Emergency obstetric services have been suspended at hospitals in Caldas da Rainha (Leiria district), Setúbal, Barreiro (Setúbal district), and Portimão (Faro district) as of 11:30 AM today.
The obstetric emergency departments in Garcia de Orta hospital in Almada (Setúbal district), Santarém, Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon district), and Leiria are operating under restrictions, receiving only cases referred by the National Institute for Medical Emergency (CODU/INEM).
Pediatric emergency services at Santa Maria Maior hospital in Esposende (Braga district), Vila Franca de Xira, and Beatriz Ângelo hospital in Loures are also affected.
Currently, 114 emergency services are open nationwide, in addition to 31 facilities operating under a pilot project requiring prior contact with the SNS 24 helpline.
The constraints are primarily due to a shortage of specialist doctors to ensure staffing schedules. Health authorities advise the public to contact the SNS 24 helpline (808 24 24 24) for appropriate guidance before visiting an emergency department.
