It might be that the two university hospitals in Athens, Aretaieio and Aiginitio, have recently suspended their operation, but they were sending distress signals throughout the past decade.
The continuous shrinkage of staff and their funding did not predict a bright future for them. Their situation was worsened by the block of this year's funding from the Education ministry – a block attributed to the non-timely deployment of budget data by the National Kapodistrian University to which the two hospitals belong.
The continuous shrinkage of staff and their funding did not predict a bright future for them. Their situation was worsened by the block of this year's funding from the Education ministry – a block attributed to the non-timely deployment of budget data by the National Kapodistrian University to which the two hospitals belong.
Unable to stay up and running
In a joint meeting on April 7th, the Committees of the two hospitals said they decided to suspend their participation in the on-call operations of Athens and inpatient treatment, because of the failure to meet their obligations for operating costs and salaries of staff.
“From this issue, the two hospitals are facing major problems in their commitment for operating costs (medicines, food, sanitary equipment, fuel) and payroll costs”, reads the statement signed by the Chairman of Committees, Oncology Professor Athanasios - Meletis Dimopoulos.
Only the outpatient clinics will remain open
According to academics, who have the responsibility for the administration of the two hospitals, the situation is very dangerous for the safe treatment of patients.
However, in a gesture of good will and high medical morale they ensure that in the coming days they will provide their services normally in the outpatient clinics, examining those who had scheduled appointments.
Staff shortage
Aretaieio showed a deficit of staff for a while, like most public hospitals, but in the last two years the problem grew out of proportions: almost 50% of the permanent positions of nursing and paramedical staff were empty (about 370). Indeed, in 2009 and for this reason, the administration was forced to reduce the open hospital beds by 40%, particularly in the Surgery and Obstetrics Clinic.
Regarding the fiscal deficit of the hospital, it is estimated at around 2 million per year, which includes medical expenses for the financially weak and needy. On should note however, that at regular intervals in previous years the two hospitals were receiving emergency grants to cover their debts to suppliers, like all the NHS hospitals.
The nurses complain about the dismantling of the public health system
“Defying the long history of the two university hospitals and the desire of their legators to provide health services to our citizens, the Education Ministry, is rapidly moving to the reduction of their funding”, said a statement of the National Trade Union Federation of Nursing (PASYNO) of the NHS, adding that this development marks the start for the precipitation of NHS.
by Panagiota Karlatira
source: PROTO THEMA
