Canarian Weekly newspaper - distributed across Tenerife to 1000's of residents & tourists every week

Local News Round Up - 25.04.2008
Look at what else made the news this week Computer Appointments Patients of SCS were left without appointments by a computer breakdown of the 012 number. The computer system of the Ministry of Health failed at 8am last Monday. The computer breakdown made it impossible for anyone on public health on any of the islands to seek an appointment with a primary care physician and access to computerised medical records. The Ministry of Health reported that there was "a drop in the main computer system" The press release claimed that it had commenced an alternative operating system, "technically called backup, which has allowed to continue with the service." "The damage was caused by a problem of communication between the central processor and storage system," read the statement. The reality is that the work of doctors of SCS slowed down, although the Ministry of Health said that there had been a collapse. Then, the alternative system, to copy data from medical records and other information of SCS and passing them to another system a sort of copy of backup data failed. However, Levy Cabrera, from CESME - doctors' union, said that doctors have been "all morning deranged" and that the alternative system was launched about 13:00 hours. Until then, doctors had to consult "on a first come first served basis" and "with no clinical history", since it’s all computerised. Cabrera said that was not clear who had health system backup and that if this was, it had not worked with the speed necessary. Also, the representative of the union doctor recalled that is not the first time experiencing a drop in computer system which greatly hampers their daily work. Francisco Vargas confirmed that, it was "impossible" to deliver prescriptions and data could not be incorporated into the medical histories of users, this must be done at a later visit. Drugs Investigation Drugs offering miracle weight loss are advertised widely in the press both in Tenerife and the UK. Many companies are under investigation as to the authenticity of their claims. In Spain research of different mail-order weight-loss drugs by consumer group Facua has revealed they contain hormones that could endanger health, causing increases in heart rates, insomnia and even trembling. The drugs tested by Facua are sold in Spain and Portugal as Tropex Light and Detoxykall by a company calling itself Auramail. An investigation has begun by Police into the firm, whose only known address in Spain is a post office box in Badajoz. The case is the latest in a string of complaints against companies selling slimming products and other medications being sold online or by telephone. Facua says it has identified 21 products sold by 16 different companies that are being sold illegally. Somali Pirates Hijack Fishing Boat Pirates have hijacked a Spanish fishing boat with a crew of 26 off the coast of Somalia. The Spanish foreign ministry said there were no reports of injuries in the seizure of the Playa de Bakio in Somali waters. Meanwhile, a Japanese oil tanker suffered damage when it was forced to outrun a group of pirates, its owner and operator said. The ship, carrying a crew of 23, was chased by armed pirates in waters off the Yemeni and Somali coasts. Media reports say pirates boarded the Spanish vessel after they attacked it with grenade launchers. National radio said it had contacted the boat's captain, who said the crew was fine and "for now there are no problems". The broadcaster also reported that a man claiming to be one of the pirates said the group were after money. A Spanish vessel already in the area was heading toward the location of the hijacking, a spokesman for the foreign office said. In early April, a luxury French yacht with 30 crew onboard was hijacked off the Somali coast. It is believed ship's owner paid a ransom, but the French government insisted it did not hand over any cash. Guimar Cleaning Strike First it was Adeje, then, Puerto de la Cruz now Guimar. A strike by workers of the operating company who provide street cleaning, sweeping and garbage collection in Güímar is proposed to begin on May 9th. It’s planned to take place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until June 10, and will be on an indefinite basis. Last week Milagros Hernandez, secretary of diverse activities of Comisiones Obreras (CCO), confirmed that the strike notice would be presented during the morning once existing employees of the FCC has made the firm decision. Canarian Weekly will provide more information as to the details of the strike as and when we receive it.