Post by pigeonpie on Jan 29, 2009 13:42:24 GMT
ICU functioning normally despite specialist shortage
Despite a shortage of specialists, the Intensive Care Unit at the Mateu Orfila Hospital in Maó is functioning normally.
The full specialist strength was originally set at six, but only five are currently employed in the unit, one of whom is exempt from 24-hour shifts, for being over 55 years old, and two of whom have been on maternity leave since 10th January. Two reinforcement doctors are now helping to cover the shifts.
The management at the Mateu Orfila are looking for more specialists and are hopeful of contracting some when the current medical trainees finish their course in June.
In the meantime the unit’s specialists are working extra shifts, 8 or 9 per month in place of the 5 worked last year, a situation which cannot continue for long as difficulties arise when holidays are due or anyone is off work ill.
Despite a shortage of specialists, the Intensive Care Unit at the Mateu Orfila Hospital in Maó is functioning normally.
The full specialist strength was originally set at six, but only five are currently employed in the unit, one of whom is exempt from 24-hour shifts, for being over 55 years old, and two of whom have been on maternity leave since 10th January. Two reinforcement doctors are now helping to cover the shifts.
The management at the Mateu Orfila are looking for more specialists and are hopeful of contracting some when the current medical trainees finish their course in June.
In the meantime the unit’s specialists are working extra shifts, 8 or 9 per month in place of the 5 worked last year, a situation which cannot continue for long as difficulties arise when holidays are due or anyone is off work ill.
