Emergency Services Crisis: 11 Urgencies Closed Across Nine Hospitals in Portugal

Urgency Services Affected Across Portugal

On Saturday, nine hospitals, primarily located in the Greater Lisbon area, reported 11 closed emergency services in pediatrics, gynecology, and obstetrics, according to the National Health Service (SNS) schedules.

Hospitals with Closed Services

The Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures and Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hospital in Barreiro were the only ones with two closed services: obstetrics and gynecology, as well as pediatrics.

In Almada, the Garcia de Orta Hospital and São Francisco Xavier Hospital in Western Lisbon also had their obstetrics and gynecology emergency services shut down. Meanwhile, Hospital de São Bernardo in Setúbal reported a closure of its pediatric emergency.

Regional Closures

In the north, the Hospital of Chaves has closed its pediatric emergency. The central region saw the Santo André Hospital in Leiria and Dr. Manoel Constâncio Hospital in Abrantes also halting their obstetrics and gynecology emergency services. In the south, only the Hospital of Portimão reported a closure in obstetrics.

Specific Conditions in Lisbon

In Greater Lisbon, the obstetrics and gynecology emergency services at Hospital Doutor Fernando Fonseca remain referenced throughout the day. The pediatric emergency at Amadora-Sintra is operational but restricted from midnight to 8 AM and from 8 PM to midnight. The Complementary Pediatric Care Service in Viseu is referenced until 11 PM.

The Obstetrics Emergency at Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon will be available all day, accommodating cases referred by INEM.

Important Notes

Services labeled as referenced are reserved for internal emergencies and cases directed by the Urgent Patient Orientation Center (CODU) of the National Institute of Medical Emergency and the SNS24 hotline.

The SNS Executive Direction urges the public to call the SOS Grávida Line [808 24 24 24] before visiting any gynecology emergency services.