The union has described the situation of this unit, responsible for assisting highly vulnerable patients, as "inhuman." According to the organization, the service is "clearly under-resourced" and operating at its limits, affecting the quality of care provided.
The figures reveal a critical healthcare reality: the unit must cover the needs of 190,000 users from the Jaén and Jaén Sur districts, across a vast geographical area extending from Alcalá la Real to Mengíbar or Huelma. For this demand, the current staff consists of only one full-time physician and one physician with a 66% reduced working day, far below the four physicians stipulated in the unit's functional plan.
“"The Administration continues to operate an essential service with a staff well below what is planned and necessary."
This staff shortage prevents the unit from adequately covering its complex activities, which range from caring for hospitalized patients and supporting other specialties to home care and coordination with Primary Care. The union warns that this situation leads to avoidable hospital admissions, delays in care, and a clear reduction in the dignity of the service.
The situation is even more concerning given that a solution could be immediate. The Medical Union has reported that three physicians will complete their residency in a few days and have expressed their willingness to join the unit. However, they lament that the Ministry of Health continues to "look the other way" while professionals face an unsustainable workload amid an aging population and increasing demand.
“"Jaén cannot continue to be treated as a second-class province in healthcare matters."
For the medical collective, this incident is not isolated but further evidence that the Junta de Andalucía allows Jaén to receive "second-class healthcare." They insist that palliative care is a fundamental and humane service, demanding immediate staff reinforcement to ensure equitable and quality care for families in Jaén during their most delicate moments.
