The demonstration, called by the Platform Save the Insular Hospital of Lanzarote, marched through the streets of Arrecife with the participation of healthcare professionals, citizens, unions, and political groups such as the PSOE and Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista. The march was led by a banner with the slogan 'For dignified public healthcare. For the Insular Hospital of Lanzarote'.
The collective has expressed its concern about the possible closure of the Insular Hospital building, warning that this could jeopardize the continuity of the Geriatrics service. They emphasize that this unit is a benchmark in the Canary Islands for specialized care for the elderly, consolidated over the years by the work of qualified professionals.
The platform, which has gathered over 15,000 signatures on Change.org, highlights the fundamental role of the service within Lanzarote's healthcare system, offering specific care to elderly patients with complex medical needs. They recall that it is the island's only specialized geriatrics service, a relevant circumstance given the progressive aging of the population.
Criticism is directed at the plan to transfer activities to a floor in the Emerging Diseases building, arguing that these facilities were not originally designed to fully house geriatrics. There is concern about the potential dismantling of the service and the lack of a defined financial plan or a clear rehabilitation project for the Insular Hospital.
The Platform Save the Insular Hospital of Lanzarote requests the Canary Islands Government's Department of Health to explore alternatives to maintain specialized geriatric care in Lanzarote, preventing the reorganization of resources from negatively impacting patients, families, and professionals.
A call is made to citizens and public officials to seek sustainable long-term solutions, prioritizing care for the elderly in light of increasing life expectancy and demand for specialized services. The importance of ensuring adequate geriatric resources and clear planning for the future of the Insular Hospital is emphasized.
