Manoeuvre, Schillaci: Recruitment in healthcare a priority. Few doctors in the emergency-urgency sector

'We had a meeting with Minister Giorgetti at the end of July first of August, and the ministry's focus is above all on health personnel'. This was said by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci on the sidelines of the launch of the ongoing 'We save lives' campaign. "We want there to be more funds to hire staff and we want those who work in the health service to be paid better. The funds are there, but we have not yet gone into detail. I am interested in more staff being hired and those who work in the SSN being rewarded. We want a plan to hire doctors, to cope with the pension hump'.

The need is felt most strongly in some sectors. "More than 101,000 doctors work in the National Health Service, including 4,312 doctors specialising in emergency-urgency. Increasing the number of posts in specialisations is not enough if the posts are not filled. Last year, only one in four of the posts advertised were filled. Young people are running away from emergency and urgent care specialisations, places affected by staff shortages and burnout".

According to the minister, 'we cannot allow fear to become the trigger to drive our professionals away from hospitals'. But above all, it is necessary to work 'all together for a cultural revolution, to re-establish a healthy relationship between patient and doctor, so that citizens understand that you cannot attack those who are working to provide care and assistance. I also recall that we have introduced rules to enhance the role of postgraduates within the National Health Service'. The possible options must also be assessed according to ideal principles. "Certainly, those who choose to work in the emergency sector are embarking on a path that is demanding, but rich in satisfaction. That is why I say to all young people who are about to indicate their preference for the specialisation school: choose not only with your head, but also with your heart".