Surgeon Denounces Obstacles to Operating at Presidente Franco Hospital

A surgeon at the Presidente Franco District Hospital has publicly voiced strong complaints regarding alleged administrative hurdles that he claims are severely restricting his ability to perform scheduled surgeries. Dr. Carlos Watties stated that he is limited to operating on only two patients each Monday during his shifts.

Dr. Watties has pointed fingers at the hospital's director, Andrea Giménez, the medical director, Basilio Espínola, and the head nurse, Nilda Coronel. He asserts that his repeated written requests to increase the number of surgeries he can perform on Mondays have been ignored. Watties explained that he sees between 25 and 30 patients in consultation during his shifts, many of whom require subsequent surgical intervention, leading to a growing waiting list.

Adding to the challenges, Watties noted that the hospital possesses two anesthesia machines, but one has been repeatedly sent for maintenance. He also expressed concern over the reliance on spinal anesthesia, recalling two adverse events related to complications from this type of anesthesia during his tenure at the hospital.

Hospital director Andrea Giménez countered these claims, attributing the limitations to a scarcity of resources. She explained that the hospital operates with four surgeons but only one anesthesiologist per shift. Giménez denied any personal intent to obstruct Watties's work, emphasizing that the number of scheduled procedures must realistically match the institution's capacity, considering the availability of operating rooms, surgical staff, anesthesiologists, beds, and post-operative care resources.