Son Llàtzer University Hospital has added 24 beds to the H1D Unit under the Health Service’s Winter Contingency Plan, anticipating a rise in respiratory illnesses typically seen during the colder months.
To ensure a rapid response to the expected increase in activity, the hospital has strengthened its healthcare teams with 11 nurses and 7 nursing assistants, who are now integrated into the Winter Plan’s operational structure.
Throughout the month, the hospital also plans to expand its Home Hospitalisation Service, a key strategy to ease pressure on inpatient units and improve resource management. This expansion will progress according to the evolution of the flu season and its impact on both Son Llàtzer and Joan March hospitals.
The Winter Contingency Plan foresees the activation of additional beds across the public hospital network: 70 at Son Espases, 57 at Son Llàtzer, 9 at Manacor, 20 at Mateu Orfila, 19 at Can Misses, and 40 extra beds at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital. The plan also includes hiring professionals from multiple categories such as physicians, nurses, nursing assistants and orderlies.
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Son Llàtzer University Hospital activates the H1D Unit with 24 beds as part of its Winter Plan
Primary care services will likewise be reinforced. The Primary Care Management of Mallorca will deploy an SUAP emergency home care team, available from Friday at 3 p.m. until Monday at 8 a.m., comprising a doctor, a nurse and a driver.
The contingency strategy includes actions such as expediting bed turnover, increasing staffing levels, activating additional beds, bolstering holiday on-call teams, strengthening diagnostic services, reducing scheduled hospital activity to free space for urgent admissions, expanding home hospitalisation, and referring patients to contracted centres when required. Coordination among hospitals, primary care and SAMU 061 will ensure maximum care capacity and enable internal patient transfers when necessary.
Health authorities expect a rise in seasonal respiratory viruses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, in the coming weeks.
Vaccination and mask use: essential preventive measures
The Health Service stresses the importance of vaccination to avoid complications and advises wearing a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms. It also recommends frequent hand hygiene and limiting contact with vulnerable individuals. Those with mild symptoms should visit primary care emergency services, which are fully equipped to manage these cases and assess the need for hospital referral.