Latest news and stories about continuing care in Portugal for expats and residents.
Almost 2,800 patients were admitted to public hospitals in mid-January awaiting a social care response or a place in continuing care, according to data from the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service (DE-SNS).
As of 14 January, 61 patients had been admitted to social care support: 58 via the District Centres of Social Security and three via the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Lisbon.
An ERS report indicates rising demand, particularly in units for stabilised patients who struggle to live independently. Inland areas of the country continue to have only a residual provision.
The Integrated Continuing Care Teams (ECCI) registered a 43% increase in the number of patients awaiting a place, according to the regulator, which indicates that average lengths of stay across the network are trending above recommended levels.
The situation is due to unmet social needs and a lack of beds in continuing care. Álvaro Almeida says the 1,500 beds scheduled to open in the coming months will not be ready in time for the peak of the flu season.
