Socioeconomic Struggles Behind Hospital Overcrowding
José Manuel Rodrigues, the President of Madeira’s Legislative Assembly, has expressed growing concern about the hospital crisis at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital. In a recent statement, Rodrigues pointed out that the hospital is facing an overwhelming situation where 230 elderly patients, who have already been medically discharged, remain in beds because they have nowhere else to go. He sees a problem in the socioeconomic challenges families face, as many are unable to care for their elderly loved ones at home.
It is evident that there are families, who, for socioeconomic reasons and their working conditions, have enormous difficulty in keeping their elderly at home, as many of them need medical and nursing care.
Families Struggling with Caregiving Responsibilities
Rodrigues stressed that it is evident that many families, due to their hard working conditions and financial challenges, have great difficulty in providing proper care for their elderly relatives. Many of these elderly individuals require medical and nursing attention, making it difficult for their families to care for them at home. For those families who are unable to offer the needed care, the hospital becomes a default place of care, further contributing to overcrowding.
While Rodrigues acknowledged that some families simply cannot afford the time or resources to care for their elderly at home, he also pointed out that other families have the ability to provide such care but may not be taking responsibility. He urged families who can manage this situation to take their elderly relatives out of the hospital, as it would help alleviate the pressure on the emergency services.
Seasonal Illnesses Further Complicates the Situation
The ongoing crisis has worsened due to the seasonal increase in illnesses, further straining the emergency rooms at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital. Rodrigues noted that the hospital is facing a shortage of beds, with many patients left waiting for hours, some for more than eight, to receive medical attention. The seasonal rise in illnesses has exacerbated the situation, placing additional pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system.
We will need new public social security policies in Madeira, especially support for solidarity institutions.
Need for Systemic Change and Support for Social Institutions
Rodrigues also called for a reevaluation of the agreements between the regional government and institutions like the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Machico, which play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those living in poverty. He pointed out that the current funding these institutions receive is not sufficient to meet the growing demands of society, particularly as the region faces the challenges of an aging population.
Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira
https://www.dnoticias.pt/2025/1/4/433087-presidente-do-parlamento-preocupado-com-situacao-nas-urgencias/
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