Patients and staff at Manacor Hospital report that the third floor is a "hell" due to the heat, with relatives bringing fans. The centre admits to occasional breakdowns but attributes the issues to the age of the system.
The third floor of Manacor Hospital has become an oven. Admitted patients and their families claim that the heat is unbearable and that some have had to bring their own fans from home. "It's hell," summarises the testimony of a family experiencing the situation firsthand.
The complaint is not isolated. Several patients who prefer to remain anonymous and staff at the centre have confirmed to this newspaper that the lack of cooling has been recurring in recent days. Specifically, this week the emergency waiting room has also been without air conditioning, although the breakdown in outpatient consultations has already been repaired.
The hospital admits to breakdowns but speaks of isolated cases
Sources from Manacor Hospital acknowledge that there have been some breakdowns in the cooling system, but they assert that it is not a widespread problem. "They have been resolved as they were reported to the maintenance service," they explain. However, they remind that the main building is 30 years old and that the air conditioning system is outdated, which hampers its performance during extreme heat episodes like the current one.
The same sources point out that the new hospital building has had no cooling problems, which contrasts with the complaints in the older areas of the centre.
Més per Mallorca denounces "absolute neglect" by the Government
The ecosovereignist party Més per Mallorca has taken the complaint to the political arena. Deputy Marta Carrió has stated that there is an "absolute neglect" by the Government in maintaining health infrastructures. According to Carrió, this month of July alone, at least 13 health centres have been or are without air conditioning during "one of the most intense and prolonged heatwaves in recent years".
The affected centres, according to Més, are Pollença, Ses Salines, Sóller, Alcúdia, Andratx, Binissalem, Porto Cristo, s'Illot, Felanitx, Capdepera, and two in Palma: sa Vileta and Pere Garau. This list includes the Manacor Hospital itself.
For the patients and healthcare workers at the hospital, the situation has become critical. High temperatures not only cause discomfort but can also worsen the health of admitted patients, especially the most vulnerable. While the Government does not take action, handheld fans and patience will be the only allies against the heat.
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