Hero retirees offer their help
Replacements needed as healthcare workers succumb to the virulent virus
AFTER the regional health service appealed for retired healthcare professionals and those who are inactive to help out with the current health emergency, a total of 1,946 volunteers have come forward.
Councillor for health Ana Barceló explained that they have been able to sign up since last Friday.
Healthcare professionals under the age of 70 can offer their services, she explained.
Sra Barceló noted that it was ‘great news’ that so many had come forward.
“This shows the solidarity that they have with society,” she stated.
A total of 551 medics and nurses have tested positive for coronavirus in the Valencia region.
As a result they have had to leave the frontline of the battle against the virus.
With resources stretched, Sra Barceló said the regional health service has had to take a series of measures in primary healthcare to ensure that enough personnel are available to run essential hospital services.
This has involved the suspension of some services at local health centres.
Prescriptions are automatically being renewed so that patients do not have to attend health centres.
Hotels for health workers
The regional government has made hotels available to medical personnel so they can stay in accommodation that is close to the hospitals they work in.
Regional president Ximo Puig explained that after holding several videoconferences on Saturday, an agreement was reached with the hotel sector. The objective was to provide a safe place to stay for both medical personnel and their families, as well as to save them from having to make long journeys to their homes.
By Monday these were already being made available in the cities of Alicante, Elche,
Valencia and Castellón, and agreements were being finalised for other municipalities.
Sr Puig emphasised the importance of supporting and protecting all medical workers because they have a fundamental role to play in winning the war against the pandemic.
“Health care professionals are our army and so they must have the best conditions possible,” he said.
He thanked the hotel sector for their generosity, which has demonstrated ‘their commitment and collaboration in this battle’.