The nursing union SATSE denounces an "unsustainable" pressure on the hospitals of the Balearic Islands, with Son Llàtzer Hospital as the epicentre of the collapse. The staffing deficit and the increase in tourist population exacerbate the situation.
The SATSE Illes Balears nursing union has highlighted the critical situation facing public healthcare in the Balearics this summer. The organisation claims that the combination of rising population, lack of staff, and absence of institutional measures has pushed hospital emergency services, Primary Care, and the 061 emergency service to a critical point.
The Son Llàtzer Hospital is the centre of greatest concern. During the month of July, an average of 35 patients daily waiting for admission has been recorded, while the 1D ward of the centre remains closed. SATSE describes this closure as "incomprehensible" and demands its immediate reopening to free up beds.
The situation is mirrored across the rest of the archipelago. At Son Espases Hospital, the deficit of 60 nursing contracts unfilled and the lack of 7 midwives keep operations under severe strain. In Menorca, Mateu Orfila Hospital must respond to a spike in demand as the island's population has tripled, while at Can Misses Hospital in Ibiza, emergency services have recorded waits of up to 12 hours.
The overload also affects Primary Care, which is on the brink of capacity in the most touristy areas, and the 061 emergency service, whose activity has tripled due to both demographic increases and transfers resulting from the hospital collapse.
In light of this situation, the union demands immediate solutions from IbSalut and reminds that the lack of staff is due to the high cost of living and housing in the islands, which makes the region less attractive compared to other communities. To address this gap, SATSE insists on the urgent implementation of a hard-to-fill bonus for Mallorca that would help attract and retain the necessary professionals throughout the year.
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