The Las Palmas Official College of Physicians has expressed its concern over the uncertainties surrounding the location and future of the Geriatrics Service at the Hospital Insular de Lanzarote. The professional entity emphasizes the importance of preserving the care model developed over years on the island and ensuring the continuity of care for the elderly.
The professional corporation advocates for the continuation of a service considered a benchmark within the Canary Islands' healthcare system, highlighting both its clinical activity and its role in specialist training. They acknowledge difficulties stemming from the current state of some healthcare facilities but warn that any temporary measure must be accompanied by clear planning, sufficient resources, and a firm commitment from health administrations.
The institution deems it fundamental that any change preserves the structure that has allowed Lanzarote to consolidate a specialized geriatric care model, adapted to the needs of an increasingly aging population. This model has been recognized for providing a comprehensive response, focusing on professional coordination and patient-centered care, addressing situations of dependency, frailty, or chronic illnesses.
In addition to its clinical work, the Geriatrics Service at the Hospital Insular de Lanzarote plays a significant educational role, being an accredited Multiprofessional Teaching Unit. Therefore, the College insists that any modification must guarantee the continuity of clinical, training, and research activities.
Given the progressive demographic aging in the Canary Islands, which also affects Lanzarote, the medical institution recalls the need to strengthen specialized geriatric resources. They believe that reducing capabilities or weakening care structures would run counter to the future needs of the healthcare system. They stress that any temporary reorganization must prevent a decrease in resources, professionals, or quality of care.
The College of Physicians has also highlighted the work of the professionals who have driven this project, whose accumulated experience and value should be considered in future planning. They advocate for the active participation of specialists in designing potential solutions.
Finally, the professional corporation calls upon the responsible public health administrations to promote a stable and definitive solution, ensuring adequate spaces, sufficient resources, and medium- to long-term planning. They conclude that the geriatric care model developed in Lanzarote has proven its utility and effectiveness, making it a priority to preserve its clinical, teaching, and organizational capacities.
