division called for an immediate transfer of the inmate involved and praised the professionalism of the workers who managed the incident and contained the risk. They urged the General Secretariat of Penal Institutions to recognize and commemorate the staff who faced these dangers.
Beyond this event, the union highlights a persistent and structural problem: a shortage of medical personnel in Spanish prisons. This deficit hampers timely medical responses and the management of psychiatric care, which can escalate into serious incidents. The union argues that the existing staffing gaps contribute to delays in addressing health issues, reducing the ability to prevent conflicts and stabilize housing units where inmates may be at risk.
The report also notes that many inmates in ordinary modules live with complex health needs and that the overall staff levels and turnover have a direct impact on the quality of care. The union emphasizes that the shortage affects the detection of medication interactions and the prevention of outbreaks that could lead to further violence. The aging inmate population and the limited availability of medical professionals compound these pressures, challenging the system to provide consistent, individualized care.
Statistics shared by the union reveal that about 30 percent of inmates currently receive psychiatric medications, while more than 20 percent have attempted self-harm in some form. The documented suicide rate inside prisons remains markedly higher than in the general population, underscoring the urgent need for improved mental health services and preventive strategies. These figures illustrate a broader trend: without adequate psychiatric staff and resources, preventative care and early intervention grow increasingly difficult, heightening the risk of dangerous incidents among inmates and staff alike. [Source: ACAIP-UGT union statement]