Severe weather caused by Storm Charles has led to the suspension of non-urgent medical transport across the Canary Islands on Wednesday, 11 November. The Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) halted transfers for patients requiring rehabilitation sessions or outpatient appointments in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria due to adverse conditions.
The Canarian Health Department implemented this measure to protect patients and healthcare staff during the storm, impacting only specific scheduled services. Urgent transfers for critical treatments will continue as long as they can be carried out safely.
Services affected include:
– Rehabilitation sessions.
– Outpatient appointments at healthcare centres.
These changes are in force for the day across five islands. Previously, on Tuesday, 10 November, similar suspensions began in La Palma, starting at 3 PM, where only vital transfers were maintained.
The duration of these restrictions will depend on weather developments and advice from the General Director of Emergencies and Civil Protection.
Exceptions to the suspension have been made for patients needing essential treatments. Transfers will continue for:
– Patients requiring haemodialysis.
– Those undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
– Patients receiving specialised care in outpatient oncology services.
These transfers will proceed only if weather conditions allow for safe travel. Authorities emphasised the significance of assessing access in areas hard hit by the storm.
Transport will also remain available for patients moving between healthcare facilities and for those discharged from emergency services or hospital wards, contingent on safety conditions.
Currently, the Government of the Canary Islands has not specified when normal service will resume. The timing will depend on the progression of Storm Charles and emergency responses.
This suspension is part of broader measures taken to limit movement during the storm, including the cancellation of in-person classes in Tenerife, La Palma, and La Graciosa. Patients planning to use medical transport are advised to check with relevant services before travelling, particularly if they live in areas where wind or rain could hinder transport.
