Taormina's pediatric cardiac surgery unit: the Sicilian Regional Assembly (ARS) is mobilizing to save it. De Luca (M5S): "A resolution has been presented to the committee."

The Sixth Sicilian Regional Assembly (ARS) Committee has clearly expressed its desire to maintain the pediatric cardiac surgery department in Taormina. A resolution, first signed by M5S group leader Antonio De Luca, was presented and submitted today to the Sicilian Regional Assembly's Health Committee. The resolution urges the Schifani government to implement every initiative necessary to: maintain the department at the San Vincenzo Hospital in Taormina; guarantee 18 beds, including eight for pediatric cardiac surgery, six for intensive care, and four for resuscitation; include two pediatric cardiac surgery departments in Palermo and Taormina in the new hospital network; and ensure the continuation of the Taormina department, including by extending the existing agreement with the Bambino Gesù Hospital.

The resolution was signed by all the majority and opposition parties. In addition to De Luca and Gilistro (M5S), Galluzzo and Zitelli (FdI), Pace (DC), Leanza and Burtone (PD), Lombardo (MPA), and D'Agostino (FI) also signed.

"The Taormina hospital," says Antonio De Luca, "is a center of excellence in the Sicilian healthcare system and a fundamental point of reference for countless families, not only in Sicily but also in the South. Given the results achieved, the bed occupancy rate, and the number and scope of procedures performed, the Taormina hospital cannot be considered an exception to the Balduzzi decree, as it is the only one in Sicily currently capable of operating and achieving the goals expected of a highly specialized department. Moreover, the morphology of the Sicilian territory is unique enough to require the coexistence of two pediatric cardiac surgery centers. To question such a department would be suicidal."