HOSPITAL STRIKE...

PALMA
MEDICAL Union sources in the Balearics confirmed yesterday that “from 21st April onwards, for sure” there will be ongoing strike action at hospitals and health centres around the Islands.

Doctors' Union leader, Isidro Torres said that “a massive response” is expected in support of the strike which is related to pay and operating theatre closures at Palma's General Hospital. The Unions say the shutdown will result in unfair pressure being placed on staff at other hospitals. After two industrial action meetings called yesterday by the Medical Union (SMLB) to let doctors at Son Llatzer hospital (in east Palma on Majorca) and at the Mateu Orfila hospital (on Minorca) know of the outcome of its negotiations with the Balearic Heath Service (Ib-Salut), Torres declared that the union action has “received the backing of the professionals working at both these hospitals.” The union leader was confident of full professional support because, he claimed, the issues which were “on the table” at the start of the negotiation process with the Balearic Health Service were still the same - that is to say, no progress had been made.

The regional minister for Health, Vicenç Thomas had asked SMLB yesterday to let his members know of the government's proposals to end the dispute but Torres asserted that medical professionals were well aware of what these proposals were and that their response is “not to concede.” “The proposals,” said Torres, “are camouflaged with tasty offers but are then compromised with more demanding working conditions.” After the breakdown in negotiations, Torres threw out a challenge to the Balearic government. “If the minister for Health says he needs 30 million euros to sort out the problems in the Health Service, the government needs to get its priorities right - they've just spent 40 million buying up land.” “It's their responsibility to avoid a long term problem in the health sector.”