Stabilization of Healthcare Workforce in the Canary Islands

Background

The Canary Islands Health Service continues its efforts to stabilize long-term temporary healthcare workers by appointing them as permanent staff. Following a series of official resolutions published between December 2022 and May 2026, dozens of cooks (laboral category) have been officially made fixed employees through an exceptional process focused on merit.

These appointments are part of a broader government initiative to reduce reliance on temporary contracts and improve job stability for healthcare workers.

Process and Procedures

• The process involved multiple stages, including admittees, merit evaluations, and final nominations.
• Deadlines were set for taking possession of the new positions at designated health centers in Tenerife and Lanzarote.
• Newly appointed staff must formally assume their roles within 15 days, providing identification and relevant documentation.
• Staff unable to take possession due to illness can defer their appointment, but failure to do so will result in losing their right to the position.

Significance and Impact

This move signifies a crucial step toward strengthening the healthcare workforce’s stability, ensuring better continuity of care for residents.

• For expats and residents alike, the appointments highlight ongoing government efforts to secure a more secure, professional health sector.
• The initiative is especially important amid ongoing staff shortages and the need for more resilient healthcare services.