Overtime costs within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) reached 468 million euros in 2025, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. A report on the performance of the health service also highlighted that absenteeism remains a significant challenge, with the highest rates recorded in the Estuário do Tejo, Litoral Alentejano, and Médio Ave local health units.
NHS overtime costs reach 468 million euros
Tuesday, 30 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.
