The Elche-General Hospital Health Department has activated its summer reinforcement plan, designed to ensure healthcare services during the summer months. This period is characterized by a significant population increase in various areas of the department, mainly due to the arrival of tourists and temporary residents.
This year's plan involves an investment of nearly 3.3 million euros, a figure representing a 4.6% increase compared to the previous summer. The reinforcement will focus on health centers, auxiliary clinics, and urgent care points, particularly in areas with higher patient load such as Santa Pola, one of the department's main tourist destinations. Regarding conventional hospitalization capacity, it will increase by 52% compared to last year, with a reduction of only 26 beds per month versus 54 the previous year.
In terms of emergencies, the Altabix Health Care Point (Elche) and the El Altet Continuous Care Point will maintain their usual hours (from 15:00 to 08:00) and will receive specific reinforcements on Sundays and holidays. The Santa Pola Continuous Care Point, on the other hand, will offer 24-hour service, with two additional physicians during morning shifts, ensuring at least three doctors per shift. Furthermore, three extra nursing professionals will be hired to cover the anticipated increase in activity.
The Casa del Mar clinic in Santa Pola will be open from June 15th to September 30th, with a family doctor and a pediatrician during morning hours. Throughout July and August, it will extend to afternoon shifts with two additional physicians, supported by two nurses in the morning and one in the afternoon. The Gran Alacant clinic will also receive an additional physician and a nurse. In Tabarca, a support doctor will be hired during July and August to bolster the island's healthcare coverage.
The Basic Health Zone of El Altet and that of El Pla, which have clinics, will also each have a reinforcement doctor and nursing professional. This plan is part of the regional initiative by the Ministry of Health, allocating 85.2 million euros across the Valencian Community, including approximately 9,000 hires and the opening of 25 beach auxiliary clinics.
