Son Espases neonatal staffing shortages flagged by Satse

Nursing union Satse has warned that staffing shortages at the neonatal unit of Son Espases University Hospital in Palma, Mallorca, may compromise the safety of newborns and nursing staff. The union made the allegation on 18 August against the Balearic Islands Health Service (IBSalut), citing sustained pressure in the hospital’s mother-and-child services.

Satse said the 12-place neonatal department had at times cared for 16 patients during the summer without an increase in nursing staff. It said this had repeatedly left one nurse responsible for three neonatal intensive-care patients, rather than the usual ratio of one nurse to two patients.

Overtime needed to cover specialist shifts

According to the union, vacant shifts cannot readily be filled by staff from elsewhere because neonatal duties require specialist skills. Existing unit staff have therefore had to cover gaps through overtime, while requests for personal leave have been refused, it said.

Satse said the nursing team had reported exhaustion and distress after months of pressure. It argued that longer hours, heavier workloads and reduced staffing ratios create risks both for newborns’ clinical care and for staff health.

Nine midwife posts also vacant

The union also reported nine unfilled midwife posts across the delivery suite and maternity ward, representing almost 20% of the workforce in that area. It said serving midwives were covering absences and vacant shifts, with high overtime levels and refusals of personal leave; non-permanent staff had also had holiday requests rejected.

Satse said several professionals had sought transfers to regions including Andalusia, citing the situation alongside rising living and housing costs. The union has reported the concerns to the Safety and Health Committee, said it may approach other bodies, including the courts, and plans an autumn mobilisation campaign.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Health · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com