Italian hospitals tackle critical infrastructure failures

The Alghero Civil Hospital in Sardinia replaced the air‑conditioning system of its operating block after a breakdown on 3 August forced the suspension of scheduled surgeries. A specialist firm installed a higher‑capacity unit on 5 August, completed sanitisation on 6 August and began environmental monitoring, with surgical activity set to resume once a certification of suitability is issued. The local health authority also announced a broader upgrade plan for the three hospitals in its jurisdiction.

In Campania, the Santa Maria della Speranza Hospital in Battipaglia was evacuated after structural defects were discovered. The ASL Salerno has pledged to make the facility safe within 60 days, while negotiating with unions to protect staff and ensure continuity of emergency services for a catchment area of about 200,000 residents and a sizable migrant community.