More attendants needed
DENIA Hospital has about half the number of hospital attendants (warders) as neighbouring facilities based on the number per patient. Often overlooked in the smooth running of a hospital, their role is vital with one of their main duties being the mobilisation of patients around the centre and lack of warders can disrupt the way the whole hospital is run. Denia has 35 attendants for 220 beds, a ratio of 6.28 patients per attendant while Gandia, for example, has 98 for 292 beds, a ratio of 2.9. Both Xativa and Vila-Joiosa have similar levels to Gandia. A union spokesman said that the hospital management did not take the role seriously enough, counting them as “support staff” and leaving a shortfall and a training gap while blaming budgets.
