Vasil Terziev: Sofia offers a solution to a structural problem threatening 2,232 places in nurseries

„2,232 nurseries in Sofia are at risk if nurses over 70 retire. The reason is specific - under the current legislation, each nursery group must have at least one nurse“. This was stated by the mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev, quoted by the press center of the Sofia Municipality.
In his words, when there are not enough staff, the groups are closed, even if there are buildings, equipment and children waiting. Therefore, the Sofia Municipality is preparing a proposal for regulatory changes with which nurseries will transition to the preschool education system. This will allow for more flexible teams and a more reasonable distribution of medical staff where healthcare is most needed.
„These changes do not mean layoffs, but better organization of work and the opportunity for specialists to be where the need for medical care is greatest“, emphasized Terziev.
The Sofia Municipality has received a letter from the Medical Federation “Podkrepa“, expressing concern about the direction of the changes.
„When there are concerns, a conversation is mandatory. We thank the teams that have already held meetings with their representatives. I consider it important to get involved personally. In my letter to them, I committed to continuing the dialogue – openly, with facts and with respect for the work of people in the system“, the mayor of Sofia also stated.
The Sofia Municipality does not want the buildings that are being built to become deserted due to structural limitations. Therefore, the strategy “Sofia - a city of children: The First 7“ is the municipality's response to the accumulated challenges in the system.
“Nurses are an indispensable part of this approach. With their experience and care, they will continue to be on the front line every day - where children and families need them most“, emphasized Vasil Terziev.