Summary
- SATSE urges for a second Continuing Care Point (PAC) in Torrevieja due to patient overload.
- Population in Torrevieja can double or triple during holidays, straining healthcare services.
- Current PAC exceeds recommended operational capacity for efficient care.
- Proposed location for the new PAC is at the Acequión Health Center.
- Authorities are called to act before the upcoming high season to prevent collapse.
The Growing Healthcare Need in Torrevieja
As the city of Torrevieja prepares for another bustling holiday season, the local healthcare system finds itself under immense strain. Notably, the health union SATSE (Sindicato de Enfermería) is calling for the establishment of a second Continuing Care Point (PAC) to address the overwhelming demand that doubles or even triples the town’s population during holidays like Semana Santa and the summer months.
Background: A population Surge
Torrevieja, with a registered population of around 106,350, sees an influx of tourists during peak seasons, resulting in a critically importent increase in residents. The existing healthcare infrastructure is struggling to meet the needs of both local citizens and seasonal visitors, leaving many facing long wait times and inadequate access to critical services.
Population Statistics:
Registered Residents: 106,350
* Population Surge: Up to triple during holidays
Current PAC Situation
The single PAC currently operational in Torrevieja is unable to manage the surge in patients effectively. This bottleneck leads to:
- Delayed Attention: Patients experience long waits due to high traffic.
- Overburdened Staff: Healthcare professionals are pressured, complicating their ability to provide quality care.
- Referral to Hospitals: non-urgent cases are being unnecessarily sent to hospitals, overloading the emergency departments.
Healthcare Standards at Stake
According to healthcare guidelines, a PAC should optimally serve a population of between 25,000 and 30,000 residents. With Torrevieja surpassing this figure, the demand for an additional PAC becomes critical.
A Strategic Proposal
SATSE proposes that the second PAC be located at the Acequión Health Center, a strategic site that would enhance accessibility for residents who live farther away from the current facility. The request emphasizes:
- adequate Staffing: Hiring more nurses and doctors.
- Necessary Resources: Ensuring that the new PAC has the materials and equipment needed for its effective operation.
Urgency for Action
As Semana Santa approaches, the union stresses that without immediate action from local health authorities, the existing PAC could face a complete operational collapse.SATSE is urging swift and decisive measures to ensure the new PAC is functional before the influx of holiday tourists impacts healthcare delivery.
Call for Collaboration
SATSE Torrevieja expresses its willingness to collaborate with authorities on this pressing issue. Their goal is to improve overall healthcare quality and reduce the workload on existing healthcare professionals, ultimately benefitting the community during peak seasons.
With the situation becoming increasingly critical, stakeholders are reminded of the importance of proactive planning in ensuring the health and well-being of both residents and visitors to torrevieja.
Conclusion
The urgent demand for a second PAC in Torrevieja highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure in tourist-heavy cities. As local authorities weigh the proposal, citizens hope for timely solutions that will enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency, safeguarding against the pressures of seasonal population increases.