Health Minister Ana Paula Martins has declared the issue of patients with delayed clinical discharges a national priority. As of late April, nearly 3,500 patients remained in public hospitals despite being medically cleared for discharge, a situation the minister says reduces the capacity of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) by over 14%.
Health Minister prioritizes clearing delayed hospital discharges
Friday, 5 June 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.
