Following the serious episode that occurred in recent days on the island of Stromboli and the subsequent hospitalization of the journalist Francesco Viviano at the Papardo di Messina hospital, the president of the Sicilian region Renato Schifani asked the health councilor Daniela Faraoni, to start an inspection at the hospital.
The councilor then commissioned the Dasoe General Manager, Giacomo Scalzo, to immediately activate the necessary checks. The inspection commission took office this morning at the Papardo to ascertain the reasons for the long wait – about four hours – before the transfer of the patient to the Polyclinic, where he was subsequently operated on with a positive outcome.
The commission is made up of Scalzo himself, by Dasoe’s manager Antonio Lo Presti, by the health director of the ASP of Caltanissetta Luciano Fiorella and by the health director of the ASP of Palermo Antonio Levita.
The case aroused vast media echo after the story of Viviano himself, who on social networks denounced what happened: fallen to Stromboli and remained with a fracture to the femur, was transported to a motorcycle to the elisuperration of the island, due to the absence of the only ambulance, out of use for months. After the arrival by helicopter to the Papardo, the journalist complained of a long wait before being taken over and transferred.
President Schifani contacted by telephone already yesterday afternoon Viviano to express his solidarity, apologize for what happened and ensure that he will be full on the story.
“We will do everything necessary – declares the president – to ascertain responsibilities and prevent similar episodes, especially in the minor islands, where the summer tourist presence requires timely and efficient health services”.
«We are deeply sorry – adds the commissioner Faraoni – for what happened. We know the logistical difficulties of the island of Stromboli, where a normal rescue vehicle cannot pass. The delivery of a special vehicle already purchased by the Messina ASP is expected to guarantee safe transport. What happened to the Papardo is very serious: we apologize and we have started all the necessary checks. It is unacceptable that behaviors of this type can obscure the efforts that, throughout the region, the Schifani government is making to improve public health and overcome old critical issues “.