Naples, June 26, 2026 – With rising temperatures and the arrival of the exceptional heatwave currently affecting Europe, concerns about the viability of healthcare services are being raised in Campania. The trade unions Nursing Up and CSA have launched an appeal to the General Management of the ASL Napoli 1 Centro and the regional authorities, emphasizing the criticality of the situation, which risks severely straining hospitals and healthcare workers.
According to the unions, the province's emergency rooms are experiencing a significant increase in admissions related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially among the most vulnerable segments of the population. This emergency adds to the historical difficulties associated with the summer vacation plan, during which staff numbers are naturally reduced, creating a significant imbalance between supply and demand for care.
Despite the activation of new recruitment procedures through a public notice for nurses and healthcare workers, the new resources must not be limited to replacing sick or maternity leave, but must be used strategically to effectively strengthen services during the summer. In particular, the reinforcement is needed in hospitals with emergency rooms, but also in all departments, from intensive care to operating rooms.
At the same time, the unions are calling for a strengthening of the local network to relieve pressure on hospitals, promoting more efficient home and local care. Another critical issue highlighted is the ban on overtime imposed by management, which the unions believe should be temporarily extended to 250 hours per year for workers in the most exposed facilities, as stipulated in national collective agreements, to ensure continuity of care and protect the health of workers.
The organizations hope for far-sighted and coordinated management, capable of making ASL Napoli 1 Centro a virtuous model for the entire region, aiming to ensure workplace safety also through the effective functioning of air conditioning systems in healthcare facilities.
The appeal concludes with an urgent request for feedback from the competent authorities, in the hope that the summer plan can be managed with adequate resources and effective strategies to address the heat emergency and protect patients and healthcare workers.
Guidelines for dealing with the heat emergency in Campania
Here are some practical tips for dealing with the heat wave and ensuring health safety.
- Access to Emergency Rooms: If you experience symptoms of dehydration or discomfort, it is essential to go to the emergency room promptly.
- Home care: Evaluate the option of home care for vulnerable people, to reduce pressure on hospitals.
- Air conditioning: Ensure that air conditioning systems in healthcare facilities are functioning properly and adequately.
- Information on services: Stay up-to-date on ASL communications regarding service enhancements and staff availability.
- Prevention: Adopt preventive measures such as constant hydration and reducing sun exposure, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
An important article, but many points remain unclear: emergency rooms appear overloaded, and data was poorly explained; recruitment proposals appear vague and poorly planned. A more concrete organization, clear criteria, and reorganized shifts would be helpful, not just to replace but to truly strengthen.