Latest news and stories about healthcare in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Almada-Seixal Local Health Unit reports it has not received official notification regarding the IGAS inspection into the Garcia de Orta Hospital following the suspension of voluntary pregnancy termination services.
Patient advocacy groups express concern that the temporary suspension of abortion services at Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada may become a permanent fixture, urging authorities to find a swift resolution.
The Portuguese government has mandated that hospitals must ensure timely abortion services and cover associated costs following reports of service disruptions at Garcia de Orta Hospital due to staffing shortages and planning failures.
The Left Bloc has requested an urgent ministerial hearing following the suspension of voluntary pregnancy termination services at Garcia de Orta Hospital, raising concerns that abortion access is becoming a right in name only.
Users in Almada and Seixal report the discontinuation of voluntary pregnancy termination services at Garcia de Orta Hospital, while the local health unit clarifies that the service interruption is only temporary due to staffing shortages.
Barreiro Hospital faces critical emergency department delays, with patients experiencing 17-hour wait times due to severe medical staff shortages.
The Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada has suspended admissions for new pregnant patients due to a critical shortage of medical staff in the obstetric emergency department.
The president of the Almada Seixal Local Health Unit acknowledges that while immigration contributes to the shortage of family doctors, it is not the only factor, as the institution continues to face significant human resource constraints.
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A woman in Palmela has died after waiting over an hour for emergency medical assistance, highlighting critical concerns regarding the availability and maintenance of emergency vehicles.
Dozens of citizens gathered at a public forum in Setúbal, organized by the PCP, to protest against the current state of the NHS, citing critical shortages of doctors and the risk of service collapses.
A new regional gynaecology and obstetrics emergency service has launched on the Setúbal Peninsula, operating across the Garcia de Orta and São Bernardo hospitals while relying on a mix of permanent and temporary medical staff.
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.
A professional network is advocating for fair funding in continuing care units to address critical staffing shortages, with formal recommendations due to the government by June.
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.
An elderly woman tragically passed away in the emergency room of Gracia de Orta Hospital in Almada while waiting for medical attention after being triaged and moved to the clinical observation area.
Paulo Raimundo cited as examples the positions of those parties 'regarding the profits of Galp, large retailers, and the banking sector'.
Protesters shouted slogans demanding the valuing of public schools, salary increases, the maintenance of Social Security in the public sector, and the valuing of the National Health Service (SNS).
According to the President of the Medical Association, 30% of the population in the Alentejo Coast region lacks access to primary healthcare. The health unit serving the region has 'about 25 doctors'.
The Board of Directors of the Almada and Seixal Local Health Unit claims the decision is related to a lack of human resources, stressing that it remains hopeful that this measure may be temporary.
The process aims to investigate how the decision to close the unwanted pregnancy clinic was implemented and to assess the organisation of care to be provided to women.
The General Inspectorate for Health Activities (IGAS) has launched an inspection into Garcia de Orta Hospital following the suspension of its unwanted pregnancy consultation service on 10 August. The investigation, initiated on 27 August by Inspector-General António Carapeto, follows reports of deficiencies in the organisation of care for women seeking voluntary pregnancy termination within the Almada-Seixal Local Health Unit. This marks the fifth such investigation into abortion access in the National Health Service (SNS) since 2023, as the hospital faces criticism for failing to provide clear information to patients after discontinuing its services and email contact channels.
Patient advocacy groups are warning about the suspension of voluntary pregnancy terminations at Garcia de Orta Hospital, which are currently being performed at a private clinic, and are calling for solutions.
The Secretary-General of the PCP accuses the Government of viewing abortion services as a 'business opportunity'. User committees have already denounced the situation, and the Local Health Unit (ULS) states it is unable to guarantee timely responses for women.
Since August 10, the Garcia de Orta Hospital has not been able to guarantee abortion services. The Almada-Seixal Local Health Unit (ULS) has signed a protocol with a private entity. The PS wants to know for how long and at what cost.
The IGAS inspected the Arrábida Local Health Unit (ULS) between April and May 2025 and found flaws in regional planning and rotation. A shortage of specialists compromised the duty rosters.
Members of Parliament are questioning the specific reasons that led to the suspension of abortion services at the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada.
According to the inspection report, during the audit period, the emergency department operated fully on only two days.
Livre has requested an urgent hearing with the ULSAS regarding the suspension of abortions at Garcia de Orta hospital, joining the criticisms and requests for clarification from the PS, PCP, and BE.
