A patient at the Insular Hospital in Gran Canaria has been arrested after allegedly threatening, insulting and intimidating healthcare workers over several months while receiving treatment at the hospital.

According to the National Police, the man had been admitted to a ward at the hospital since November, with staff repeatedly reporting incidents of verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour during his stay.

Healthcare workers told officers that the patient regularly caused problems on the ward and refused to follow hospital rules, creating tension with both staff and other patients. Hospital security staff were reportedly called several times to calm situations and restore order.

One of the most serious incidents involved the man allegedly verbally abusing medical staff as well as a fellow patient with reduced mobility who was sharing his room.

Following the first complaints, National Police officers visited the hospital to speak with the man, identify him and attempt to mediate the situation. Officers reportedly warned him to stop the threatening behaviour and maintain a respectful environment inside the hospital.

However, police say he ignored those warnings and continued with the alleged intimidation. He was arrested after being discharged from the hospital.

Police have said the close cooperation between healthcare staff, private security workers and officers from the South District police station is essential for maintaining safety in healthcare centres and responding quickly to violent incidents.

Threats, intimidation or physical aggression against healthcare workers can lead to criminal charges under Spanish law.