Un trato “sin humanidad”
This May marks a significant shift at the Centro de Rehabilitación Psicosocial of Puerto del Rosario with the new management by the Orden Hospitalaria Ciudad San Juan de Dios. This organization has taken over a facility that caters to individuals suffering from severe mental disorders, a vulnerable population requiring dedicated care and support.
Initial Optimism Amidst Transition
In preparation for this transition, the new management held a meeting with families and professionals associated with the center. During this gathering, they announced improvements to the operating hours, extending the service from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., adding an extra three hours compared to previous schedules. This change was met with enthusiasm and relief by families, as noted by José Luis Ferrerías, a family member, and Irene Chávez, a social educator, during an interview on “La Voz de Fuerteventura” with Radio Insular.
The users also had an opportunity to express concerns about potential changes in the staff. The coordinator reassured them that any staffing adjustments would be minimal and gradual. This initial engagement seemed to lend hope for a constructive partnership moving forward.
Uneasy Beginnings
As the new administration settled in, the existing team continued with their established routines, adhering to the protocols that had been previously effective. However, tension began to surface within just a week, particularly regarding ongoing initiatives like the cooking workshop, which many believed to be beneficial for the users’ mental well-being.
An Unexpected Layoff
Then came a shocking turn of events. Midway through a workday, staff members were individually summoned by the management and informed of their dismissal. Irene Chávez recounted how the Human Resources manager delivered the news, citing vague and unfounded reasons for the layoff. The claims included that the staff had engaged with users from the ASOMASAMEN association without proper oversight, despite the coordinator not being officially appointed.
Chávez chose not to sign the termination papers, leading to an intimidating confrontation in which she was warned that her refusal to comply would hinder any future claims she might have for unfair dismissal.
Immediate Emotional Fallout
The ramifications of the dismissals were palpable and immediate among users. Tears and anxiety replaced the previous atmosphere of camaraderie and stability that these professionals had fostered. The emotional connection between the staff and users was profound, as noted by the social worker, who expressed deep concerns about how crucial their roles as reliable figures were in the therapeutic processes of the individuals they served.
Family members also witnessed the impact firsthand. José Luis Ferrerías shared that his relative had recently returned from a joyful outing but showed an alarming decline in mood after learning about the layoffs. This drastic change highlighted how deeply interwoven the relationships between staff and clients had become.
Legal Challenges and Accountability
Irene Chávez has filed a formal complaint concerning what she perceives as unjust dismissals that fail to adhere to legal standards. According to the regulations, the new management should have retained the staff, ensuring their rights and conditions remain unaffected.
Moreover, she emphasized that the dismissal of vital team members, such as the social educator, also neglected the necessary professional profiles outlined in the service agreements. Currently, the organization lacks a comprehensive staff setup mandated to support these vulnerable individuals appropriately.
Both Chávez and Ferrerías voiced concerns over the accountability of public institutions responsible for overseeing services provided by private entities. They argued for more stringent management and inspection policies to ensure that the rights and needs of those especially vulnerable are adequately met. “We are working with people… particularly with people who are very vulnerable,” they reiterated, calling for institutional responses that would uphold the dignity and well-being of all clients within the center.
Striving for Humanity in Care
The unfolding events at the Centro de Rehabilitación Psicosocial illustrate urgent issues around management changes in social care settings. What was intended to be a hopeful transition has rapidly devolved into a distressing situation characterized by a lack of compassion and understanding. The work being done with vulnerable individuals requires humanity and respect, echoing the profound need for systemic change to ensure equitable care for all.
