Nurses end strike after deal with Catalan Health Ministry
New agreement includes improved working conditions but no wage increase
New agreement includes improved working conditions but no wage increase
They demand better working conditions and recognition of the profession
Union Infermeres de Catalunya wants wage increase equivalent to A1 level
Infermeres de Catalunya began indefinite industrial action on December 12
Association says there is an 'insufficient' number of professionals, far from EU average
Epidemiologist Josep Maria Argimon has been at the forefront of Catalonia's efforts to control Covid-19
SATSE believes healthcare workers have faced pandemic 'without protection in first weeks, without rest and without enough support'
1 in 4 medics consider quitting due to impact of pandemic on physical and mental health
Health system workers speak to Catalan News about society’s views on their efforts
They welcome visibility, but ask for maintaining extra staff, more presence in executive positions, and more time for research
The Catalan Government is obliged to reduce the public deficit and the public healthcare system is also subsequently affected by the budget cuts. Doctor and nursing unions are mobilised, while salary reduction and temporary lay offs are being discussed. Waiting lists have increased due to some hospital services being partially and temporarily closed, especially during the summer months. Many citizens have been protesting, in different demonstrations. The Catalan Health Ministry announced new maximum waiting times for severe interventions. In addition, some hospitals are reopening some operating rooms.
Staff drain and changes in training programs, the main causes according to the Catalan Nurses Association. In the last years, Catalonia has been “exporting” nurses abroad, mainly to the United Kingdom, the US and Italy.