Change Institute of Medicine of Legal Tenerife Protocols
- Following a strike that began in February 2024, the new director of the Canary Islands Forensic Institute is addressing critical issues adn outlining future goals for the association.
- The director described the current period as one of transition, emphasizing a commitment to positive change and collaboration with colleagues.
- Recent measures have been implemented to address the daily needs of IML professionals.
Canary Islands Forensic Institute Director Outlines Priorities After strike
Table of Contents
- Canary Islands Forensic Institute Director Outlines Priorities After strike
- Canary Islands Forensic Institute: A Q&A with the New Director
- What is the Canary Islands Forensic Institute?
- Who is the new Director of the Canary Islands Forensic Institute?
- What were the primary issues addressed by the new director?
- Why was there a strike at the Forensic Institute?
- What is the director doing to address workplace safety and the needs of IML professionals?
- How is the institute addressing the accumulation of bodies?
- What is being done about the staffing shortages?
- What are the plans for new facilities?
- What are the future initiatives planned by the director?
- what support is being provided in the southern Tenerife region?
- Key Takeaways and Key Figures
Following a strike that began in February 2024, the new director of the Canary Islands Forensic Institute is addressing critical issues adn outlining future goals for the association. The director, who previously served as sub-director until July of last year, acknowledges the validity of the workers’ concerns and the deficiencies highlighted by the labor action.
Transition and Collaboration
The director described the current period as one of transition, emphasizing a commitment to positive change and collaboration with colleagues. ”I will do everything I can to improve things,” she stated, noting planned engagement with the General Directorate of Relations with the Governance of Justice and the Regional Ministry.
Addressing Daily Needs and Workplace Safety
Recent measures have been implemented to address the daily needs of IML professionals. These include ergonomic, chemical, and biological risk assessments. A workplace risk prevention course, initially centralized in La Palma, is now available to all forensic pathology professionals, including those who frequently travel to La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. Additionally, biohazard warnings have been placed in the pathology area of the institute.
Managing Corpse Accumulation
One of the major issues raised during the strike was the accumulation of bodies, particularly those of migrants. The director acknowledged the need for new facilities to address this problem. “It woudl be very interesting to have new facilities,” she said. The institute’s management and the Pathology Service are actively working to expedite the release of bodies. The Regional Ministry is also coordinating with the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands and local councils to streamline the process. While a backlog remains, the director expressed hope for resolution in the near future.
When asked about the specific number of bodies currently stored, the director declined to provide a precise figure.
Staffing Shortages
The Forensic Institute faces a recognized staffing deficit, a concern that has been communicated to the General Directorate of Relations with the Administration of Justice of the Canary Islands Goverment. A proposal to modify the Job Position List (RPT) has been submitted, requesting more forensic doctors, psychologists, and social workers. “The staff deficit is evident,” the director stated. Recent hires of anatomical pathology technicians (autopsy assistants) aim to provide effective support for incoming autopsies and to alleviate the travel burden on existing staff, ensuring they can take deserved leave.
The proposal to the General Directorate requests the inclusion of labor personnel, such as psychologists, in the RPT. It also seeks to expand the number of psychologists and social workers in the technical teams for minors and families, as well as to add five or six more forensic doctors and strengthen forensic clinic activities.
The director estimates that approximately 15 additional staff members are needed to consolidate the IML’s workforce. Currently, the institute employs around 50 professionals.
New Building Project
Efforts are underway to find land for a new building to replace the current outdated and inadequate facilities, which were built in 2003. “I know that they are working on that, that they are interested in getting land,” the director said. The current facilities are too small and dispersed across multiple locations, hindering workflow and coverage. The Pathology Service also has deficiencies, including the need for a larger disaster chamber to accommodate potential mass casualty events.
Welcoming Surroundings and Southern Tenerife Support
The director expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received from colleagues and emphasized the importance of their opinions and maintaining open interaction with service chiefs.
Regarding the southern Tenerife region, an additional reinforcement doctor has been assigned to Granadilla, relieving the workload of the assigned colleague.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, the director plans to revise protocols in forensic pathology, clinical practice, and laboratory procedures, working collaboratively with service and section heads. Other goals include modifying the institute’s strategic plan, promoting training in various areas, and implementing a thorough code of ethics and conduct.
Canary Islands Forensic Institute: A Q&A with the New Director
This article provides insights into the current state adn future priorities of the Canary Islands Forensic Institute, based on the recent statements of its new director.
What is the Canary Islands Forensic Institute?
The Canary Islands Forensic Institute (IML) is an organization responsible for forensic investigations within the Canary Islands. It plays a critical role in the justice system, providing scientific and technical expertise in cases involving death, injury, and othre legal matters.
Who is the new Director of the Canary Islands Forensic Institute?
The new director took office following a strike that began in Febuary 2024. She previously served as the sub-director until July of the previous year.
What were the primary issues addressed by the new director?
The new director addressed several critical issues, primarily stemming from the recent strike and the concerns raised by the institute’s workers. These issues include:
Staffing shortages: A notable deficit of forensic doctors, psychologists, and social workers.
Workplace conditions: Addressing daily needs and workplace safety.
Corpse accumulation: The backlog in releasing bodies, particularly those of migrants.
Outdated facilities: The need for new, more adequate facilities.
Why was there a strike at the Forensic Institute?
The article states that the strike began in February 2024, with workers raising concerns and highlighting deficiencies within the institute. It’s implied the strike was related to some or all of the current challenges being addressed.
What is the director doing to address workplace safety and the needs of IML professionals?
The director has implemented several measures to address the daily needs and safety of IML professionals:
Risk assessments: Implementing ergonomic, chemical, and biological risk assessments.
Risk prevention course: Providing a workplace risk prevention course to all forensic pathology professionals, including those who travel to other islands.
Biohazard warnings: Placing biohazard warnings in the pathology area.
How is the institute addressing the accumulation of bodies?
One of the significant issues raised during the strike was the accumulation of bodies, including those of migrants.The director acknowledges the need for new facilities and is taking the following steps:
expediting the release of bodies: institute management and the Pathology Service are actively working to expedite the release of bodies.
Coordination: The Regional Ministry is coordinating with the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands and local councils to streamline the process.
New facilities: The director stated that new facilities would be very beneficial.
What is being done about the staffing shortages?
The Forensic Institute faces a recognized staffing deficit,with an estimated need for approximately 15 additional staff members to consolidate the current workforce of about 50 professionals. To address this, the following actions are being taken:
RPT modification: A proposal to modify the Job Position List (RPT) has been submitted to the General Directorate of Relations with the Management of Justice of the Canary Islands Government, requesting more forensic doctors, psychologists, and social workers.
Recent hires: Recent hires of anatomical pathology technicians (autopsy assistants) to support autopsies and alleviate the travel burden on existing staff.
What are the plans for new facilities?
The current facilities, built in 2003, are considered outdated and inadequate. The director is actively working to improve the conditions. Plans include:
Land acquisition: Efforts are underway to find land for a new building.
Current deficiencies: The current facilities are too small and dispersed across multiple locations, which hinders workflow.The Pathology Service has deficiencies, including the need for a larger disaster chamber.
What are the future initiatives planned by the director?
The director has outlined several initiatives for the future:
Protocol revisions: Plans to revise protocols in forensic pathology, clinical practice, and laboratory procedures.
Strategic plan modification: Modifying the institute’s strategic plan.
Training: Promoting training in various areas.
Code of ethics: Implementing a thorough code of ethics and conduct.
what support is being provided in the southern Tenerife region?
One specific action mentioned is the assignment of an additional reinforcement doctor to Granadilla, relieving the workload of the assigned colleague in the southern Tenerife region.
Key Takeaways and Key Figures
Here’s a concise summary of the most important points:
| Key Issue | Current Status | Director’s Response |
| ——————- | ————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Staffing Shortages | Deficit of forensic doctors,psychologists,and social workers. | Proposal to modify the Job Position List (RPT) and hiring recent anatomical pathology technicians. Approximately 15 additional staff needed.|
| Facilities | Outdated building (built in 2003), too small and dispersed. | Working to find land for a new building.|
| Corpse Accumulation | Backlog of bodies, particularly those of migrants. | Expediting body releases and coordinating with relevant authorities. New facilities are desired. |
| workplace Safety | Existing implementation of ergonomic, chemical, and biological assessments | Implementation of risk prevention courses & biohazard warnings.|