ARCHIVED - Torrevieja hospital has lowest average surgery waiting times in Valencia region
However, unions fear a dispute over upcoming staff layoffs in the Vega Baja, Alicante province, could cause healthcare delays
For another consecutive month, the waiting time for surgery at Torrevieja University Hospital, managed by the Ribera Salud health group, has fallen well below the average in the Valencia region.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the average delay in Torrevieja is 54 days, compared to an average of 120 days across the region.
But the Torrevieja Hospital Works Committee has warned of imminent “deficiencies” in healthcare due to a “lack of collaboration between the current private management company and the Ministry of Health”.
“But for reasons that still have not been revealed, despite continued requests for meetings, the management company plans to terminate the vast majority of temporary contracts on September 30,” said the committee in a statement, putting the jobs of 1,400 staff in jeopardy.
The Ministry of Health is arguing that, according to the “rules of reversion”, the contracts could be extended until October 15 and “even beyond, in the case of contracts to cover vacancies”, such as holdays, maternity and long-term, and sickness etc.
And according to the committee, it’s “paradoxical and difficult to understand” that whilst it is widely accepted there have been difficulties employing certain professionals within the health system, Ribera is intent on “terminating contracts” at the end of the month.
“An extension would give these health personnel the option to continue their work uninterrupted until October 15,” stressed the committee, which has the support of all of the 1,400 health workers.
“This is why we want to warn the population and responsible authorities in Torrevieja that the current situation may cause deficiencies in care and delays in consultations due to a lack of personnel,” the committee added.
Image: Hospital Universitario De Torrevieja