Simap has publicly denounced the situation generated in the Xàtiva-Ontinyent Health Department. This concern arises from the imminent opening of the new Ontinyent Hospital and the transformation of the current center into a hospital for chronic patients, without an adequate increase in medical staff.
According to the union, this reorganization implies that medical professionals, especially those from the Internal Medicine Service, will have to cover several hospital facilities simultaneously. This situation occurs in a context already marked by an excessive workload, posing a serious risk to both the health of professionals and patient safety.
“"It cannot be stated that there is sufficient staff or that assistance is guaranteed when no evaluation of occupational health or psychosocial risks has been carried out, nor is there a technical report on work organization and the new care burdens that are intended to be assumed."
Simap has recalled that Law 31/1995 on Occupational Risk Prevention requires prior evaluation of risks derived from any organizational change, especially those related to workload, stress, and fatigue. Likewise, it denounces the lack of information and consultation with the Health and Safety Committee, contrary to articles 33 and 36 of said law.
The union has also highlighted the non-compliance with working time regulations, noting that numerous medical professionals work more than 48 hours per week without their express consent, which contravenes European Directive 2003/88/EC and its transposition into Spanish law.
Regarding the reinforcements announced by the Administration, linked to hard-to-fill positions, the union warns that they are not a real short-term solution. The opening of the new facilities is planned for the coming weeks, while the effective incorporation of new professionals is uncertain and, in any case, deferred in time.
Given this situation, the union has initiated various actions, including the submission of formal letters to the Department Management demanding information, planning, and compliance with the law. It has also requested the urgent intervention of the Health and Safety Committee to evaluate the occupational risks derived from this reorganization.
Simap does not rule out adopting new legal measures if the Administration does not immediately correct the situation. The organization concludes by indicating that the expansion of healthcare activity must necessarily be accompanied by realistic human resource planning, reminding that quality care and patient safety cannot be guaranteed without dignified and safe working conditions for professionals.
