The Portuguese Ordem dos Enfermeiros has proposed closing certain hospital services at the Centro Hospitalar do Algarve due to a critical shortage of nurses. During visits to hospitals in Faro and Portimão, the Ordem highlighted severe understaffing, with nurses working at or below minimum staffing levels, compromising patient safety. Despite efforts to hire at least 60 new nurses, many positions remain unfilled due to delays in approval. The Ordem also identified false overtime practices and overcrowded emergency areas, with up to 60 patients waiting in critical zones. The organization warns that exhausted nurses increase the risk of errors, urging authorities to ensure adequate staffing according to regulations to safeguard both patients and healthcare professionals.