NAPLES - There are batteries for cardiotest and patients should take the batteries from home to operate the technology.

Those working in the Loreto Crispi, hospital structure and day hospital of the Naples-well, they have been warned: the stock is over supplied and there is no money for a further supply.

It is only the latest consequence of the cuts of the plan of public healthcare system that are putting health care on their knees in Campania. After blocking the dispensing of drugs for the debts of the ASL with the chemists, a halt to the performance of radiological convention centers accredited (tac, resonance, echo and x-rays), the increase in ticket and recipes for medicines, and the establishment of 50 euro (75CAD) for white codes in the emergency room, here is the hypothesis of a self-replacement. " That, in this case, the minirecorder (pressure or heart rate) which when applied to the patient's life, is used to measure blood pressure within 24 hours or detect an electrocardiogram continuously, day and night.

The diagnostic test, which is essential to monitoring and detection of any rhythm disturbances, or hypertensive peaks, is based on digital technology that requires two batteries (usually the simple AA 1.5 volt). For an average cost is between 3 and 4 Euros( 6CAD), depending on the brand. From today, therefore, refills may be borne by patients in addition to payment of the bill ,but they will have to remember to buy batteries before going to the clinic of Loreto Crispi.

To certify that the ASL Napoli 1 center is no longer able to bear the cost of some principals is just a note sent yesterday to the Administrative Director of the Loreto: "Given the critical economic period that is currently going through the local health services, announced that "we cannot meet the expenses related to purchases of goods and services that require payment of suppliers in cash, surrender. " It means that people has to buy the small things needed all day. Besides batteries, already lacking toilet paper and soap in the bathrooms, while in some offices you can not replace a phone or a simple broken power supply. "If this continues, we ask you to also contribute to the payment of the equipment, "

The situation is hot and the governor PDL (government party) Caldoro Stefano (who is also Commissioner for Health) are forced every day to meet new emergencies, always a result of the cuts. Only three days ago, on the sidelines of a conference, to highlight the sacrifices and efforts required to Campania by a repayment plan that takes no account of funds not yet disbursed by the government, had attacked fellow Caldoro Luca Zaia Veneto and Roberto Cota Piedmont calling them "arrogant and overbearing." Criticized both for the criticism received in the waste and health. And then there are hospitals to be closed, three in Naples and a dozen in the entire region. But for some principals to be converted, mayors and citizens have put up a real revolt.


http://napoli.repubblica.it/cronaca/2010/10/15/news/crispi_ospedale_in_rosso-8070860/