NOVARA – Finally putting the plan to start the construction of the City of Health on the ground. This is the fundamental objective of the general director of the Maggiore hospital Gianfranco Zulian, who yesterday morning had his role extended by the Region until the end of the year. He extends which Zulian extended, for the same period, to the administrative director Raffaella Garone and to the health director Daniela Kozel.
Were you expecting the extension?
«I would say yes, given that the indications from the Region in recent days were going in this direction. For this I thank the president and the council for their trust.”
Another 6 months at the Major: what environment did he find during his load?
«A very collaborative environment, with which I was able to work well, in a permanent dialogue, also from a trade union perspective».
What are the priorities for the next semester? Shall we start with the City of Health?
“Of course, the priority objective is to conclude the process prior to construction so that the work can finally begin.”
What are the timelines?
«We have prepared the tender, and we have to wait until the end of September to have the response from the companies. The document has been updated to make it technically adequate for companies’ requests; I hope the answer is affirmative: in this case we could proceed with the assignment and then really start the work”.
While everyone is talking about the new City of Health, you have to ensure the perfect functioning of the “machine” of the Maggiore hospital, starting with the continuous maintenance work: how much does this affect the institution’s coffers?
«At least 25 million euros per year, and it is an expense item that cannot be done without and which is essential for the optimal functioning of all hospital departments. We are in a structure that has many years and a great history behind it, and for this reason it needs the new headquarters, but in the meantime it must be followed with all the maintenance it needs, and there are many, all indispensable”.
What construction sites are active in the Maggiore area in recent months?
«The very important one relating to the strengthening of the emergency room, where we will also create a waiting room for the patients’ companions; the expansion of the onco-haematological area; the radiotherapy construction site, which, due to the work in progress, had its activity partially transferred”.
One of the sore points on which the unions insist is that relating to the shortage of doctors and nurses: how is the situation at the Maggiore?
«As far as nurses are concerned, we have a shortage of around eighty places, but hiring is expected in the next few months after the competitions that have been held; that of nurses is a general shortage, which is found in all departments. As far as doctors are concerned, the shortages are found above all in the emergency room. Here too, calls for tenders and competitions have been prepared and a good number of arrivals are expected in the second part of the year.” —
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