SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 23 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Emma Colao, the director of the Canary Islands Observatory of Social Rights (Odesocan), has formally submitted a letter today to the Department of Social Welfare of the Canary Islands Government, urging an urgent evaluation at the Hospital Residence for the Elderly Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in Garachico.
As per the Observatory, the request is prompted by the non-compliance of the Centre with the required ratio of healthcare professionals per resident, which significantly impacts their well-being and care. It has been noted that the management of the Centre has requested families to authorise the use of restraints on residents if deemed necessary – a practice frowned upon by geriatrics and increasingly obsolete. This situation is a clear consequence of staff shortages.
Odesocan possesses documentation indicating that the Centre has suggested families take on tasks usually designated for geriatric assistants, as staff shortages prevent the Centre from meeting residents’ needs adequately. In light of three scabies outbreaks within the facility, Odesocan deems it crucial to assess the hygiene conditions of the premises and the residents.
The request is further supported by the absence of supervision over residents’ personal belongings, despite families diligently marking them with personal data as requested by the Centre’s management. This becomes a more pressing issue considering the scabies outbreaks, demanding stricter sanitary measures. Additionally, the Centre lacks certain accredited services such as Physiotherapy or Cognitive Stimulation. The overcrowded rooms, hosting up to nine women with varying pathologies, hinder proper cohabitation and violate established user-to-stay ratios and individual space allocations.
