Belén arrived at HUC’s emergency room at 10:00 a.m. on Friday and remained there until the following Tuesday. She was informed that the delay was due to the unavailability of beds in the Pulmonology ward, leading to a prolonged wait. Belén recalls spending seven hours without any pain relief medication on the first day, questioning the delay in receiving immediate medical attention for urgent cases. The shared response from fellow patients to her query was unsettling: “They are dealing with cases from yesterday afternoon.”
In a shared space with 10 other patients, Belén observed a hierarchy based on available amenities like chairs, recliners, blankets, or water bottles. The lack of doctor-patient intimacy was striking, with everyone exposed to each other’s suffering, creating a dehumanising environment.
After enduring two days in these substandard conditions, Belén empathised with patients opting for voluntary discharge. Highlighting issues of hygiene, she recalled incidents like a leaking catheter and unsanitary bathroom conditions, posing additional challenges to the patients.
Following a relative’s complaint to the Emergency Service, Belén was relocated to an observation area where she received better care and facilities compared to her previous ordeal. This marked a significant improvement in her treatment experience, with access to a bed and increased privacy.
Belén departed with a call for more staff, better remuneration, enhanced social awareness, and a plea for greater humanity and empathy in healthcare services. She expressed concern that such appalling situations may become the norm, emphasising the need for continuous advocacy and activism to drive positive change in the healthcare sector.
The challenges faced by Belén at HUC prompted an official complaint to the authorities, sparking discussions in the Canary Islands Parliament regarding the healthcare system’s shortcomings.
This newspaper endeavoured to understand the perspectives of healthcare professionals at HUC regarding Belén Álvarez’s account. Acknowledging the existing issues, sources revealed the severe bed shortage at the hospital, with many patients occupying beds meant for social and health centres. Despite the challenges, medical staff strive to provide compassionate care even in the most difficult circumstances, ensuring patients retain dignity and privacy.
Upon reaching out to HUC’s press department for their statement on the matter, they confirmed that the hospital administration is investigating the reported incident.
Belén’s story of endurance and advocacy has not only raised awareness locally but has also gained attention at the parliamentary level, shedding light on the pressing healthcare challenges faced by patients in the Canary Islands.
