Doctors under attack

DOCTORS, nurses and reception staff at hospitals and health centres throughout Alicante Province are reporting an increase in physical and verbal attacks on behalf of patients and relatives.

Alicante Medical School filed eight reports of physical assault against doctors in 2022 and four so far this year, plus another eight reports for threats and four for verbal assault.

These are added to another 12 cases that are currently pending trial and 20 that did not make it to court after the victims withdrew the charges for various reasons.

Possible explanations for the spike in at­ tacks and threats on healthcare staff reportedly include delays in obtaining appointments and the refusal to sign work leaves and tests on demand.

According to the Medical School, up to 70 per cent of attacks are aimed at women doctors.

The association offers free legal assistance for healthcare workers and the regional Health department has launched a plan to prevent attacks in hospitals and health centres that includes employing private security personnel and providing staff with a panic button to press in case of assault.

Nearly 400 Infant and Primary School students at Leonor Canalejas public school are taking part in the project subsidised by the European Social Fund to promote healthier eating habits among children, encourage the integration of children of poverty­stricken families and prevent school absenteeism.

Menus typically include hummus, scrambled eggs, vegetable drinks, porridge, natural yoghurt and fresh fruit, with no chocolate milk, sugary cereals or cakes in sight.

Many of the young participants have never tried some of these products and frequently go to school either with just a glass of milk or with no breakfast at all due to lack of time or money on behalf of their parents.

Last week parents were also invited for a healthy breakfast and an informative session by a nutritionist, who explained how much sugar and processed products are present in many children’s diets.

AT the AGM in March Pam Brooks announced she would be standing down as the President of Jalon Valley Help (JVH), and Maggie Mooney also decided to step down from her role as Treasurer.

Many thanks to both ladies for giving so many years of service to the charity, 14 and eight respectively. Everyone wishes them both enjoyment of their spare time and with future travel plans.

With two candidates for each post the election was held in May, when Richard Green was elected as Presi- dent and Phillip Ashley as Treasurer.

Following his handover briefing Richard would like to express his thanks to both Pam and Maggie for the strong financial position of the charity. He is looking forward to continuing and expanding both the excellent work done by the charity and the range of nationalities assisting with, and benefiting from, JVH’s activities.

The next JVH event to look out for is a performance by the OK Band at Los Arcos (Pedreguer) on Thursday July 6.

For further information about future events please contact eventsjvh@gmail.com and for information about the charity visit www.jalonvalley help.com.