Summary:
Nine hospitals have closed 11 urgent care services in Portugal, mainly affecting Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics.
Greater Lisbon faces the most significant impact, with Beatriz Ângelo and Nossa Senhora do Rosário hospitals closing two services each.
Hospitals in Almada, Lisbon West, and Setúbal have also suspended urgent care services.
Emergency services at Fernando Fonseca Hospital have limited hours for Pediatrics.
Public advised to call SOS Grávida Line for guidance before visiting urgent care.
Urgent Care Services Closed in Nine Hospitals
Currently, nine hospitals in Portugal have 11 urgent care services closed, impacting crucial areas like Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics. This situation is particularly severe in the Greater Lisbon area, as per the National Health Service (SNS) emergency schedules published at 8:00 AM.
Hospitals Affected
The Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures and Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hospital in Barreiro are the only hospitals with two urgent care services shut down, specifically in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics.
In the Lisbon region, the Garcia de Orta Hospital (Almada) and São Francisco Xavier Hospital (Lisbon West) have closed their Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency services, while São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal has shut down its Pediatric Emergency.
Regional Breakdown
- North: The Chaves Hospital has closed its Pediatric Emergency.
- Central Region: Santo André Hospital (Leiria) and Dr. Manoel Constâncio Hospital (Abrantes) have closed their respective Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency services.
- South: The Portimão Hospital has only one service closed, which is Obstetrics.
Limited Availability in Capital
In the capital, the Fernando Fonseca Hospital (Amadora-Sintra) has its Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency service operational throughout the day, but the Pediatric Emergency is limited from 00:00 to 08:00 and 20:00 to 24:00. Similarly, the Pediatric service at this hospital has specific hours of operation.
Referral Services
The Pediatric Emergency at Viseu's Complementary Pediatric Care Service operates from 09:15 to 23:00. The Santa Maria Hospital is available all day for cases referred by the National Institute of Medical Emergency.
During these limited service periods, these emergency services are reserved for internal emergencies and cases referred by the Urgent Patient Orientation Center (CODU) of INEM and the SNS 24 line.
Public Advisory
The SNS Executive Board urges the public to call the SOS Grávida Line [808 24 24 24] before heading to an urgent Gynecology service, ensuring better management of the limited resources available.
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