Un trato “sin humanidad”
This May marks a new chapter for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center in Puerto del Rosario as the renowned institution, Orden Hospitalaria Ciudad San Juan de Dios, takes over operations. This center caters to a handful of users suffering from serious mental disorders. Before assuming control, the new management met with families and professionals to discuss their vision and outline some upcoming changes, notably extending operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM – adding three crucial hours to the previous schedule.
Families received this news warmly, as expressed by José Luis Ferrerías, a relative of a user, and Irene Chávez, a social educator, during an interview on “La Voz de Fuerteventura” on Radio Insular. In that initial gathering, users had an opportunity to voice their concerns about possible staffing changes. The coordinator assured them that any alterations would be “minimal and gradual,” alleviating some worries.
Upon the new management’s takeover, the team continued to implement the established protocols and work dynamics. However, a week later, frustrations began to surface, particularly regarding ongoing initiatives that had previously yielded positive outcomes—like the cooking workshop—as noted by Irene Chávez.
An Impactful Dismissal
The real shock came just a week later when, amidst the workday, staff members were summoned into the office one by one. The HR manager informed them that they were being dismissed in a manner that Chávez described as “inventing false claims not aligned with reality.” One accusation involved maintaining a coexistence with users from the ASOMASAMEN association, misinterpreted by HR as a “coordination meeting without informing the coordinator,” who, as Chávez pointed out, had yet to be appointed.
Irene refused to sign her dismissal notice, a stand that allegedly led to threats from HR, claiming, “if you don’t sign, you won’t be able to claim anything later.” This intimidation illustrates the precarious position many workers find themselves in—especially in sensitive environments like mental health services.
The immediate fallout of the dismissal stung deeply, impacting users who rely on these key figures for support. Many shed tears, and a palpable anxiety enveloped the community that seeks stability daily. The new management’s response was swift and harsh: they ordered the dismissed staff to vacate the premises within five minutes, leaving employees no time to process their loss or say goodbye.
Irene emphasized the detrimental effect of the dismissals on the users: “We are their references; we are integral to their therapeutic processes,” she explained, lamenting the heartless approach taken by management.
José Luis Ferrerías echoed these sentiments, noting that his relative had returned home “overjoyed” from a recent event, only to experience a dramatic shift in mood following the news of the layoffs. “She didn’t even eat,” he shared, illustrating the profound emotional ramifications of such abrupt changes.
Neither Subrogation nor Compliance
Irene Chávez has since lodged a formal complaint against the dismissals, deeming them unjust and legally deficient. The managing entity is legally obligated to maintain the staff who previously provided services, honoring their rights and obligations.
Moreover, she highlights that by firing the social worker, educator, and integrative professional, the institution fails to meet the required professional profiles. “Right now, they aren’t complying with the work provisions; they lack the essential professionals necessary for operation,” Ferrerías emphasized.
Both Irene and José Luis have directed their criticism towards public accountability concerning outsourced services. They argue that the government must actively monitor and oversee contracted services, ensuring adequate care and conditions. “We are working with people… vulnerable individuals,” they asserted, calling for a robust institutional response to this alarming situation.
