Critical Staffing Shortages Trigger Action at modena’s Baggiovara Hospital

Nurses and healthcare support workers (OSS) in the surgery department at Baggiovara Hospital in Modena have initiated a formal protest, citing unsustainable working conditions stemming from severe staff shortages. The action, supported by the CGIL public function of Modena, involves ceasing overtime and additional work hours.

Demands for Improved Staffing Levels and Working Conditions

The core of the dispute lies in the persistent lack of adequate nursing and social care staff relative to the increasing complexity and high-dependency needs of patients within the surgery department. According to a statement from the FP CGIL,the situation has deteriorated to the point where nursing staff are being diverted to perform non-clinical duties,such as hotel services,for portions of their shifts. This leaves the number of qualified caregivers stretched thin, sometimes operating at minimum staffing levels while still expected to manage routine tasks.

Furthermore, the union reports that staff members are frequently denied adequate rest after night shifts, impacting their physical and mental well-being. Adding to the burden, nursing and support staff are also tasked with transporting patients internally during holidays and after 7 PM on weekdays, periods when contracted transport services are unavailable.

The workers and workers of the Baggiovara surgery department have for months report numerous critical issues due to the lack of nursing and welfare staff compared to the clinical complexity of patients hospitalized with high welfare needs.

FP CGIL

Systemic Issues Across Modena’s healthcare System

Mohcine El Arrag of the CGIL public function of Modena emphasizes that the staffing crisis is not isolated to the surgery department but is a widespread problem affecting multiple departments within both Baggiovara and the Polyclinic of Modena.the shortage particularly impacts nurses and OSS, leading to a decline in the quality of patient care, increased workloads for remaining staff, and difficulties in maintaining essential services. This, in turn, is contributing to a concerning exodus of healthcare professionals to other sectors.

The current nursing shortage is a nationwide issue. According to a recent report by the National Federation of Nurses (FNOPI), Italy is facing a shortfall of over 65,000 nurses, a figure that is projected to worsen in the coming years due to an aging workforce and insufficient recruitment efforts.

Impact on patient Care and Staff Morale

The FP CGIL highlights that the failure to replace staff lost through resignations, retirements, and maternity or disability leave has created an atmosphere of frustration that extends beyond the staff and affects the quality of services provided to the public. Patients are experiencing longer waiting times and increased difficulty in accessing care, leading to growing dissatisfaction.

This frustration often manifests as verbal, and in some cases even physical, attacks on healthcare personnel who are already under immense pressure. The union stresses the urgent need for new staff recruitment, improved working conditions, and a renewed focus on prioritizing public health and the well-being of healthcare workers.

The union is also advocating for the renewal of the national contract to recognize the professionalism of healthcare workers and allocate the necessary resources to protect the right to health enshrined in Article 32 of the Italian Constitution.

Looking ahead: Addressing the Crisis

The situation at Baggiovara Hospital underscores the critical need for systemic changes within Italy’s healthcare system. Addressing the nursing shortage requires a multi-pronged approach, including increased investment in nursing education, improved recruitment and retention strategies, and a commitment to creating a supportive and sustainable work environment for healthcare professionals.