MALLORCA TODAY - Son Espases cuts back; hospitals could be privatised

More evidence of the turmoil in the public health service in Mallorca. Son Espases, the island's main public health hospital, will reduce by 50% its non-urgent operations between July and September and close 150 beds during the same period. In all, 300 beds in different hospitals will be closed over the summer. Meanwhile, the UGT union is stating again its belief that the regional government intends to privatise the public health hospitals in Inca and Manacor and to sell the Joan March hospital, closure of which has already been announced.

MALLORCA TODAY - Mallorca hospitals in crisis

Staff from the emergencies department at Son Espases hospital will protest tomorrow (15 February) against the situation that exists in the department. The protest, due to only last five minutes, is planned to draw attention to cuts that, say the medical staff, have led to overcrowding, too few beds and too few nurses. Meanwhile, the college of doctors in the Balearics has said that the health system is in a critical state, and it has been confirmed that, following the resignation two weeks ago of the director of emergencies at Manacor hospital, in protest at cuts to personnel, the director at Son Espases has also resigned, along with two chief nursing supervisors. The Balearic Government's health minister has said that the resignation of the Son Espases director is for personal reasons and President Bauzá has stated his satisfaction with the health service being provided in the Balearics.