Access to Binaghi Hospital in Cagliari is cordoned off due to the risk of falling trees. The main entrance is closed, and surrounding areas require urgent maintenance and safety measures.
A situation that, according to the CISL Fp union in Cagliari, cannot be addressed simply by cordoning off risk areas with barriers. "Barriers may be a necessary temporary measure to ensure safety, but they cannot become the norm. We're talking about a hospital visited every day by patients, families, and workers: concrete, rapid, and above all, permanent interventions are needed," stated Paola Sarigu , secretary of the Csil Fp union in Cagliari, and Guido Sarritzu, territorial coordinator.
Of particular concern are the consequences for patients. With the central entrance closed, those who need to access the facility are forced to use longer and more difficult alternative routes. "We're thinking of the elderly, those with disabilities or mobility issues, frail patients, and those who arrive at the hospital already in distress. Forcing them to face a steep climb and a more challenging route to reach the entrance means adding further inconvenience to those who should find maximum accessibility in a healthcare facility. A hospital must break down barriers, not create new ones," they emphasize.
But the problem isn't just about the trees. The conditions of the surrounding areas necessitate, according to the union, a comprehensive review of the safety, maintenance, decorum, and accessibility of the entire outdoor area of the facility.
The CISL union is calling for an immediate inspection and a timely intervention plan , addressing potentially dangerous trees, access points, pedestrian paths, and any other areas that could pose a risk or obstacle to residents and workers. In the meantime, safe and truly accessible alternative routes must be guaranteed, including for people with reduced mobility.
(Unioneonline/AD)
