The New Right Party (PND) has today denounced reports that Marmeleiros Hospital is placing beds in corridors to accommodate patients who are unable to be discharged due to a lack of suitable social care provision.
In a statement, the party said that, if confirmed, the situation “once again demonstrates the inability of the Regional Government and the Regional Secretary for Health, Micaela Fonseca de Freitas, to provide an effective response to the problems affecting the Regional Health Service.”
According to the PND, “it is unacceptable that elderly people remain in corridors without adequate conditions of safety, privacy and dignity, when a swift and permanent solution should be found for those awaiting social care support.”
The regional coordinator of the New Right Party, Paulo Azevedo, warned that “the corridors of Marmeleiros Hospital are not designed to accommodate these patients.”
According to Azevedo, “they do not have the necessary facilities, such as power sockets for medical equipment, oxygen supply points, electric beds to assist health professionals in caring for elderly patients with reduced mobility, or other essential infrastructure.” He added that placing patients in corridors leaves them more exposed to the constant movement of people and increases the risk of infection.
Despite its criticism of the authorities, the party emphasised the dedication of nurses, healthcare assistants and other health professionals, who it says continue to do everything within their power to provide the best possible care for patients despite the challenging conditions.
The PND also criticised the Regional Government for announcing multi-million-euro investments in projects considered priorities, while one of the most serious problems affecting the regional healthcare system remains unresolved.
As an alternative, the party suggests that a rapid solution could involve converting unused public buildings, such as the former Tanque School and Santa Rita School, into care facilities for elderly patients with complex needs. It argues that this would provide dignified conditions while freeing up much-needed hospital beds.
Paulo Azevedo concluded by saying that “elderly people and health professionals deserve respect, dignity and concrete solutions from those governing the Autonomous Region of Madeira.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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