In hospitals and health centers in SpainEndless medical calls have become a challenge that is exhausting healthcare professionals. Doctors and residents across the country are expressing frustration with working days that extend up to 24 hoursor more, without adequate rest. Constant pressure, stress and lack of work-life balance cause many people to take vital decisions for your physical and emotional well-being. And the current model was born in the 70s.
Thus, within the framework of the National Sleep Strategy Dayheld at the Congress of Deputies and organized by the Alliance for the Dream, the former medical director and current resuscitator of the ICU of the Mateu Orfila hospital, Tamara Contreras del PinoHa challenged the system asking that the current model of medical on-call exhausts not only health professionals physically but also mentally. “Because
“Do we have a higher suicide rate than the general population?”
Contreras, creator of the campaign Stop the 24 hour guardsstressed that these working hours characteristic of doctors “are a taboo subject in the profession”. “We are not tired, we do not need to sleep. “We are superheroes,” he lamented, referring to the social conception that exists about them.
So, he criticized the fact that the outgoing duty is a day when, as a person, “it is useless, but it is the day of rest.” So, Many doctors have to take these benzodiazepines. “I’m one of the takers. I’m dying and I can’t sleep. And then I’m having coffee and going to my daughters’ friend’s birthday party. “I pray you’ll listen to us,” he concluded.
Many doctors are working exhausting days, often with few resources and staff, leading to an unsustainable situation for both professionals and patients.After a 24 hour guardIt’s not just physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion as well. “Facing life-or-death situations while you’ve been awake for more than 15 hours makes you wonder if you’re really doing your best.”
On the other hand, from an organizational point of view, “the most logical option is the one that is implemented in countries like Germany or Italyconsists of establishing a shift work system. This model includes 12-hour shifts, followed by several days of rest, which allows for better recovery of professionals and greater efficiency,” explains Contreras.
In his speech, Contreras questioned the logic of a system that forces doctors to work under conditions of extreme exhaustion. “Aren’t we talking about reducing the workday below 40 hours a week in other professions?” he asked rhetorically. “So what are we?” Chosen of God, beings of light?” he added, making visible the absurd pressure to which doctors are subjected compared to other professions.
The situation has reached such a point that Many professionals are reconsidering their future in medicineSome choose to reduce their workload, change specialties, or even leave the profession.
This feeling of exhaustion is not isolated. More and more doctors throughout Spain are raising their voices to demand a change in the work model. The guards, initially designed to cover the needs of continuous carehave become a source of chronic stress that affects the mental and physical health of professionals.
Alliance for the Dream: Call to Action
The problem of medical guards reached the political authorities, and thanks to the meetings promoted by the Alliance for the Dream, This critical issue has begun to be addressed. The organization, which advocates for better sleep quality and a better work-life balance, has played a key role in creating dialogues between health professionals, unions and legislators.
Dr. Manuel Perez, Sleep Alliance spokesperson, says: “This is not just a problem for doctors, it’s a problem for everyone. If our doctors are exhausted, they can’t provide patients with the care they deserve. “We are fighting for change that allows for a better work-life balance and ensures safe, quality medical care.”
Significant changes in European countries
In some European countries, significant changes have already been implemented in doctors’ working models,mimic on-call hours and increase breaks. These reforms have resulted in improvements in both the health of professionals and the quality of care provided to patients. However, in Spain, progress has been slow.
Dr. Gómez reflects: “It’s not just about reducing on-call hours, but about rethinking the entire system. “We need more staff, better working conditions and an approach that prioritizes the health of those who care for others.”
Burnout among doctors in Spain is a structural problem that affects both professionals and patients. Growing demand for reform of the medical care system This has been echoed in the Senate discussions and, while changes are still underway, the pressure for transformation is stronger than ever.
The stories of exhausted doctors, of professionals who have had to make vital decisions for their well-being, clearly indicate that the current system must evolve. At a time when public health is proving to be a fundamental pillar of society, taking care of those who care for us is more urgent than ever.
The future of healthcare in Spain involves rethinking the work model, which not only benefits doctors, but also guarantees quality healthcare for all.
