Solidarity movement turns caravans into resting places for healthcare workers

In Portugal, at the beginning of 2021, the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic put tremendous pressure on the hospitals and healthcare services. Hospitals were exceeding their capacity, healthcare professionals were overworked and lacking appropriate condition to be able to rest, and emergency rooms were overcrowded, with patients having to wait for hours for their turn.

To try to help, a solidarity movement was created called “Cama Solidária” (loosely translated to Solidarity Beds), through which they’re asking caravan owners to temporarily lend their caravans to provide beds for healthcare professionals and patients in emergency rooms that need a rest.

The caravans will be parked in parking lots near the hospitals and teams of volunteers will be in charge of properly disinfecting the vehicles between each use, as well as ensuring the maintenance of the caravans.

The movement got immediate support from the public and, in only a few days, they were able to gather more than 200 volunteers and the support of several national institutions and organizations, including the Association of Caravan Renting Companies.

Adapted from: https://www.publico.pt/2021/01/21/p3/noticia/cama-solidaria-movimento-qu...

More information: https://camasolidaria.pt/

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