A security guard was arrested in Lleida early on Tuesday morning after allegedly threatening an administrative worker at the CUAP Prat de la Riba health centre. The 34-year-old guard was charged with threats and disobedience to authority for not following police instructions, according to local reports.
The incident occurred around 1am when the Guàrdia Urbana, Lleida's local police, were alerted to a disturbance at the CUAP, which is located directly opposite the police station. Officers interviewed those involved, and a reception administrative worker stated that the security guard on duty that night had repeatedly threatened her, even brandishing his baton, preventing her from carrying out her work normally.
Police also gathered testimonies from other individuals and the security guard's version of events. Sources indicated that the guard was uncooperative. Given the evidence, officers arrested the security guard on suspicion of threats and disobedience and resistance to authority. He was then taken on foot to the police station.
Security in Public Facilities
Public facilities such as CUAPs, hospitals, and the Canyeret courthouses often contract private security services. These guards are responsible for ensuring safety at entrances and preventing incidents. Catalan.News attempted to get a statement from the Department of Health regarding the incident, but was unsuccessful.
This is not the first incident at the CUAP Prat de la Riba. In September 2021, local police arrested a woman at the same centre for allegedly assaulting a nurse. She was charged with attacking a public official after the nurse reportedly denied her entry to accompany a family member, following Covid protocols.
Rising Aggression Against Healthcare Workers
The College of Doctors of Lleida has observed an increase in aggressions against medical professionals by patients and their companions, particularly since the pandemic. Most of these incidents involve female doctors at primary care centres, according to a report by Segre on 12 March.
The General Medical Council of Spain recorded 879 aggressions, both verbal and physical, across the country last year. This marks a record high since the organisation's creation in 2010. In Catalonia, there were 281 reported incidents, with only two verbal aggressions reported in Lleida. However, Maria Chiné, vice-president of the Lleida College, stated, “We are convinced that aggressions are underreported. It seems that with only two complaints from 2,000 members, we have normalised them, and that should not be the case.” The College offers support to victims, who then decide whether to report the incidents to the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia's police force.
