The Consell de Formentera has flatly rejected the allegations made by the allegations made by the trade union UGT about an alleged decline in the quality of care at the home for the elderly, as well as the accusation that the social-health care assistants are performing nursing functions, such as administering injections. According to the Conselleria de Bienestar Social, this is “categorically false” and the assistants only perform tasks that are within their competence and always under the supervision of nursing staff.
Guarantees of care and compliance with regulations
The administration has stressed that the nursing home has 14 social-health care assistants to care for 18 users, a figure that far exceeds the minimum ratio of 6 assistants established by law and that, according to the internal regulations of the center, must be at least 9 workers. As for shifts, the Consell has defended the decision to propose a change in the current schedules, which until now have consisted of 12-hour continuous shifts, to avoid accumulated fatigue and better distribute the staff in the hours of greatest care load. However, the institution has clarified that these proposals have been raised in meetings with all the parties involved, in compliance with the legal deadlines, and that they will be taken up again soon to find a consensus.
Response to union complaints
The Consell has denied that there are “reprisals” against workers, as the union claims, and has assured that the model applied in the residence of Formentera is similar to that of other residences in the Balearic Islands. In this regard, he indicated that during the night shift, a social-health care assistant is in charge of the residence, supported by night and morning security rounds, as well as personnel who can be reached in case of need. In relation to complaints about working conditions, the Councilor for Social Welfare, Cristina Costa, pointed out that the workers’ proposal presented in November was discarded because “it did not guarantee the necessary personnel at times of greatest care pressure”.
Commitment to consensual solutions
The consellera Costa has recognized that the moment is “challenging” and has shown her willingness to continue the meetings with the aim of reaching agreements that benefit both workers and users. “The care of our elders is a priority, and we will continue working to ensure the best service in the residence, always respecting the current regulations,” he stressed. Meanwhile, the Consell has called for the tranquility of the families and has assured that the services in the residence are fully guaranteed and that the current model allows us to offer adequate care to users, within a framework of professionalism and respect for the staff.
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