Huelga General en Ambulancias de Cantabria Desconvocada After Initial Disruptions

In a significant development, the indefinite general strike called by the Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) in the ambulances operated by DIAVIDA in Cantabria has been called off. This decision comes after a day of disruptions that affected various healthcare services in the region.

Background of the Strike

The strike, which was initially scheduled to start on Monday, November 25, was postponed until Thursday, November 28, as the union awaited the outcome of negotiations with the company. DIAVIDA is the concessionary company responsible for providing non-urgent and programmed sanitary transport services for the Servicio Cántabro de Salud (SCS).

Services Affected and Minimal Services Maintained

During the brief period of the strike, the Consejería de Salud (Health Department) of Cantabria had established minimal services to ensure the continuity of critical healthcare operations. These minimal services included all programmed treatments for hemodialysis, rehabilitation services for acute neurological and traumatological patients, and treatments for oncological patients such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, services for patient discharges from emergency departments and consultations or tests related to oncological or extremely severe conditions were also maintained[1].

Incidents Reported

Despite these measures, the first day of the strike saw four incidents reported across the hospitals of Marqués de Valdecilla, Sierrallana-Tres Mares, and Laredo by 8 PM on Thursday[2].

Resolution and Desconvocation

However, in a swift turn of events, the Sector de Sanidad of the Federación UGT-Servicios Públicos announced the desconvocation of the strike on Thursday, November 29. This decision was made following an agreement reached with DIAVIDA, bringing an end to the indefinite general strike that had been underway since the early hours of Thursday[3][5].

This resolution is a relief for patients and healthcare providers in Cantabria, ensuring that all sanitary transport services can resume their normal operations without further disruptions. The swift resolution highlights the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving labor disputes, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare.