Italian regional health services face rising demand and staff shortages

In Piemonte, the regional "Psychologist of Primary Care" project, launched in 2022, has become fully operational across all twelve ASLs. By the end of 2025 it delivered 6,150 direct services in the Cuneo province and 53,419 across the region, with reported reductions of depressive symptoms by 76% and anxiety by 65% among participants.

In Abruzzo, the ASL of Teramo activated a summer heat‑wave plan on July 1, establishing dedicated phone lines, a “heat code” for emergency departments and home‑care support for the elderly, chronically ill and other vulnerable groups.

In Umbria, the Terni hospital recorded a more than 10% increase in emergency department visits during the last ten days of June, averaging 166 daily admissions versus 151 the previous year, driven by heat‑related dehydration and worsening cardiovascular and respiratory conditions among patients with an average age of about 75.

In Sardinia, the Paolo Dettori hospital in Tempio is operating its emergency department with only two specialist doctors after the removal of temporary staff, raising concerns of potential service interruption during the summer peak.

These developments highlight growing pressures on Italy’s regional health systems from mental‑health demand, extreme temperatures and staffing constraints.