Democratici e Progressisti, led by former mayor Salvatore Vozza and former councillor Maurizio Apuzzo, have accused regional authorities of stalling the new hospital planned for Castellammare di Stabia, describing the project as a flop three years on.
At the center of the dispute is the former Nuove Terme complex in the Solaro area, identified as the site for the future healthcare facility. The group says that instead of progress toward an opening, the area has mainly seen buildings emptied, furnishings and equipment removed, and demolition or other preliminary works.
The criticism focuses on delays, the emptying of existing buildings, and concern about a possible downsizing of the project. According to the group, the initial plan cited approximately 320 beds, while current projections point to slightly more than 200. That reported reduction is presented as a political concern and emerging projection, not as a confirmed final plan.
What was approved
The new hospital stems from an institutional agreement involving the Campania Region, the Municipality of Castellammare di Stabia, SINT and the judicial liquidators of SINT, approved under Regional Decision 494/2023.
The regional programme set a maximum budget of 180 million euros for the healthcare complex, with up to 13.5 million euros allocated to acquisition of the Nuove Terme complex, including the former hotel and parking area.
That framework is important context for the current debate: the funding envelope and acquisition were defined at regional level, while the definitive design, final bed count and full list of departments have not been established in the sources acquired so far.
The unresolved questions
The group says the project remains surrounded by unanswered questions about the definitive design, costs, beds, departments and specialist services.
In particular, Democratici e Progressisti question whether the future facility will retain the planned second-level DEA status and whether neurosurgery and rehabilitation services will be included. They also point to the requirements of the Soprintendenza for preserving or restoring historic buildings, whose financial impact is not documented in the acquired sources.
The current construction timetable and expected opening date are likewise not confirmed.
San Leonardo and the call for a public meeting
Alongside the new-hospital debate, the group describes the existing San Leonardo hospital as facing continuing reductions in departments, services and staff. The extent of any current reduction is not quantified in the available sources.
On that basis, Democratici e Progressisti are calling for a public meeting involving regional authorities, healthcare workers, political forces and residents to clarify the future of healthcare facilities in Castellammare di Stabia.
The request is for direct answers on the points that remain open: final design, bed numbers, departments, DEA level, specialist services, costs and timing.
