The Order of Nurses (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has publicly rejected proposed limits on nurse recruitment, warning that restricting hiring would damage service quality and patient safety and exacerbate staffing pressures. Observador and Correio da Manhã report the body said workforce shortages and an ageing staff profile already strain care delivery. For expats who rely on public healthcare: staffing pressures could mean slower non‑urgent services and longer waits in some units; consider registering with a local family doctor and check private options if continuity of care is essential.
Order of Nurses rejects recruitment limits, warns of risks
Monday, 12 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Ordem dos Enfermeiros (Order of Nurses) is Portugal’s statutory professional body that registers and regulates nurses, sets professional standards, and handles discipline and professional conduct. Its warning about hiring limits matters because the Ordem represents the nursing workforce—restrictions on recruitment can worsen staff shortages and affect patient care, so expat nurses must be registered with the Ordem to practise and may be directly affected by any new hiring rules.
