In a written response, ULSBE announced that, starting December 1, the service will operate from 8:00 AM to midnight, extending the current closing time of 10:00 PM.
Additionally, ULSBE is exploring the adoption of an operation plan between midnight and 8:00 AM through CODU referral, similar to the Hospital Amadora-Sintra model.
“These measures aim to ensure the service operates 24 hours a day, providing continuous and close care to pediatric patients in the municipalities of Barcelos and Esposende,” stated ULSBE.
Currently, a pediatric specialist is on duty during the night for inpatient support and emergency situations.
Regarding the proposal for a Pediatric Hospital Referral Network, now under public consultation, ULSBE is preparing a counterproposal to maintain the Hospital of Barcelos with general pediatric and basic neurodevelopmental consultations, scheduled outpatient activity, pediatric emergency services, short-term inpatient care, and general pediatrics inpatient care.
The proposal under public consultation suggests that the Hospital of Barcelos should only provide basic pediatric care, namely general pediatric consultations and scheduled outpatient activities.
ULSBE emphasized that the Pediatrics Service has received “continuous attention and investment.”
“There is an ongoing process to upgrade the Emergency Service and pediatric inpatient facilities, scheduled for completion by August 2026, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Program. This investment aims to enhance response capacity and ensure more integrated and efficient care, also preparing for the new Hospital of Barcelos,” it noted.
The pediatric staff has also been strengthened with an additional specialist.
In 2024, the Pediatric Emergency Service at the Hospital of Barcelos recorded a total of 13,141 patient visits.
