Ospedale Rizza pediatric unit in Siracusa closed on several August days

The pediatric first‑intervention point at Ospedale Rizza in Siracusa will be closed on 2 August (08:00‑20:00), 15 August (08:00‑20:00), 16 August (15:00‑20:00) and 29 August (08:00‑20:00) because there are not enough pediatric doctors available. The service relies on external freelance physicians, and when they cannot be scheduled the ASP district of Siracusa has no means to keep the unit open.

Families with children needing urgent assessment must turn to the general emergency department or other local facilities, lengthening waiting times and adding pressure to other emergency services. The closures echo similar staffing gaps at the Pachino health centre and reflect a broader, national shortage of medical staff. Data from the GIMBE foundation show more than 5,700 general‑practice doctors missing nationwide, while Sicily’s aging physician workforce raises concerns about future coverage.

The situation highlights systemic challenges in Italy’s public health system, where specialist and primary‑care doctors are increasingly moving to private practice or other regions, leaving public pediatric services vulnerable during weekends and holidays.