A Disturbing Incident in Moita
A 34-week pregnant woman from Moita faced a harrowing ordeal, trapped in an ambulance for nearly three hours before being redirected to Maternidade Alfredo da Costa in Lisbon. This incident has raised serious concerns about the efficiency of the National Health Service (SNS) and the challenges faced by emergency services.
INEM Workers Speak Out
On Saturday, the Workers' Commission of INEM rejected being scapegoated for the SNS's failures, particularly in the routing of high-risk patients. They highlighted that delays like this one are the result of inefficiencies within emergency services, not the fault of INEM professionals.
"INEM professionals, including doctors and nurses, should not be blamed for systemic issues within the SNS. Our professionalism and skills must not be questioned," the commission stated.
The Role of Local Health Units
The Workers' Commission noted that it was unsurprising to see news blaming INEM for the delay. They emphasized that challenges in patient referral due to current constraints in emergency services are well-known, even to the Health Minister, Ana Paula Martins.
"This incident is yet another example of how the lack of available spots in Local Health Units (ULS) incorrectly shifts responsibility onto INEM," they stated.
A Call for Recognition
The commission stressed that every call received is handled with urgency and care, despite increasing pressure from emergency service difficulties.
"Every day, our teams work tirelessly to coordinate resources and save lives, yet they face a lack of recognition for their efforts," the commission lamented.
The Incident Details
During the wait, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (ANTEM) expressed serious concerns regarding the coordination between SNS hospitals and INEM for urgent cases involving pregnant women. The CODU was reportedly trying to determine the best hospital for the patient, while firefighters awaited a decision until 14:20.
"At one point, transferring her to a hospital in Coimbra was considered," ANTEM noted, highlighting the evident lack of effective collaboration between CODU and hospital emergency services.
Controversy Over Transfer Decision
The INEM has not confirmed the exact wait time but mentioned that the request originated from SNS24 and involved the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters. The Local Health Unit of Arco Ribeirinho (ULSAR) clarified that the pregnant woman had been seen at a high-risk obstetric consultation and refused transfer to a hospital equipped with neonatal intensive care, citing personal issues at home.
"She was informed of the risks and signed her discharge against medical advice," ULSAR reported, urging her to contact the SNS 24 line to discuss her situation further.
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