The Local Health Unit of Central Alentejo (ULSAC) has announced on its website that the Emergency Service at the Hospital of Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE) is currently only admitting patients referred by CODU/INEM, other doctors, or through the SNS 24 hotline.
This “temporary measure” is attributed to a high influx of patients with complex clinical issues requiring hospitalization, coupled with a reduced available medical team.
The public is advised to contact the SNS 24 hotline (808 24 24 24) or seek primary healthcare units before traveling to HESE to ensure appropriate guidance based on the severity of their condition.
The ULSAC also reminded that 24-hour emergency services are operational at health centers in Vendas Novas, Montemor-o-Novo, and Estremoz, in the Évora district.
In a statement, the local health unit expressed gratitude for “the understanding and cooperation of everyone” and mentioned that the restriction on admissions aims to “ensure the safety and quality of care provided.”
This is the second instance this month that ULSAC has enforced such measures at the HESE Emergency Service. From 11:00 AM on the 5th until 8:00 PM on the 8th, admissions were only for patients referred by CODU/INEM, other doctors, or SNS 24.
The unit cited the same reasons for the action at that time.
In August, the HESE’s Internal Medicine department faced similar admission limitations over several days due to a high patient influx and a reduced clinical team.
These restrictions began on August 14 and were extended continuously until 8:00 PM on the 25th of that month.
