Difficult Working Conditions
The workers at the SAMU061 base in Santa Eulària des Riu are in a critical situation. The base, located in the center’s old library since the summer of 2016, has deficiencies in hygienic services and rest areas, according to the Balearic medical union, SIMEBAL. This situation worsened during the COVID19 pandemic and was reported by SIMEBAL to the Labor Inspectorate in December 2021.
Population Increase and Lack of Extensions
Santa Eulària des Riu has experienced a significant increase in population, reaching 42,000 inhabitants, more than double the number in 2003. Despite this increase, the facilities of the health center have not been expanded or renovated to be able to serve the needs of the current population. This has created precarious working conditions for health professionals in 061, who are forced to work in an overcrowded environment.
Lack of Works and Political Disputes
The works for the construction of the new health center are scheduled for 2025, but have not yet been tendered. This delay has generated political disputes between the City Council of Santa Eulària and IB-Salut. The administrations have been involved in confrontations and mutual accusations, while delaying the improvement of health infrastructure.
Pressures to Improve Conditions
The Balearic medical union has highlighted the urgent need to improve the working conditions of SAMU061 in Santa Eulària. They are pressing for the construction of the new health center to begin as soon as possible and for the working conditions of health professionals to be dignified.
