Health professionals at the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave) are striking to protest imposed supplementary work, with unions accusing management of forcing extra shifts at primary‑care centres. The action is affecting appointments and the availability of some services, Correio da Manhã reports. Patients in the Alto Ave area should check centre opening hours and expect appointment changes.
ULS Alto Ave staff strike over extra work
Saturday, 21 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.
Primary care (Cuidados de Saúde Primários) is the first level of the health system — general practitioners, nurses and health centres that deliver prevention, vaccinations, flu testing, chronic‑care management and referrals to hospitals. Strong primary care capacity reduces unnecessary emergency visits, so closures or limited access at this level tend to increase pressure and waiting times in hospital emergency departments during seasonal surges.
