The Consell de Formentera acknowledged Monday having made “mistakes” in the management of the Residencia des Brolls, the island’s senior center. At the same time, it has reported that it is working with the Dependency Foundation of the Balearic Government to improve its operation.
The Councilor for Social Welfare, Cristina Costa, explained that the objective of this last point is “to know the management model of the Govern and to study alternatives that allow the optimization of the service and the working conditions of the staff”, as she indicated in a joint appearance with the director of the residence, Amada Marcos.
The insular institution has initiated contacts with the regional foundation so that, in case of need, it can move support staff from other residences in the archipelago. At present, five of the fourteen social-health workers at the center are on sick leave, which represents 36% of the staff.
“We want to act with transparency and responsibility, to know the real reasons for sick leave – whether it is due to physical or mental strain – and to seek solutions,” said Costa, who assured that all shifts are covered.
Reinforcement measures and internal review
Among the measures adopted immediately, the Consell has reinforced the security of the building, with the installation of sound sensors at the entrance doors and the implementation of telematic bracelets for residents, a decision taken after the recent escape of a user.
In addition, the video surveillance system has been revised and the center’s protection equipment has been updated. “We are not here to shy away, but to act,” stressed the councilor, who thanked the staff for their commitment.
Costa has also requested a report from the Occupational Risks service on the causes of sick leave. The unions, especially UGT, attribute the labor disputes to the change in the work schedule implemented last term, which reduced the workday to seven hours a day in three shifts.
Negotiations with labor unions and new Participation Council
The Consell plans to convene before the end of the month the Council of Participation of the Residence, in which families, staff and management of the center will be represented, to propose improvements and monitor the actions.
Likewise, the councilor will meet with the unions to jointly analyze possible organizational and labor changes. Costa has defended that the current model of shifts “is the one that works best in the public residences of the Balearic Islands”, although she has shown herself willing to study “other formulas that make more attractive the calls for employment” in the center.
The Consell has reiterated that there is no sanctioning report from the Labor Inspectorate, but a “preventive” technical requirement to improve certain administrative aspects.
Costa: “We assume mistakes, but we work to improve”.
In his appearance, Costa admitted that the situation of the residence “is complex” and that “human errors” have been committed , although he insisted that the Consell is “correcting deficiencies and reinforcing the staff”.
“The nursing home has gone through difficult times, but there is a committed and professional team,” said the councilor, who confirmed that the head nurse has already returned and that the call to fill the second vacancy has been opened.
In Context
In recent months, the Residencia des Brolls has been at the center of political and union debate after the complaint of UGT, which claimed that the Labor Inspectorate had detected “serious deficiencies” in the center. The Consell later denied it, clarifying that it was an ordinary diligence without sanction.
