The closure of the gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department at the Vila Franca de Xira Hospital, which forces patients to be redirected to the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in the municipality of Loures, has generated significant criticism. Diogo Ayres de Campos, former director of obstetrics services at the Hospital de Santa Maria, explains that the crisis situation has been known for several years, so this closure comes as no surprise: “We have been facing these difficulties for three or four years,” he states.