The platform claims that the closure of pediatric emergencies at OSI Bidasoa over a year ago by Osakidetza is directly impacting the work conditions of healthcare professionals in the region. Xabier Vázquez, an emergency doctor at Bidasoa Hospital, explained that although the hospital's emergencies do not treat individuals under 14, they must attend to and stabilize critically ill minors before they are transported to Donostia, causing "significant stress and emotional overload."
Manel Ferrán, another doctor, recalled that physicians treating children undergo four years of specialized training and that Bidasoa Hospital is the only one in Gipuzkoa requiring this for its general emergency doctors. He also noted that the lack of replacements for sick leave and reduced hours is overburdening available staff, leading to "dehumanized treatment, not by choice, but because we can't cope." He confirmed that three permanent doctors at the Bidasoa Hospital emergency service have requested transfers.
Mariaje Alfonso, a former nurse and spokesperson for the group, emphasized that doctors are "in high demand and can work wherever they choose." "Because they feel mistreated here, they move to other positions, and with the shortage, it's difficult to fill vacancies," she added. Vázquez confirmed that this has occurred up to three times among doctors in the Bidasoa Hospital emergency service.
Ferrán and Vázquez indicated a similar situation at the PAC, where patient-to-doctor ratios have skyrocketed, primarily because "most of the time there is only one doctor." They mentioned that the reinforcement provided during the flu season has already been removed. Xabier Vázquez warned that the closure of pediatric emergencies is having "a significant impact," particularly on the care of children aged 0-3, "as these situations generate immense stress when there is no pediatrician." He confirmed that out of the five doctors at the PAC, the three with permanent positions have requested transfers.
The platform fears a repeat of the scenario that led to the closure of pediatric emergencies. "An unsustainable situation was created, and they closed the service, arguing that families can go to Donostia," criticized Alfonso. "It doesn't seem far-fetched that they might use the same argument for general emergencies, even though anyone who has visited Donostia Hospital's emergency room knows how overwhelmed it is, not to mention the parking difficulties."
