«The Pediatrician of Alghero will not close, we are currently pursuing all possible avenues to acquire new professionals capable of strengthening the department». Flavio Sensi, general director of the ASL of Sassari, confirms that the Pediatrics department of the Civil Hospital of Alghero is in emergency due to a shortage of doctors but that the healthcare company has already started working to find solutions.

«Unfortunately due to the closure, for several years now, of the Sassari school (linked to the lack of staffing requirements of the teaching staff - two associate professors), and the presence, in Sardinia, of only one pediatric specialization school in Cagliari , the number of pediatricians who are specialized every year is significantly lower than the real needs. A situation further aggravated by the numerous retirements and by the fact that Sardinia also has to face the disadvantage linked to its insularity, and therefore can rely almost exclusively on internal figures present on the island", says Sensi.

The Sardinia Region and the Department of Health, through the amendment which provides for the financing of the teaching roles of Paediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, useful for starting the relevant specialization schools at the University of Sassari, intend to reverse this negative trend. «To resolve the emergency situation of the Alghero garrison, on the one hand, we have started a census of all the pediatricians present in the various clinics and structures of ASL 1, who could be, temporarily, of assistance in supporting the activities of the Alghero garrison, on the On the other hand, we are republishing a notice intended for liberal professions and aimed at various figures, including paediatricians, and extended to all specialties for which the territory manifests the needs. At present, 4 professionals remain on duty (two paediatricians recently ceased their service in an unexpected and unpredictable manner), and in agreement with the hospital's corporate and healthcare management we are working to maintain the operation of the service", explains Sensi who concludes by specifying that «since the hospital in Alghero does not have a neonatal unit, it is prudent that all births that could be classified as difficult or complicated should be followed in the reference hub, in Sassari».