Health department investigates case of patient left lying on ground near Hospital de Sant Joan

The Health Minister, Marciano Gómez, has issued a public apology for the incident that occurred last Monday at the Hospital Universitario de Sant Joan d’Alacant. A psychiatric patient was left lying on the ground for two and a half hours in the vicinity of the A&E entrance.

According to eyewitnesses, photographs and videos of the incident, the woman did not receive immediate attention despite being close to the hospital. The case has generated widespread outrage amongst members of the public and patient associations.

The Conselleria de Sanidad has announced that it will open an investigation to clarify the facts and determine responsibilities. The health authorities are seeking to establish why appropriate care protocols were not activated in this case.

The incident highlights the persistent problems in the care of patients with mental illnesses in the Valencian public health system.

Source: informacion.es