IB-Salut, the Balearic health service, has launched its second rapid intervention unit, a team that comprises a doctor, a nurse and a driver. The unit, which operates between 10am and 5pm, will, as with the first one, be used to cover emergencies at homes covered by health centres in Palma. Based at the S’Escorxador health centre, it adds support to the existing unit and also extends the hours of operation which currently end at 3pm.
The health centres which are covered are, in addition to S’Escorxador, Arquitecte Bennàssar, Rafal Nou, Camp Redó, Son Cladera, Son Rutllan, Son Gotleu, Pere Garau, Escola Graduada, Son Ferriol, Playa de Palma, Coll d’en Rebassa, Emili Darder, Santa Catalina, Valldargent, Son Pisà, Casa del Mar, Son Serra and Sant Agustí.
With the addition of this unit, strain on medical staff at health centres is lifted as they do not have to leave their scheduled appointments and activities. As such, therefore, the unit improves the work of health professionals and cuts waiting times for urgent home care. The unit is co-ordinated between the Majorca Primary Care and the SAMU-061 ambulance service.
These units are also serving to boost medical attention during the afternoons. Since the start of this month, health centres across the Balearics have been open during the afternoons, and the move has proved positive with medical staff and patients.