Latest news and stories about healthcare in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
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.
The Portuguese Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) has warned that the new National System for Access to Consultations and Surgeries (SINACC) could lead to an 'artificial clearing' of waiting lists, potentially excluding up to 300,000 patients. Following a visit to the Almada Local Health Unit, Association President Carlos Cortes stated that the system has significant flaws regarding medical procedures and confirmed that a document with correction proposals will be submitted next week. The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Association to rectify these errors before the system's full implementation. Additionally, Cortes addressed concerns regarding obstetric emergency closures in August and highlighted a critical shortage of anesthesiologists at the Garcia de Orta Hospital.
This Monday's press covers the Spanish celebrations following their football championship win, but there is more to read. Público highlights student accommodation, reporting that 60% of projects remain unfinished and only a quarter of beds are ready, while the average cost of renting a room is 423 euros. The paper also notes that delays are causing cancer patients to die without access to palliative care. Observador reports that the water crisis in Almada has revived an old plan to connect Castelo de Bode to the south bank via a pipeline across a bridge. Jornal de Notícias states that local civil protection units are growing but still lack a national map to track how many are operational. Correio da Manhã highlights the conclusion of the investigation into the death of nurse Paulo Rita, who was killed two years ago by a car driving against traffic; the 21-year-old driver was charged last week with negligent homicide. Diário de Notícias reports that Portugal is one of four eurozone countries where inflation has not slowed down. Negócios reports that Brussels is requesting restrictive measures in the 2027 State Budget to avoid exceeding net expenditure limits. Eco features an interview with former Finance Minister João Leão, who suggests that the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) will not reach 100% execution.
Pre-hospital emergency technicians contest the 'OnCall' programme.
The Executive Director of the SNS acknowledged today that there have been some constraints in the regional Obstetrics and Gynaecology emergency departments of the Setúbal Peninsula and Loures, but assured that they have never closed and have maintained their response capacity.
The executive director was responding in this way to reports of some constraints observed in recent days.
Mário Amorim Lopes mentioned the controversy surrounding the grading of national exams, the lack of water in Almada, the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, and the difficulties in accessing healthcare.
Chronic pain does not only affect the body. Psychologist Cristina Catana, with over 30 years of experience, observes daily how it can also isolate, reactivate traumas, and compromise one's sense of life.
In Almada, a public tender from July 2025 provided for the installation of HVAC systems. The City Council guarantees repairs, but the Users' Commission denies this. Half of the USF units admit to lacking proper climate control conditions.
The Regional Obstetrics Emergency Department at Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada has experienced service issues again but guarantees it has never closed its doors since it began operations in April.
This comes at a time when temperatures are soaring. In Almada, the Users' Commission reveals that nothing has been done in this regard. Also, protests by the population of Costa da Caparica over the lack of water.
The Almada municipality launched a public tender to resolve malfunctions in air conditioning systems by this month. However, the Users' Commission states that the systems remain unrepaired.
Doctors warn that the change could discourage the performance of additional surgeries and compromise the recovery of waiting lists.
The deputy mayor of Almada, Filipe Pacheco, argues that the country must be better prepared to respond to emergency situations. During the CNN Portugal Summit on “Health Resilience in the Face of Complex Emergencies”, the official highlighted the importance of prevention, cooperation between entities, and investment in healthcare.
Miguel Miranda, coordinator of Civil Protection in Montijo, warns of the 'cascade effect' of the heatwave, stressing that the temperature can pose risks to public health.
The PCP secretary-general criticised Ana Paula Martins for “inaugurating the CUF Hospital in Barreiro, Setúbal district, after having ordered the closure of the paediatric emergency department”
The administrator gives a positive assessment of the regional obstetrics emergency department and has five doctors who may be hired. However, he acknowledges that the ULS faces “numerous constraints” regarding human resources.
The strike participation figures demonstrate the nurses' discontent, the union stated, highlighting in particular the discrimination felt regarding the payment of retroactive career progression salary adjustments.
The Setúbal Peninsula Regional Emergency Department is handling more daily visits than the region's three emergency units combined last year.
There are dozens of medical emergency vehicles that are out of service due to a lack of personnel.
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians Union (STEPH) warns that several vehicles are inoperable due to breakdowns and are not being replaced.
