The complaints range from basic maintenance issues, such as leaks and the presence of buckets to collect water, to more serious structural failures, including aluminosis and corrosion in the buildings. These situations, according to the complainants, compromise the quality of care and the safety of patients and staff.
A user identified as Juan, who recently suffered the loss of two family members, described the situation at the Hospital del Norte as “dantesque.” He reported the presence of puddles at the main entrance, requiring the use of blankets and sheets for absorption, as well as buckets and basins distributed throughout the facilities, including hospitalization floors. The severity of the leaks reached the point where an emergency staircase was closed for a day.
“"98% of the people are elderly people who don't have much life left."
Furthermore, Juan criticized the rusty furniture, beds in poor condition, and temporary solutions that, in his opinion, only seek to “cover up the dirt” with wooden planks and “brushstrokes” of paint, without addressing a comprehensive reform. He lamented the administration's passivity and the inefficiency of maintenance staff, especially considering that most patients are elderly.
In the case of the Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC), which is over 55 years old, the deterioration is progressive. Corrosion on balcony railings, a problem already reported in 2024, persists alongside aluminosis. Cati Darias, a delegate for Intersindical Canaria, noted that the only measure taken has been to block the doors of the most affected balconies, which eliminates ventilation in the rooms, a critical aspect given heatwaves.
“"It has not been subject to corrective or preventive maintenance."
The union delegate denounced a “generalized neglect” of infrastructure, stating that the HUC has not received adequate maintenance. She also criticized that in new constructions, such as those at the Hospital del Norte, works with deficiencies are accepted without holding construction companies accountable. This situation creates a perception of grievance among citizens, who feel that patients at other centers, such as Hospital La Candelaria, receive superior care.
