Around forty workers from the health centre in El Fraile, located in the municipality of Arona in southern Tenerife, protested at midday due to the lack of air conditioning in the clinic. This issue has persisted for some time, prompting them to submit a petition with 63 signatures to management last June.
The problem has only been addressed in the corridor and laboratory, but not in the consulting rooms. The air conditioning unit brought in recently was damaged and has not been repaired, meaning the situation is likely to continue.
Healthcare professionals emphasise that this is a significant health centre in the area, serving approximately 25,000 adults and 4,800 minors, highlighting the severity of the issue. Boris Marín, one of the doctors who participated in the protest, informed Canarias Ahora that there have already been instances of patients fainting and one hygienist suffered a heat syncope while wearing a mask. He expressed serious concern that such situations continue to occur in the dental consultations.
The professionals hope that Friday’s protest will prompt management to take action and resolve this issue as soon as possible. If not, they are prepared to strike as many times as necessary in search of a solution.
For the doctors, nurses, and other staff, the delay in providing air conditioning units and the arrival of a faulty one demonstrates neglect and disregard for both the professionals and the many patients at this centre, which is located in one of the most populated areas of Arona, next to the harbour in Las Galletas.
The air conditioning issue at this clinic dates back to 2023. In fact, the PSOE of Arona has reported it multiple times, criticising the “extreme conditions” faced by patients and workers, while demanding solutions from the Government of the Canary Islands and the local council. According to their data, there have been days when temperatures reached 35 degrees during heatwaves, and much of the centre had no air conditioning.
The situation became so dire that screens had to be erected to keep doors and windows open for ventilation in the consultations and other areas. This is deemed unacceptable in the 21st century and is contrary to the quality healthcare standards touted by CC and PP at a regional level. According to former mayor José Julián Mena, a clinic should not become another health hazard for patients and professionals who visit such centres to treat other ailments or diseases.
