The Government of the Canary Islands is implementing measures to provide an individualized response for the over 500 patients remaining in hospitals across the archipelago despite having received medical discharge. This situation particularly affects dependent elderly individuals who cannot return to their homes due to the absence of necessary support or resources for their care.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, stated in a parliamentary session that this is one of the most complex socio-health challenges, requiring coordination among various administrations to find case-specific solutions. The situation places significant pressure on the healthcare system, especially in hospitals on non-capital islands, where bed occupancy by patients with medical discharge limits care capacity.
To address this issue, the regional Executive maintains ongoing coordination between the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, the island councils (cabildos), and municipal social services. A socio-health protocol has been activated to identify cases within the hospital where a patient cannot be discharged due to a lack of guaranteed subsequent care.
A key strategy involves streamlining dependency procedures. According to the minister, for those in this situation who have not initiated the process, a maximum period of one month is set to resolve their file and determine the appropriate resource, whether it be a residential placement, home assistance, or a temporary transitional service.
The diversity of needs among these patients is considerable. Some individuals require continuous care in specialized centers, while others could return home with adequate home support. There are also cases complicated by family, social, or legal issues. In some instances, the Government of the Canary Islands has requested the collaboration of the Public Prosecutor's Office upon detecting that family members in the affected person's circle might assume certain care responsibilities.
The regional executive considers it a priority to advance these solutions to improve patients' quality of life and, simultaneously, alleviate pressure on the hospital system by freeing up beds currently occupied by individuals who no longer need medical attention but do require socio-health resources.
