Castiglione Hospital Cuts Spark Political Debate Amid Local Concerns
There are still political tensions in Castiglione after the presentation of the three-year strategic plan by the general director of the azienda ospedaliera Poma Piersandro Colombo. While the majority in the city council is critical of the cuts decided for the maternity and pediatric wards, the mayor has adopted a more nuanced stance towards the management.
“Colombo’s project has its own logic,” said Mayor Arturo Sigurtà during a radio broadcast, “if we consider the regional directives. The conference of mayors found it acceptable, even though there were some reservations. Anyway, I want to see the data from San Pellegrino and understand why they have gone into debt in recent years.”
Opinions of Councilor Biaggi
The opinions of municipal health councilor, Erminia Biaggi, are quite different. “The reduction of beds,” she explains, “makes me think that they do not want to maintain this facility. Turning it into a surgical hub does not meet the overall needs of the population. And then, how can a company be financially healthy by increasing staff and reducing beds, which are the only sure source of income?”
The councilor also criticizes the transfer of obstetrics and pediatrics services to Asola: “Castiglione has a high demographic growth and a large number of foreign residents with limited mobility. The move of orthopedics from Asola to San Pellegrino makes me believe that problems are not solved by stripping hospitals from each other.”
To avoid implementing the strategic plan with the heavy cuts at the Castiglione hospital, Biaggi is reportedly seeking to arrange a meeting with the Region, which will have the final say on the project.
Criticism from Angelo Tagliani
Opposing the cuts is Angelo Tagliani, a member of the city council and hospital operator for nearly three decades. “Losses began,” he comments, “when personnel were diminished and equipment were moved elsewhere. As a result, the quality of care declined. Closing the maternity and pediatric unit is a mistake in a growing area like Alto Mantovano.”
Finally, Tagliani attacks Colombo: “He came to make promises that he then did not keep.”
