QCOSTARICA – Patients that the San Rafael de Alajuela hospital were mostly affected, when scheduled surgeries were suspended Monday, due to negotiations talks between hospital staff and authorities of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).
The lawyer representing the National Union of Employees (Unión Nacional de Empleados de la Caja – UNDECA), Carlos Abarca, called the conditions at the Alajuela hospital are chaotic and miserable. Patients are in the hallways, many not receiving proper care due to a lack of staff and equipment.
Franciny Guzman, and official at the hospital, says that environment in the operating rooms are “difficult”.
“There are only five control monitors for ten beds, putting at risk the newly operated; there is a need for more operating rooms and more staff,” said Guzman.
Monday morning, Carlos Baez, leader of the UNDECA union, expressed his satisfaction with CCSS officials willing to negotiate.
However, while negotiations continue, many patients continue to wait for care and attention.
Some 45 scheduled surgeries daily are performed at the Alajuela hospital, that serves a population of some 645.000 in that province.
Via nacion.com