The death of a 90-year-old man following a transfer for a catheter change has prompted a public manifesto demanding urgent improvements in healthcare transport for the elderly and dependent individuals in La Palma.
A public manifesto driven by the family of a deceased patient calls for a thorough review of healthcare transport for elderly and dependent individuals on the island of La Palma. The initiative arises after a 90-year-old man lost his life on June 23 after leaving his home for a catheter change and did not return.
The text, disseminated through digital platforms, outlines nine specific demands directed at the Canary Health Service and the public administrations of the island. Among them, the improvement of mobilization protocols, the reinforcement of human and material resources, and the reduction of waiting times for transfers from the University Hospital of La Palma (HULP) stand out.
A structural problem in an aging island
La Palma, with a dispersed population and a high aging index, presents specific challenges in healthcare. The manifesto points out that the administrations themselves have acknowledged on various occasions the need to improve the planning of healthcare transport, highlighting deficiencies that must be addressed.
According to the promoters, patients attending HULP for consultations, oncological treatments, dialysis, or rehabilitation can wait up to six hours to be transferred back to their homes. A delay they consider unacceptable for fragile or dependent individuals.
The document emphasizes that the safety and dignity of the elderly must be at the centre of public policies. It is not about pointing fingers at specific institutions, they assert, but about driving real improvements to prevent similar tragedies.
Nine points for urgent change
Among the demands, the manifesto calls for the continuous evaluation and improvement of healthcare transport, ensuring informed consent and the patient's right not to be moved against their will. It also demands a review of transfer protocols to adapt them to the needs of the most vulnerable individuals.
The reinforcement of human and material resources is another key demand. The signatories believe that the current staff and available vehicles are insufficient to meet the demand of an island with these geographical and demographic characteristics.
Additionally, ongoing training and specialization for professionals who care for the elderly and dependent individuals is requested, as well as the creation of supervision and transparency mechanisms to detect and correct deficiencies. The promoters insist that potential negligence should not be silenced or covered up.
A call to the La Palma community
The manifesto concludes with a call to the administrations, the Canary Health Service, healthcare professionals, social organizations, and all citizens to work together to improve this essential service. “No other family should have to endure such suffering,” the text states.
The initiative has begun to gather support on the island, and its promoters hope that the debate will transcend the local sphere. Meanwhile, the question looms over La Palma households: how much longer will the elderly have to wait for dignified transport?
The manifesto can be consulted and signed through the platform set up by the promoters. A meeting with representatives of the Canary Health Service is scheduled for next week to address the demands raised.
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