The Poniente University Hospital hosted the first meeting of the organic disabled working group. It was promoted by FAAM, Almeria Federation of Associations of People with Disabilities (March 2021) and made up of five of Federation member associations. These entities are the most visible disability, and thus the one with the most stereotypes. Valentin Sola, Federation President, explains that the initiative was launched over a year ago with the goal of making the realities of people affected by certain diseases and their claims more visible.
Almeria Parkinson Association (APAL); Autoimmune and Lupus Association (ALAL); Multiple Sclerosis Association (AEMA); Association for the Fight Against Kidney Diseases Alcer; Fibromyalgia and chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association, Afial.
The group transferred the major demands and claims of those affected to the various health authorities during the first months of its work. They did this in coordination through regular online meetings and the creation of a document detailing these needs.
Sola stated that all of these issues are crucial to improving patient care and ultimately their quality of living. The president of FAAM explains that this is a reflection of the great receptivity of Juan de la Cruz Belmonte (territorial Delegate of Almeria’s Ministry of Health), which has allowed for progress on historic issues. They include those that were implemented at the Hospital of Torrecardenas such as the creation of a case management nurse to meet the needs of those affected and make referrals to specialists.
There has been an increase in the number of physiotherapists in the hospital, as well as two nurses who provide neuropsychology consultations.
The Poniente University hospital’s managing director Pedro Acosta participated in the meeting. He reiterated that the region needed a reference hospital center to address issues such as more dialysis stations, more nephrologists on duty nightly and weekends, a consultation on rheumatology, a neurology unit, or the creation a modified gynecological consult. Acosta expressed gratitude for the formation of the group and the interest to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
Next October will see the group meet again to review the progress.
