The Satse Nursing Union organized rallies at various hospitals and health centers across the archipelago, including Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Tenerife, Hospital Materno Infantil in Gran Canaria, and Hospital Dr. José Molina Orosa in Lanzarote. The aim was to highlight the essential role of these professionals and the need for greater recognition.
“"The Canarian health administration continues to limit their professional development, hindering the incorporation of technological advances such as the use of ultrasound in their clinical practice and excluding them from key areas such as home care."
In addition to limitations in their professional development, Canarian midwives face a significant pay disadvantage. On average, they receive 433.94 euros less than their counterparts in other autonomous communities for job condition supplements, placing them among the lowest paid in the country.
The shortage of professionals exacerbates this situation, preventing midwives from fully developing their skills, which encompass comprehensive women's health care beyond pregnancy and childbirth. Despite their high qualifications and demanding training, they are not guaranteed job stability upon completing their specialization, leading to a brain drain and a waste of public investment.
The Canary Islands are among the communities with the lowest number of midwives, falling below internationally recommended ratios. This reality leads to an excessive workload, precarious employment with high rates of temporary contracts, and a lack of material resources in some delivery rooms, compromising the safety of both patients and professionals.
The Satse union has urged the Ministry of Health and the Canarian Health Service to take urgent measures. Demands include increasing the number of professionals to meet recommended ratios, improving working conditions, incorporating technological advances to foster their skill development, ensuring sufficient material resources, and financially recognizing the specialty.
