Suncream warning Hospitals on holiday

A LACK of staff, mainly nurses, as well as holidays being booked by healthcare workers, has once again led to hospital beds being closed in Mallorca for the summer.

So far it has been confirmed that Son Espases Hospital in Palma has closed 106 beds in both the adult and paediatric departments, with the prevision for them not to become available again until October 1.

In addition, the intermediate care unitwhich is usually used as a back ­ up for Intensive Care in times of high pressure, such as during the Covid pandemic ­ will also remain closed during this period.

A SPECIFIC ingredient in many types of suncream is damaging the vital Posidonia oceanica seagrass off the coast of Mallorca.

According to new research by the Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies ( Imedea ) , a compound known as oxybenzone is frequently used as a filter to protect skin from UV rays.

Scientists at Imedea detected large concentrations of the substance in the sea in tourist hotspots such as Santa

Ponça.

The investigators then analysed its effects on the Posidonia over a twoweek period and found that oxybenzone reduces the seagrass’ main properties by half, inhibits its nitrogen absorption capacity, causes oxidation and affects growth.

As well as playing a vital role in marine ecosystems by serving as food and shelter for fish and other species, the Posidonia also acts as a natural trap for carbon dioxide, reportedly absorbing more of the greenhouse gas than trees ­ a property that is compromised by the use of suncreams with noxious ingredients ­ and acting as a filter to keep the water clear.

Imedea strongly advises looking at the ingredients before buying suncream and checking that it does not contain oxybenzone.

However, hospital sources report that in case of ‘pressing need’ these intermediate care beds could be reopened. They add that the 12 beds used for the resuscitation, which have also been used at certain times to hospitalise critical patients, will remain open throughout the summer as scheduled surgical interventions will be maintained in order to reduce the waiting list.

On the other hand, Son Llàtzer University Hospital has announced plans to reduce surgical activity this summer by closing four of its 12 operating theatres.

Massage parlours ‘legal’

THE controversial oriental massage parlours in Son Armadans and El Terreno are ‘all legal’, according to the National Police.

Residents in the Palma neighbourhoods had alerted the authorities about the sudden surge in new establishments offering massage services and which appeared highly suspicious due to several reasons, including the fact that all customers were said to be men, especially tourists during holiday periods, and that they did not appear to keep normal opening hours for that kind of business.

But the authorities inspected nine establishments in both areas and found everything to be in order. However, the police did collect a wealth of documents and other information that is still being analysed, so the investigation remains open.

The inspections were part of a larger operation against people trafficking and enforced prostitution carried out by the National Police in Mallorca and Ibiza, with officers searching 40 establishments and private flats and identifying more than 150 people.