Rome, 2024 – The recent wave of inspections on the so-called "smart ones" exploiting unfitness in Lazio has sparked an intense debate on the need to protect the healthcare system from abuse and inefficiency. At the same time, it is important to avoid generalizations that risk criminalizing an entire category for the faults of a few. "It is unacceptable that the work of thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals, dedicated and professional, is overshadowed by the actions of a few individuals who do not represent the category." Dr. Laura Rita Santoro: "The vast majority of nurses work with dedication and sacrifice, often in difficult conditions and with staff shortages, to guarantee the health of citizens." Nursing Up points out that the hunt for the "smart ones" should not turn into a witch hunt. It is essential to target those who behave incorrectly, but it is equally important not to discredit a profession that is fundamental for the healthcare system. "Not only are the 'smart ones' exploiting unfitness under accusation, but also the entire regional healthcare system". "The shortage of staff, grueling shifts and lack of resources are factors that contribute to the malaise of nurses and the risk of errors." Just like when the timecard cheaters are discovered and the managers are always surprised, but are they really innocent? How can a manager not notice that a worker under their coordination is not present on duty? Now, however, we happen to read complaints and whining about the health status of staff, which is said to be the reason why assistance cannot be managed. According to our data, compared to the number of employees, the percentage of unfit workers is really small, perhaps underestimated. Perhaps the healthcare facilities were kept running by a few healthcare professionals, now exhausted, aged, and worn out by work-related stress? It is interesting, after reading the statements, to consider everything in light of the average age of the healthcare staff accused of "cunning": 59%, according to our data, were over 50 years old, therefore "guilty" of illnesses common to the entire population, well known to every hospital and its managers. One or two employees could be dishonest, but such a large number involving all the facilities in Lazio is particularly perplexing, until we realized that 61% of the OSS staff are over 50 years old. The complaining directors should know what is meant by load handling, to which healthcare staff are subject: "transfers and movements, mobilizations, lifting, lateral transfer between two horizontal surfaces, repositioning in bed and wheelchair, walking, transporting patients or equipment, daily activities (hygiene, dressing, feeding, etc.)." Legislative Decree 81/08 establishes that employers must adopt the necessary organizational measures and appropriate means (aids) to avoid manual handling of loads. If manual handling cannot be avoided, it must be as safe as possible, but often the aids are missing! Do the aforementioned hospitals have solutions such as: "mobile hoists, jib hoists or rail systems with multiple combinations?" ” If not, we are the ones to say that new hires will be of little use; without equipment, the number of unfit staff can only increase! Many Directors complain about the numerous healthcare professionals suffering from latex allergy, which, if it were a "trick," could be unmasked by dermatological tests and blood tests, as the symptoms are quite evident. The professionals with diabetes, yes, even professionals get diabetes, are entitled to exemption from night shifts "NOT OUT OF CUNNING," but because of the possible metabolic imbalance induced by the alteration of circadian rhythms. Normally, exemption from night shifts is requested by people with diabetes and in some cases recommended by diabetologists. Nevertheless, there are many healthcare professionals who, despite the recommendations and at risk of damaging their own health, have chosen not to be exempted from night shifts or have sought support not to be exempted from night shifts. Another category that cannot do night shifts is healthcare staff with children under 3 years old; we think of this as a useful policy against declining birth rates, as long as they are not healthcare professionals? In light of the above, it is imagined to raise the retirement age for the above-mentioned staff to 70/72 years, but in what physical condition? The union therefore asks the political forces to intervene with concrete measures to improve the working conditions of nurses and strengthen the healthcare system. "It is necessary to invest in hiring new staff, streamline procedures and enhance both the role of nurses and salaries stuck at 1996 levels. "Only in this way can we guarantee an efficient and quality healthcare service to the citizens of Lazio." (by clicking here you can download the official statement complete with tables and explanations)
