Family doctors confirm themselves as a fundamental pillar in the management of the flu peak and respiratory viruses that are affecting Naples and the whole of Campania. “There are hundreds of outpatient and home visits carried out by family doctors to assist fragile patients in this critical phase,” he declared John Siena, Regional Secretary of Campania SMI (Italian Doctors Union).
Despite the administrative slowdowns due to the introduction of the new National Nomenclator codes for prescriptions, general practitioners are working up to 12 hours a day. Their commitment has been crucial in reducing visits to the region's emergency rooms, already put to the test by the organizational problems of some Local Health Authorities (ASL). “These problems cannot be entirely borne by our category,” Senese emphasizes.
Making the situation even more complex is the growing number of patients without a general practitioner. Many of them, during the evening hours, turn to continuity of care facilities, the former Medical Guards, to receive care. This additional pressure highlights the need for structural interventions.
The SMI's requests are: encourage young doctors to choose the profession of general practitioner, which is fundamental for the local health system; Strengthening of Medical Guards, to improve the healthcare filter and ease the pressure on the emergency rooms of Campania hospitals. “The combination of the work of the outpatient clinics and the continuity of care facilities can guarantee widespread and efficient assistance, preventing overcrowding in hospital facilities,” concludes Senese.
Article published on 10 January 2025 - 11:44
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It is interesting to see how family doctors do a lot to help patients. But there are also many problems, such as the lack of doctors and long working hours. We need to find better solutions for everyone.