Lombardy Takes Steps to Reduce Waiting Lists and Improve Healthcare Services
Welfare Councilor Guido Bertolaso has announced a series of initiatives aimed at reducing waiting lists and improving healthcare services in Lombardy. With more funds allocated for public hospitals and the introduction of a new single booking center in Brescia, residents can expect greater access to visits and tests.
The funds amount to 61 million euros, with 41 million specifically designated for public hospitals and the remainder for accredited private institutions. These funds are intended to provide an additional seven million services throughout the region, one million more than the previous year.
One major change will be the extraordinary opening of clinics, scheduled to begin on May 6th. This will extend clinic hours to 4pm to 8pm and include Saturday morning appointments. Asst Franciacorta in Brescia will serve as a pioneer for this operation, with other healthcare entities set to follow suit by the end of the year.
In addition to extended clinic hours, Bertolaso announced the imposition of maximum waiting times for report releases, such as a 5-day wait for mammography screening results.
However, the region is facing a staff shortage, with the need for 700 doctors, 2,500 nurses, 400 social and health technicians, and 1,200 family doctors due to expected retirements. To address this shortage, Lombardy is looking to recruit healthcare professionals from Argentina and Paraguay, with agreements currently being finalized. Additionally, a single tender will be announced for doctors and nurses aimed at recruiting within Italy.
With these measures in place, Lombardy is taking proactive steps to address healthcare challenges and improve access to essential services for its residents.