Italian hospitals in Siracusa and Ronciglione confront staff shortages and capacity limits

In Siracusa, the Federation of Italian Local Autonomies and Health (FIALS) warned that the Umberto I hospital is operating at full capacity while the province loses about €102 million a year to patient migration toward Catania. Officially 33 beds remain inactive and key services, such as vascular surgery, have been cut from 12 to 4 places. The conference highlighted under‑used high‑tech diagnostic equipment, the exodus of young professionals to northern regions, and the need to relocate logistics and pharmacy services to free up essential care space. A tele‑medicine link between Avola and Siracusa was cited as a successful model for rapid stroke treatment.

Meanwhile, in Ronciglione, the newly inaugurated Sant’Anna community hospital and residential care unit faces a chronic staff shortage. Local M5S councilors Rita Bonanni and Adriano Zuccalà demanded an urgent hiring plan to keep the facility operational 24 hours a day, warning that without stable medical personnel the PNrr‑funded project could become an empty building. They called for special budget allowances and incentives to attract general practitioners and other health professionals.