The Union of Health Technicians (USAE) has lodged a complaint with the Labour Inspection regarding the obstruction of the Evacuation Hall of the Emergency Service located in the South Tower of the University Hospital of the Canary Islands. This area, among other functions, serves as the emergency exit leading to the facility’s helipad.
For several months, USAE reports that this hall has been utilised for storing patient beds, thereby obstructing access to the emergency scanner which is essential for assessing patients in need of urgent care.
Additionally, these patients are frequently transferred using Rea beds, which are larger than standard, making it challenging to navigate the hall swiftly. Staff are compelled to move the obstructing beds before they can proceed, as noted by the union.
Along with the risk of patients being delayed in accessing necessary scans, the situation forces professionals to work in non-ergonomic positions, increasing their workload and compromising their safety and health due to the lack of available space.
USAE highlights that Royal Decree 486/1997, dated 14 April, stipulates that passageways, exits, and pathways within workplaces—particularly those designated for emergency evacuations—must remain free of obstructions to ensure they can be used without difficulties at all times.
Nonetheless, the obstruction of this evacuation hall has persisted for months, despite a labour inspection notice issued in 2013 that recommended the removal of beds obstructing the evacuation route in the emergency service.
Consequently, USAE has filed a complaint with the Labour Inspection, urging them to enforce an assessment that mandates the hospital administration to keep this corridor clear at all times.
