Eight Ambulances Relocated to Halkidiki for Summer Tourism Surge
In preparation for the busy summer tourist season, eight ambulances from Thessaloniki will be relocated to Halkidiki. This strategic move aims to address the anticipated increase in medical emergencies due to the influx of tourists. However, this decision has raised significant concerns among healthcare workers in Thessaloniki.
Reduced Ambulance Availability in Thessaloniki
The president of the Central Macedonia EKAV Workers’ Union, Kosmas Terzidis, highlighted the impact of this relocation during a protest by EKAV employees at the White Tower this morning. Thessaloniki currently operates with 20 ambulances, and the transfer of eight vehicles to Halkidiki will leave the city with only 12 ambulances to serve its population.
Implications for Public Safety and Healthcare Services
Terzidis emphasized the risks associated with this reduction, stating, “Today’s protest at the White Tower by EKAV workers is primarily to address the severe shortage of personnel, especially in the Thessaloniki region. The relocation of ambulance crews to Halkidiki will significantly reduce the number of available ambulances in Thessaloniki to about 12, posing a considerable risk to public safety. Over the past five years, there have been no new hires in Thessaloniki.”
Students Called to Fill Gaps Amid Staff Shortages
In an alarming development, students from the EKAV vocational training institute, who are currently undergoing their practical training, are being asked to step in to cover these gaps. Terzidis elaborated, “Students in their fifth semester, who are still in the midst of their practical training, are being called upon to fill the void left by the relocated ambulances, without compensation. These trainees, who have not yet completed their studies or obtained their professional licenses, are being asked to undertake rescue operations during emergencies.”
Calls for Permanent Solutions and Adequate Staffing
Terzidis criticized the reliance on students to fill these critical roles, arguing that instead of hiring more health workers and regularizing temporary staff, authorities are resorting to deploying unqualified trainees. “Practical training is meant to hone the skills we are specializing in, not to replace essential emergency services,” he added.
The transfer of ambulances and the subsequent reliance on trainees underscores the urgent need for strategic planning and investment in the healthcare workforce to ensure both Halkidiki and Thessaloniki can adequately meet their medical service demands during the high tourist season.
source: thestival.gr
