Italy renews Lipari hospital staffing contract and reclaims mistaken Covid bonuses in Marsala

The regional health authority in Sicily extended the agreement between the Messina health agency (ASP) and the Papardo Hospital group for the Lipari hospital until December. The renewal secures the continued presence of anesthesiologists, intensive‑care doctors and cardiologists, with cardiology services now operating Monday to Saturday, helping to avoid patient transfers to mainland facilities despite ongoing staff shortages.

In a separate matter, the ASP of Trapani discovered that Covid‑19 hardship bonuses were still being paid to roughly 20 employees of the Paolo Borsellino hospital in Marsala after the public health emergency had ended. Each worker received between €618 and €842 in excess payments. The agency has asked the recipients to return the amounts, offering repayment plans where needed, and confirmed that the issue has been resolved administratively.