Ambulances held up at Faro Emergency Department due to shortage of doctors and rise in patient numbers

Former NHS director investigated for working 132 consecutive hours at Faro emergency department

A report by CM led the ministry to request clarifications and the General Inspectorate of Health Activities to open an investigation into António Gandra d'Almeida.

Two elderly people displaced after building collapse in Faro

An elderly couple is left homeless after the facade of a building collapses in Faro. One of the victims was taken to the hospital to receive medical assistance.

Firefighters at their limit

With the fire season approaching, pressure is mounting on already fragile corporations, which are forced to respond to emergencies daily and manage the intensive use of ambulances.

Man goes missing after leaving Faro hospital

He signed a liability waiver and left. His family has not heard from him since Sunday.

INEM: Gulf Med helicopters reach one thousand flight hours across 639 missions

Gulf Med helicopters, in service for the INEM since July 2025, reached one thousand flight hours today as part of the Medical Emergency Helicopter Service. The milestone occurred during the 639th mission, carried out by the aircraft based in Loulé. In a statement, Gulf Med Aviation Services noted that the thousandth hour was reached at 10:20 during a mission transporting a 49-year-old patient from Alcoutim to Faro Hospital. Since July 1, 2025, the four Airbus H145 helicopters have completed 639 missions and transported 387 patients. CEO Simon J. Camilleri highlighted the commitment of the teams and the use of modern, purpose-built aircraft.

News - algarvedailynews.com

This article from Algarve Daily News covers recent developments in Portugal, including a man’s arrest for inciting violence against Brazilians via social media, and the upcoming performance of singer Jessie J at the Algarve Summer Gala. It reports that municipalities affected by Storm Kristin, such as Faro, Monchique, and Alcoutim, have been officially declared under a state of calamity, with support measures underway. The resurgence of the “Tarmac Gang,” an organized crime group involved in scams in storm-hit areas, is highlighted, alongside warnings from authorities. Portugal’s Public Security Police are working to expand housing for irregular migrants to meet EU deadlines. New privately managed health centers are set to open in Silves and Lagos later this year. The government has been urged to include Algarve municipalities in storm recovery funds. Additionally, a tragic car-ambulance collision in Faro resulted in one death and injuries to others. Recent political debates, a beach rescue operation, and a major drug bust in Portimão are also noted as significant ongoing issues in Portugal.

algarvedailynews.com18 Mar

Bank donates cutting-edge breathing equipment to Albufeira firefighters

Albufeira’s Crédito Agrícola bank has donated five new breathing apparatus units to the local volunteer fire brigade (Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Albufeira). Worth around €8,000, the devices – The post Bank donates cutting-edge breathing equipment to Albufeira firefighters appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Ambulances held for six hours at Faro Emergency Department waiting for stretchers

The administration of the Local Health Unit of Algarve acknowledges that there was a “surge in attendance” at the Emergency Service, but denies that the lack of temporary doctors is the cause of the problem.

Algarve: Ordem propõe fecho de serviços por falta de enfermeiros

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.

ordemenfermeiros.pt3 Mar

Extinction of INEM delegation in the Algarve considered irresponsible

Home News Extinction of INEM delegation in the Algarve considered irresponsible Extinction of INEM delegation in the Algarve considered irresponsible The coordinator of the Bloco de Esquerda (BE) classified the possible extinction of the Algarve delegation of the National Institute of Medical Eme