Locum doctors (tarefeiros) are warning that emergency services could face shutdowns in October, potentially undermining hospital winter contingency plans. They also caution that continued dissatisfaction could lead to a departure of physicians to work abroad.
This update is from Bica
Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.
It's free, with no signup and no app to download.
Read today’s briefing
A recent government order allows hospitals to redeploy doctors from inpatient wards to emergency departments during periods of high pressure. The doctors' federation (FNAM) warns that this practice, which includes doctors who have already exceeded their annual overtime limits, lacks clear criteria for deployment and leaves hospitalized patients without adequate medical coverage.
On the night of 4 November, the Portimão hospital emergency department was staffed by only one general practitioner to attend to all patients, while other specialists scheduled for the service were reportedly occupied in wards. The former director of the emergency service, who had sent over 70 warning emails to management regarding service chaos, was dismissed the day after the patient's death.
The Executive Directorate of the SNS has recommended that health units assess potential staff absenteeism and reinforce resources in emergency and primary care services due to the incoming Storm Charles. The government has ordered the closure of schools and non-essential public services across all districts for Wednesday 11 November, with potential bridge closures and air traffic restrictions.