Algarve Oncology Doctors Demand Accountability Amidst Hospital Crisis

Oncology professionals in the Algarve's Local Health Unit (ULS) are maintaining their 'disclaimer of responsibility' regarding the services provided to patients. In a letter addressed to the ULS Administration Board, the Medical Order, and the Ministry of Health, they outline 19 reasons for their 'revolt' against the working conditions and operational issues within the services. Tiago Botelho, the president of ULS, acknowledges some validity to certain complaints but refutes the overall criticism, stating, 'The difficulties are not exclusive to oncology services.' He points out that other departments, such as general surgery and orthopedics, have even more significant grievances related to inadequate facilities and poor working conditions.

Hospital Overcrowding

Tiago Botelho emphasizes, 'The Hospital of Faro is bursting at the seams.' The doctors highlight significant delays, with some patients waiting over a month for medication authorizations that directly affect their survival, with reports of waits extending to five months. Ana Varges Gomes, the director of the Oncology Service, expressed, 'We no longer know what to tell the patients.' Botelho counters these claims, asserting that they authorize exams requested the same day.

Urgent Need for Infrastructure Improvements

The letter requesting the disclaimer, dated April 8, references alarming conditions, including only one bathroom for 17 patients without hot water, creating hygiene risks for oncology patients. Botelho claims he was unaware of the hot water issue and has already issued orders for its resolution. In Portimão, the medical staff finds conditions less severe than in Faro, but they still point out 'lack of conditions for preparing cytotoxics' due to chronic equipment failures. Botelho admits some merit to the criticisms and plans to invest hundreds of thousands of euros to restore necessary facilities.

Future Developments and Professional Retention

Ana Gomes stresses that all oncology specialists have united in their stance due to unmet expectations regarding the construction of an Oncology Center. The new ULS administration has abandoned previous plans, citing financial constraints and land viability issues. Instead, they propose a new facility in Loulé by 2030, in partnership with the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC).

Additionally, they are calling for a concrete and attractive plan to retain professionals, with Botelho finding it strange to be held accountable for structural problems when the previous director had three years to address them. He underscores the urgent need for a new central hospital, along with a program to attract more doctors by offering housing support, employment for spouses, and childcare for children. The goal is to enhance the region's appeal beyond its pleasant climate, with plans for improved salaries and career progression opportunities in collaboration with the University of Algarve.