Leaks and Dismantled False Ceilings: Deterioration of the Emergency Service at San Pedro de Alcántara in Marbella Reported

The Workers' Commissions union (CCOO) has denounced this Thursday the precarious situation of the Emergency Service at the San Pedro de Alcántara health center in Marbella, whose facilities are "obsolete" and cause "serious harm" to both healthcare professionals and users. The images released by the union show the deterioration of the premises, with disassembled false ceilings, fallen panels, buckets to collect water, flooded floors, and cloths placed to contain supposed leaks.

Following the opening of the new health center in April 2022, the area designated for Urgent and Emergency care remained located in the old building. The workers' collective points out the contradiction of maintaining an essential service in worn-out facilities, whose poor condition was precisely one of the reasons that led to the construction of the new center.

Since then, incidents have been constant, especially during rainy episodes, which exacerbate the situation. In one of the rooms, presumably intended for healthcare, it is noticeable how water has forced the protection of the floor with sheets and plastics, while several ceiling tiles remain removed due to leaks. In the union's images, signs of dampness on the walls and puddles on the floor are also visible, highlighting the extent of the damage.

The union denounces structural leaks with leaks in ceilings, windows, and sockets, posing an added risk to safety. Additionally, water often forces the closure of nursing rooms, treatments, critical areas, consultations, and waiting zones.

CCOO emphasizes that healthcare activity is only maintained thanks to the "relentless effort" of the workers, who take on restoration tasks due to the lack of response from the managers of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS).

The union also describes the situation of the Advanced Life Support units, one from 061 and two from SUAP, as "disastrous." Without a base or a suitable covered area, ambulances remain outdoors.

They report that the electrical outlets used to charge medical equipment are exposed to rain and sun, violating safety regulations. This situation has even led to manipulations and thefts of medical supplies.

Moreover, extreme temperatures, especially in the summer months, affect the preservation of medication stored in the vehicles. On several occasions, it has been necessary to discard drugs, which according to the union, incurs additional public expense and risks to healthcare.

Given this situation, CCOO demands the creation of a new specific center for Urgent and Emergency care in San Pedro de Alcántara and its surroundings. The union calls for facilities that meet the necessary standards of safety and functionality to ensure dignified care for both professionals and patients.

The Department acknowledges "small leaks that do not affect the normal development of the activity"

In response, the Department of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía explained that previous rains had caused leaks in the short treatment room, but the roof has already been repaired, and during this last storm, no incidents have been recorded. The administration acknowledges that "some windows" show "small leaks due to persistent rain and strong wind," but, they specify, "this does not affect the normal development of the activity".

They also detail that the Primary Care Emergency Service (SUAP) of San Pedro Alcántara is located in the old health center building, just a few meters from the new one, and that it currently shares space with a 061 team.

Regarding medication, whenever a team leaves the ambulance, according to the Department, a medication checklist is performed on what is left in the vehicle and what they carry in the backpacks, in order to ensure their supply and good condition. The ambulance has "constant activity and is not a point of accumulation or storage of medication".