IASS Workers Spotlight Urgent Issues at Tenerife Cabildo Meeting

On Friday, a group of dedicated workers from the Institute of Social and Health Care (IASS) gathered to voice their concerns during a pivotal meeting of the Cabildo de Tenerife. Their aim was to draw attention to the pressing vulnerabilities that public care centres on the island are currently facing, highlighting the urgent need for reform and support.

Workers Raise Alarm Over Deteriorating Care Centre Conditions

As they assembled outside the meeting venue, IASS employees passionately expressed their worries regarding the declining state of care facilities across Tenerife. They attributed these alarming conditions to a series of urgent decisions and omissions that demand immediate rectification. In a heartfelt statement, the workers condemned the deplorable conditions at IASS centres, pointing to a significant lack of essential equipment that is crucial for delivering quality care to vulnerable populations. The workers underscored that the resources currently available are often outdated, damaged, or entirely absent, which severely hampers their ability to provide adequate support.

Critical Shortages of Resources and Staffing

The workers specifically highlighted the dire shortages in social health hospitals, where vital equipment such as hydraulic bathtubs, commodes, and patient mobility hoists are alarmingly lacking. These essential tools are necessary for ensuring the comfort and safety of patients, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. Furthermore, they raised serious concerns about insufficient staffing levels, which drastically limits their capacity to cater to the diverse needs of those in their care.

In their statements, the workers emphasized that elderly dependents require comprehensive and continuous care, which necessitates the hiring of additional healthcare personnel. This is vital not only for enhancing the quality of service but also for ensuring that each individual receives the attention they deserve. Additionally, they stressed that children in these centres should have their basic needs—educational, recreational, and leisure—met adequately, without being compromised by a shortage of educational staff.

Alarming Conditions Compromise Care Quality

The workers reported that some facilities are in a lamentable state, with malfunctioning elevators posing significant risks to both users and accompanying staff. These safety concerns are compounded by the high temperatures within the centres, exacerbated by inadequate air conditioning systems. Such conditions not only affect the quality of care provided but also contribute to increased staff overload, which can lead to a decline in the overall quality of life for those they serve.

Urgent Calls for Action and Accountability

In light of these pressing issues, the workers have made several urgent demands. They are calling for the immediate provision and renewal of essential equipment, the hiring of qualified staff, and a clear commitment from authorities to prioritize dependency care. Furthermore, they seek transparency in resource allocation, planning, and oversight to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations are adequately met. The workers believe that without these critical changes, the quality of care will continue to deteriorate, putting those who rely on these services at greater risk.

Significance of the Meeting for Future Engagements

The opportunity for the workers to address the Cabildo meeting was particularly noteworthy, as interruptions are typically not allowed. The acting president of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso, made the unprecedented decision to permit them to read their statement, which was perceived as a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about public care. Socialist Councillor Aarón Afonso remarked that this incident could set a precedent for future engagements, indicating a potential shift towards greater inclusivity in discussions about public health and social care. However, the vice-president clarified that this decision was personal and not intended to establish a new standard practice, but rather to address a pressing issue without allowing it to devolve into a spectacle.

Key points

• IASS workers interrupted a Cabildo de Tenerife meeting to highlight vulnerabilities in public care centres.
• They condemned the deplorable conditions and lack of necessary equipment in IASS facilities.
• Critical shortages of essential resources and staffing were emphasized, affecting care quality.
• Workers reported alarming conditions, including malfunctioning elevators and inadequate air conditioning.
• Demands include immediate equipment renewal and hiring of qualified staff.
• The meeting allowed workers to speak, which is typically not permitted, marking a significant moment.