In recent days, we have learned of very concerning information and complaints about the operation and quality of care in the elderly residences of Tías and Haría, publicly owned centers belonging to the Cabildo de Lanzarote but managed by a private company. As the island secretary of Health for the PSOE of Lanzarote, I believe that this debate cannot be limited solely to analyzing concrete facts: it must also lead us to reflect on the management model that we are applying in the socio-health services of our island.
When we talk about the care of elderly people, we are talking about one of the most sensitive areas of public policies. They are vulnerable people who deserve respect, adequate care, and professional attention that guarantees their dignity. Therefore, any deficiency in the functioning of these centers must be analyzed rigorously and with a clear will to correct what is not working.
It is evident that for some time there has been a social concern regarding some of these centers, especially in the Tías residence. Families, workers, and citizens have conveyed for years testimonies and experiences that point to a deterioration of the service. The bad reputation that precedes this residence does not arise from nothing. When different voices coincide in pointing out problems, the responsible thing is not to deny reality nor minimize it, but to listen, investigate, and act.
In its recent statement, the managing company has recognized the existence of certain deficiencies in recent months, although it has denied that there is a situation of neglect towards the residents. It is understandable that a company does not easily admit a problem of that magnitude, but the social concern that has been generated cannot be attributed solely to a supposed unjustified alarm.
The company has also pointed out the lack of staff in the sector and a high rate of absenteeism. No one can deny that the socio-health sector is experiencing difficulties in attracting professionals, especially in island territories. But it is also true that absenteeism is often, in many cases, a symptom of something deeper: very demanding working conditions, tight staffing, and high care pressure that ends up taking its toll on workers. And when working conditions are precarious or unstable, it is very difficult to guarantee a quality service sustained over time.
On the other hand, it is striking that the company claims to have detected by itself the existence of images that violate the dignity of some users. The truth is that this situation has come to light thanks to the public complaint made and the testimony of people who decided to step forward to denounce what was happening. If these facts are confirmed, they must be investigated to the end and all necessary responsibilities must be determined.
But beyond this specific situation, all this forces us to open a deeper reflection: what management model do we want for the socio-health services of Lanzarote?
On our island we have a clear example that another form of management is possible. The Insular Hospital, managed directly by the public sector, has demonstrated for years that the administration can guarantee a close, professional, and people-centered service. The professionals who work there are an essential part of the public system and their commitment to patients is part of the center's own culture.
This does not mean that public management is exempt from problems, but it does show that when essential services are managed directly from the public sector, the main objective is not profitability or the balance of a concession, but rather the well-being of people.
Elderly residences cannot be treated as just another service within an administrative contract. They are living spaces where our seniors spend a fundamental stage of their lives, and therefore the management model also matters.
Therefore, perhaps the time has come to open a serene but brave debate about the future of these services in Lanzarote. A debate that not only analyzes what has happened in recent months, but also allows evaluating if the current model is the most adequate or if we should move towards systems more focused on public management or in smaller models closer to the community.
Our elders are not a file nor a statistic. They are people who have built our society and who deserve to live this stage of their life with dignity, respect and quality care.
And when we talk about their well-being, politics must be up to the task.
