A new centralised emergency model for Obstetrics and Gynaecology is set to begin at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures on March 16, 2026, serving both the Loures-Odivelas and Estuário do Tejo health units. While the government previously prioritised the South Bank (Margem Sul) for this reform, the project has faced delays there due to local opposition and staffing shortages. The Loures unit will rely on medical and nursing teams primarily from the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, supplemented by specialist nurses from Vila Franca de Xira, as the latter lacks sufficient obstetricians to maintain its own emergency service. The Executive Directorate of the National Health Service (SNS) maintains that this centralisation is essential to ensure stable, 24/7 emergency coverage and improve clinical quality amidst ongoing professional shortages.