Latest news and stories about emergency services in government in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
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The Garcia de Orta Hospital faces potential overcrowding and staffing shortages as it becomes a regional hub following the permanent closure of the Barreiro obstetrics emergency department.
Mayors in Barreiro are opposing the closure of the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit, citing that over 16,000 births have occurred there between 2014 and 2024. They find the decision to close the unit incomprehensible, especially in light of ongoing healthcare challenges, such as ambulances being held for hours at other emergency departments due to high patient volumes.
The Almada City Council has extended the alert status due to ongoing landslide risks on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, following several incidents that have occurred since the onset of recent storms.
Update: Ongoing Landslide Risks The municipality of Almada has recorded several landslides on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, a situation that has not yet been resolved.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has proposed discussions on establishing a disaster fund in Portugal to address damages from increasing natural disasters, such as recent floods. During a visit to the flooded area of Alcácer do Sal, he highlighted the need for financial relief for businesses affected by such calamities, especially those without insurance. He noted that similar funds exist in the European Union and emphasized the opportunity presented by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to support this initiative.
Clarisse Campos, the mayor of Alcácer do Sal, expressed a sense of hope and community resilience in the aftermath of the recent floods that devastated the municipality. In an interview with CNN Portugal, she emphasized the collective desire to rebuild and support one another during this challenging time.
Authorities in Alcácer do Sal report a 'brutal' and rapid rise in the Sado river's flow but say the situation remains under control. Civil Protection is monitoring conditions, has evacuation plans ready should riverside areas flood, and expects the flow to rise slightly more before beginning a slower fall from around 04:00—timing that will depend on further rainfall and dam management decisions. Updates will hinge on precipitation forecasts and operational releases from upstream infrastructure.
There are dozens of medical emergency vehicles that are out of service due to a lack of personnel.
André Morais, an expert and municipal coordinator of Civil Protection in Montijo, explains what is being prepared by the authorities to minimise fire risk with the arrival of high temperatures.
The President of the Republic visited the Montijo Air Base. He arrived by helicopter, sat in the cockpit, and watched explosions caused by F-16 fighter jets. Already thinking about the summer, he hopes for a “successful” mission.
Regarding total closures, the Setúbal Peninsula stands out again, with emergency services closed on 34.9% of days.
The Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hospital closed its gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department this Wednesday. The local council refuses to accept the move and promises to reverse the Government's decision.
The centralized emergency service will operate across two sites: one at Garcia de Orta in Almada and another at São Bernardo in Setúbal. The Minister believes this solution will ensure safety for patients.
The Health Minister promises “predictability and security” with a new regional emergency department. Barreiro has been closed for the equivalent of a full year since 2024.
The executive director of the NHS announced this Wednesday that the regional Gynecology and Obstetrics emergency department of the Setúbal Peninsula will begin operating from April 15th.
Due to a shortage of specialists, the Setúbal Peninsula will implement a centralised obstetrics and gynaecology emergency service across two hubs: Hospital Garcia de Orta in Almada and Hospital São Bernardo in Setúbal. The service at Hospital de Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Barreiro will close for emergencies, though scheduled care will continue. The measure, signed by the Executive Director of the National Health Service (SNS), Álvaro Almeida, and local health unit leaders, aims to ensure clinical safety and operational efficiency, despite opposition from local mayors who are planning a joint protest.
The regional Gynaecology and Obstetrics emergency unit for the Setúbal Peninsula will begin operations on April 15, the executive director of the National Health Service (SNS) announced today.
The protocol was signed this Wednesday.
The first regional obstetrics emergency unit to launch was Loures-Odivelas/Estuário do Tejo, which began on 16 March. The new emergency service will have two hubs: one at Garcia de Orta Hospital and another in Setúbal.
The Firefighters Federation is asking the State for support to arrive as quickly as possible to cope with existing difficulties.
In the Alentejo region, firefighters travel long distances to transport patients and are feeling a significant impact from rising fuel costs. The president of the Setúbal district firefighters' federation states that the monthly bill has increased by approximately 20%.
Five mayors have joined the previous criticisms of nine other municipal leaders against the Government's decision to centralise emergency services and close the departments at two hospitals.
Portugal is implementing significant healthcare reforms by centralizing emergency services within the National Health Service (SNS), focusing on regional coordination. This move aims to address hospital staff shortages and prevent emergency department closures, particularly in areas like Setúbal. The new organizational model allows regional health units to collaborate, with emergency cases directed to specialized hospitals such as Garcia de Orta. The government assures that healthcare professionals will retain their employment while adapting to the new system. This initiative marks a major step toward improving emergency care across Portugal.
The regional obstetrics emergency unit on the South Bank is considered a priority by the Government but still has no opening date because the staffing rosters have yet to be defined. Yesterday, the centralised model in Loures began operating. Alberto Caldas Afonso, President of the National Commission for Women's Health, explains what the priorities should be in this area of healthcare.
The webpage provides a broad overview of recent news related to Portugal, highlighting political, sports, and local incidents. Notably, José Luís Carneiro was re-elected as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and Frederico Varandas was re-elected as president of Sporting CP. In local news, a fire in Setúbal displaced 30 residents. Additionally, Portugal's Nobel laureate in science was praised for his contributions, and the country is actively involved in international affairs, including the Ukraine conflict and diplomatic relations with the US and Venezuela. The coverage also includes updates on regional weather events and ongoing sports competitions.
The webpage provides a broad overview of recent news related to Portugal, highlighting political, sports, and international developments. Notably, José Luís Carneiro was re-elected as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and Sporting's president, Varandas, was re-elected amid ongoing club decisions. In sports, Ivanovic's unexpected heroics helped Benfica catch up with Sporting in the league standings, and the final of the Portuguese Cup in volleyball features a derby between Sporting and Benfica. Additionally, local incidents such as a fire in Setúbal that displaced 30 residents are reported, alongside responses from local authorities. The page also touches on Portugal's scientific recognition, with a Portuguese scientist being appointed to the Nobel Committee. Overall, the content reflects Portugal's active political scene, vibrant sports culture, and local community issues.
The webpage provides a broad overview of recent news related to Portugal, including political, sports, and local incidents. Key highlights include the re-election of José Luís Carneiro as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and Varandas being re-elected as president of Sporting CP, emphasizing ongoing leadership stability. In sports, Ivanovic's unexpected heroics helped Benfica overtake Sporting in the Liga standings, and a final between Sporting and Benfica is scheduled for the Taça de Portugal. Local incidents include a fire in Setúbal that displaced 30 residents. Additionally, Portugal's Nobel laureate is praised for honoring science, and the country is involved in international tensions, such as the Ukraine conflict and North Korea's missile exercises. Overall, the news reflects political continuity, sports developments, local emergencies, and Portugal's active role in global affairs.
The webpage provides a roundup of recent news related to Portugal, including political, sports, and local events. Key highlights include the re-election of José Luís Carneiro as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and Varandas being re-elected as president of Sporting Lisbon, emphasizing his commitment despite a busy schedule. In sports, Ivanovic's unexpected heroics helped Benfica overtake Sporting in the Liga. Locally, a fire in Setúbal caused the displacement of 30 residents. Additionally, Portugal is recognized for its contributions to science, with a Portuguese being appointed to the Nobel Committee. The page also covers international issues affecting Portugal, such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and regional tensions in the Middle East.
The webpage provides a broad overview of recent news related to Portugal, highlighting political, sports, and local incidents. Key points include the re-election of José Luís Carneiro as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and Frederico Varandas being re-elected as president of Sporting CP. Additionally, there was a significant local incident where a fire in Setúbal caused the displacement of 30 residents. The page also features updates on Portugal's involvement in international affairs, such as the Portuguese Nobel laureate's recognition in science and Portugal's response to weather events. Overall, the content reflects ongoing political stability, sports achievements, and local emergencies within Portugal.
The webpage provides a broad overview of recent news related to Portugal, including political, sports, and local incidents. Key highlights include the re-election of José Luís Carneiro as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, and the re-election of Sporting's president, Varandas, emphasizing a cautious outlook despite victory. In sports, Ivanovic's unexpected heroics helped Benfica overtake Sporting in the Primeira Liga standings. Local incidents include a fire in Setúbal that displaced 30 residents. Additionally, Portugal's scientific community is recognized internationally, with a Portuguese scientist appointed to the Nobel Committee. The page also covers international issues affecting Portugal, such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict and regional geopolitical tensions.
