Summary
- The SATSE union in Torrevieja calls for a second Continuous Attention Point (PAC) to meet rising healthcare needs.
- Torrevieja’s health services are overwhelmed, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Patients face long wait times due to the high demand at the current PAC.
- The current facility caters to over 106,000 residents and struggles with accessibility issues.
- Urgent action is requested to establish a new PAC by the upcoming Holy week.
Urgent Call to Address Healthcare Pressures in Torrevieja
As healthcare demands escalate in Torrevieja, the local union of nurses, SATSE, has issued an urgent request for the establishment of a second Continuous Attention Point (PAC) at the El Acequión health center. This plea highlights a critical need for additional healthcare resources in a city whose population swells significantly during peak tourism seasons.
Current Healthcare Challenges
with a resident population of 106,350 according to municipal data,Torrevieja sees it’s numbers nearly double during high tourist periods such as Holy Week and summer.The only operating PAC is currently overwhelmed, resulting in extended wait times and increased pressure on healthcare professionals.
reasons for the Request
- Saturation of Existing Services: The current PAC, located at the La Loma health center, is unable to cope with the demand, leading to delays in patient care.
- Accessibility Issues: The geographical spread of urban and residential areas makes it challenging for some residents to reach the existing PAC in a timely manner, especially in high-demand periods.
- Healthcare Standards: According to health system benchmarks, each PAC should ideally cater to a population of 25,000 to 30,000. With the current model far exceeding that standard, the call for a second PAC is seen as essential for maintaining quality healthcare.
Impact on Residents
As the tourist season approaches,local healthcare services are at risk of collapse. Delays at the PAC mean that non-urgent cases may end up being referred to hospitals, unnecessarily straining emergency services.Moreover, an existing backlog in primary appointments has resulted in wait times of over two weeks for non-urgent visits. This situation is compounded by the fact that many general practitioners have already closed their agendas to new patients.
Proposed Solutions
SATSE Torrevieja is advocating for the establishment of the second PAC at the El Acequión center, which is strategically located to serve residents in more distant areas. The plan also calls for adequate staffing and resources to ensure effective operation, particularly in hiring necessary nursing and medical personnel.
Urgent timeline
The union has stressed the need for prompt action, requesting that the new PAC be operational before the upcoming tourist season peaks in Holy Week.Establishing a second PAC is seen as a crucial step in relieving the current system’s burden and improving overall healthcare quality for Torrevieja residents.
Conclusion
The SATSE union’s advocacy underscores the urgent need for healthcare improvements in Torrevieja amidst rising population pressures. As authorities are called to respond, the collective hope is for timely action that ensures residents receive efficient, quality care in the seasons ahead.