Due to the increasing need for assistance and the overcrowding of the current SATSE Torrevieja, the Sindical SATSE Torrevieja section sent an urgent request to the department of health in Torrevieja’s management on November 27th, 2024, for the opening of a second PAC in the municipality, specifically at the health centre El Acequión. Outside of the health centre’s hours of care and on holidays, the centres with PAC respond to non-urgent calls.
More than one million
With an estimated population of 106,350 residents according to data from the Torrevieja Municipality, the city has a noticeable increase in population during the high season, particularly during the months of Semana Santa and summer, as a result of tourism. This increase may double or even triple the number of residents, indicating an additional need for assistance that the only point of continued care cannot effectively provide.
The current PAC (at the La Loma Health Centre, though the note does not mention it) is disbanded, which results in delays in patient care and overwork for medical professionals. Additionally, non-urgent cases may be diverted to the hospital, which would unnecessarily affect urgent care services.
The lack of accessibility has also been a concern because Torrevieja’s urban and residential areas are very large, making it difficult to access the only PAC available, especially at times of high demand.
Criteria
In order to ensure high-quality care, a PAC must serve a population of 25,000–30,000 people, per the health system’s guidelines. In this regard, it is evident that the sole facility of this kind in Torrevieja is overburdened, and the opening of a second facility is necessary to ensure health efficiency and raise the standard of care.
The municipality’s Nursing Union union section issues a warning over the population growth that will occur during the approaching Easter period, which also marks the start of a new tourism season. The strain on the already overburdened local health system will be exacerbated by this increase in visitor volume, which may ultimately cause the lone PAC to fail.
In order to make it easier to reach the neighbours who live farthest away from the current PAC, SATSE Torrevieja is asking for the opening of a second PAC in the Acequión Health Centre. The request also calls for the provision of the material and human resources required to guarantee optimal functioning, with a focus on hiring medical and nursing personnel.
The necessity
The union emphasises the project’s necessity and asks for a commitment to planning and scheduling in order to get the new PAC up and running before the upcoming peak season, which includes Easter.
In addition to reducing the burden on the current system, the opening of a second Continuous Care Point would enhance healthcare for all Torrevieja residents, ensuring a quicker, better, and more accessible service while also easing the strain on medical staff.
In addition to urging the authorities to respond to this request as quickly as feasible, SATSE Torrevieja agrees to participate in any initiative or meeting that will enable the completion of this essential project.
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