The UGT has denounced this Thursday a decline in the quality of care at the residence for the elderly of Formentera, attributing the problem to “unilateral decisions” taken by the management of the center. According to the union, these decisions have generated concern among families and users, just two years after the opening of the residence. UGT has pointed out that the problems began months ago, when the management modified the workers’ schedules without consulting or agreeing with them. This measure, presented as urgent at a negotiating table, was rejected by all parties involved, including the island government team. However, the workers are still waiting for a response to an alternative timetable proposal they submitted last November.
Criticism of management and consequences on care
The union organization has denounced that, since the implementation of the changes, the management has taken measures that affect both staff and users. According to UGT, these decisions have included the reduction of support staff, the elimination of technical shifts on weekends, and the assignment of nursing tasks to social-health care assistants, such as performing cures and injections. The union has also warned that, during night shifts, on many occasions only one social-health care assistant is in charge of the 18 users of the center, a situation they consider unsustainable. These conditions have generated discomfort among families, some of whom have opted to withdraw their relatives from the residence.
The response of the Consell de Formentera
In response to the complaints, the Consell de Formentera has defended the management of the center and assured that the services provided to users are “fully guaranteed” and comply with current regulations. According to the councilor of Social Welfare, Cristina Costa, the residence currently has 14 social-health care assistants to care for the 18 residents, a figure that far exceeds the minimum ratio of 6 established by law and the internal regulations of the center, which requires at least 9. Costa explained that the changes in schedules seek to avoid staff burnout due to the 12-hour workdays, distributing resources more efficiently at times of increased demand for care. In addition, he stressed that the social-health care assistants only perform the tasks inherent to their position and always under the supervision of a nurse.
Meetings and commitments to find solutions
The Regional Minister confirmed that since the beginning of the conflict, four meetings have been held with all the parties involved and that these will continue next week in order to seek consensus solutions. She also pointed out that the proposal presented by the workers in November was rejected because it did not guarantee adequate coverage at times of increased care pressure. Costa has shown empathy towards the concerns of families and workers, ensuring that the Consell remains committed to ensuring the quality of service and improve conditions in the residence. However, the conflict remains open and both families and professionals expect concrete progress in the upcoming meetings to resolve the situation.
