Spanish nurses face punitive staffing policies amid hospital shortages

In the Canary Islands, temporary nurses are required to answer work‑related phone calls at any hour under a 2011 ordinance. Failure to respond can trigger automatic inactivation, loss of contracts and up to ten days of unpaid leave, forcing many to stay constantly connected and even use protective phone covers while showering. The system has been criticised for violating the right to digital disconnection and creating severe anxiety among staff.

At the Hospital General Universitario in Ciudad Real, the management has delayed hiring replacements for absences, closed 30 hospital beds and redistributed work among existing staff. The CSIF union says the policy, which leaves vacancies unfilled for up to fifteen days, is increasing workload, risking patient safety and causing physical and emotional strain for health workers. The union demands immediate hiring and restoration of beds to ensure safe, quality care.