The Alentejo Central Local Health Unit (ULSAC) announced that the Polyvalent Emergency Service will only accept new patients directed by CODU/INEM, other medical practitioners, or via SNS 24, according to an updated statement on its website.
The health institution attributed this temporary measure to a high influx of patients with complex clinical conditions requiring hospitalization, coupled with a reduced available team.
Residents are advised to contact SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) or primary healthcare facilities before heading to the Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE) to ensure appropriate guidance based on the severity of their condition.
ULSAC also reminded the public that there is 24-hour emergency service available at the health centers in Vendas Novas, Montemor-o-Novo, and Estremoz in Évora district.
The health unit thanked “everyone’s understanding and cooperation” and emphasized that “this measure aims to ensure the safety and quality of the care provided.”
In August, HESE experienced similar constraints in its emergency service, limiting admissions in Internal Medicine due to a high patient influx and a reduced clinical team.
During that period, ULSAC stated that only patients directed by CODU/INEM, other physicians, or SNS 24 were admitted to this emergency service.
Those restrictions began on August 14 and were extended until 8:00 PM on August 25.
In the Alentejo region, the general emergency at Beja hospital also faced constraints from 8:00 AM on Thursday until 8:00 AM today, accepting only patients referred by INEM, other doctors, or SNS 24.
The Baixo Alentejo Local Health Unit (ULSBA) explained in a statement on its website that the limitations affected the adult general emergency service.
A ULSBA spokesperson explained to the agency that these constraints during the 24-hour period were due to “the inability to complete the medical roster,” but the situation has since been normalized.
