Virus Outbreak Disrupts Services at trapani’s Sant’Antonio Abate Hospital, Investigation Follows Professor‘s Death
Trapani, Sicily – A viral outbreak within several departments of the Sant’Antonio Abate hospital in Trapani is under investigation, coinciding with scrutiny of the facility’s management following the death of Professor Maria Cristina Gallo. The outbreak has prompted concerns about patient safety and working conditions, while a commissioner appointed to address systemic issues faces both support and resistance.
The hospital, part of the Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) of Trapani, has been lauded for initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including migrant women, offering services like social assistance, online medical report access, and cultural mediation. However, these positive developments are overshadowed by recent events.
Unions Cisl FP and Uil fpl have publicly voiced strong support for ASP trapani’s exceptional commissioner, Sabrina Pulvirenti, stating she has ”broken consolidated balances and dismantled privileged status, bringing to light negligence that has caused damage to our healthcare.” Marco Corrao and Giorgio Macaddino,general secretaries of the respective unions,emphasized Pulvirenti’s actions to halt irregular professional position renewals,expedite acting director procedures,and revise emergency room access at Trapani hospital.
“Even today there is someone who accuses dr. Pulvirenti of creating “inaction”, but this block is in reality an action of legality,” the union leaders stated.
The commissioner also cancelled a works assignment at the Castelvetrano hospital deemed non-compliant with contractual requirements. Renovations and new construction projects are underway throughout the province, funded in part by the Pnrr (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), and procurement of long-missing diagnostic equipment is progressing. A preliminary assessment for stabilizing various professional roles is also reportedly underway.
Despite these advancements, the unions acknowledge ongoing challenges, including optimizing working conditions and addressing the needs of new mothers.They have pledged continued vigilance and urged patience, stating, “let’s let her do it, let’s support her, let’s not leave her alone to fight uncomfortable and complex administrative issues.”
The outbreak and the ongoing investigation into Professor Gallo’s death have brought renewed attention to the state of healthcare services within the ASP of Trapani. The hospital was previously described as a “virtuous model,” but questions remain about whether systemic issues contributed to the recent tragedy.
