Ausl Imola, personale aggredito di nuovo

Two years ago, as a union of healthcare professionals, we made a clear and decisive appeal to the competent authorities, including the police chief, unions, and AUSL. Our request was as simple as it was urgent: to install surveillance cameras inside healthcare facilities, accompanied by a security system with an emergency button connected to the concierge. The latter, equipped with monitors for video surveillance, would have had to manage critical situations, promptly deciding whether to alert law enforcement. In addition, we called for a strengthening of the presence of police and security guards in hospital facilities.

Two years later, not only has the situation not improved, but it is dramatically worsening. Episodes of violence against healthcare personnel are increasing in frequency and severity throughout Italy. 

These acts are no longer just the result of momentary frustration or stress related to illness or waiting: they seem to reflect a deeper cultural problem. Today, healthcare professionals have become targets of the anger and dissatisfaction of an increasingly exasperated society.

Healthcare, once a safe haven and place of care, is now becoming the stage for an increasingly dangerous social conflict. Doctors and nurses, in particular, are often treated as scapegoats for a malaise that has deep roots in inequalities and the crisis of the healthcare system. We are tired of being considered simply numbers on a payslip that reflects neither our professionalism nor the increasing risks we face every day.

Institutions must finally become aware of the seriousness of the situation and commit concretely to ensuring the safety of those who work every day to save lives. A media campaign in favor of healthcare professionals is also needed, to restore dignity and respect to our work.

We can no longer wait for yet another episode of violence to occur. We demand immediate and concrete actions to protect healthcare personnel and rebuild that relationship of trust and respect that should be the basis of the bond between patient and professional.

The issue cannot be postponed. It is time to act.

Nursing Up Imola

Giuseppe Calia