The deputy of Coalición Canaria for Lanzarote and president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, has questioned this Tuesday in the Parliament of the Canary Islands the Minister of Health about the transfer of **healthcare activity of a geriatric nature** from the **Lanzarote Insular Hospital** to the Multipurpose Building of the Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital, as well as about the future of the insular center itself and the Government's guarantees to preserve a model of care that is part of the island's identity.
Faced with the questions from the Lanzarote parliamentarian, the Minister of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, Esther Monzón, has pointed out that if the comprehensive reform of the current Insular Hospital were not viable, "the construction of a new module would be opted for".
Although he has assured that "the priority of the Canary Islands Government is to maintain and strengthen the geriatric care model. No service will be dismantled, as has been stated in a totally irresponsible manner. Quite the opposite," Monzón maintainedIn his speech, Betancort has highlighted the historical role of the Hospital Insular, recalling that it is “a center deeply loved by the public and sustained for years thanks to the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of its staff, who have managed to overcome technical and structural shortcomings with humanity and excellence in care”.
Betancort has defended that the geriatric model developed in this hospital “is unique in the Canary Islands, specialized, close, integral and deeply rooted in the social reality of Lanzarote, with attention focused on the frail elderly person and their dignity”.
A model of care that is part of Lanzarote's identity
The nationalist parliamentarian has assured that the announcement of the transfer has generated a "legitimate concern" in Lanzarote society, both due to the impact on patients and families and the future of the professionals and the center itself. "For many people," he pointed out, "the Insular Hospital is not just a healthcare resource, but a space of trust, end-of-life support, functional rehabilitation, and recovery of personal autonomy, forming part of the island's emotional geography"From that shared responsibility with the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, Betancort asked the Government what exactly are the planned actions in relation to the transfer, what is the chronology for both the geriatric activity and the future of the Insular Hospital, and what real guarantees does the Executive offer so that Lanzarote does not lose its geriatric care model, recognized as a benchmark in the autonomous community
Betancort has assured that "defending the Insular Hospital is defending both the legacy of those who have made it great and Lanzarote's right to continue caring for its elders with dignity and closeness". "Protecting the Insular Hospital is protecting gratitude towards its professionals and the legitimate desire of an entire island to continue caring for its elders as they deserve," Betancort added
Counselor's response
In her response, the regional Executive's Health Minister, Esther Monzón, recalled that the Insular Hospital was integrated into the Canary Islands Health Service on January 1, 2019, and that even then it presented a significant deterioration in its infrastructure, a situation that was "aggravated by a fire and a serious electrical failure," according to the Cabildo in a statement. She explained that, given this situation, it was decided to transfer healthcare activities to the new Multipurpose Building of the Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital "to guarantee the safety of patients and workers."The counselor detailed that the building has already been occupied by the Canary Islands Health Service and that "cleaning and adaptation work is being carried out" which could last at least six months, although in approximately one month a "start-up schedule" will be available. She added that the transfer will be carried out in an orderly and progressive manner when the facilities allow, always prioritizing the care and safety of patients.
