The Nursing Union Criticizes Lombardy’s Plan to Hire Foreign Nurses
The Nursing Up union has criticized the recent announcement by the Lombardy Region to hire 500 South American nurses by the end of the year. According to the union president, Antonio De Palma, this decision dangerously disregards the priority expressed in the policy act, which is to remedy the shortage of nurses starting with Italian professionals already working in the healthcare system.
De Palma expressed surprise and disappointment at the announcement by Lombardy Councilor for Welfare, Guido Bertolaso, and Governor Fontana, calling it a “real proclamation” accompanied by triumphalist tones. He criticized the decision to bring in foreign healthcare professionals from Latin America, stating that it does not address the root cause of the issue which is the exodus of Italian nurses to other countries.
The union argued that instead of importing foreign nurses, efforts should be made to valorize and retain Italian healthcare professionals. They emphasized the importance of restoring appeal to the nursing profession and creating a generational change within the healthcare system.
Nursing Up also criticized the government for promising to eliminate waiting lists and cancel spending limits for professionals while Bertolaso and Fontana focus on hiring foreign healthcare workers. The union believes that the key to improving the healthcare system lies in incentivizing and supporting Italian healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, De Palma raised concerns about the quality of care that foreign healthcare workers may provide due to language barriers and differences in training systems. He also questioned the sustainability of hiring foreign workers when neighboring countries like Switzerland offer higher salaries.
The union’s response highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the recruitment of foreign healthcare professionals and the need to address the root causes of nurse shortages within the Italian healthcare system.