In a written statement, the São José Local Health Unit (ULS) in Lisbon, which includes MAC, the country’s largest maternity hospital, elaborated on its fuel management system for the power generator. The fuel tank has a capacity of 400 liters, providing approximately five hours of backup energy when full, although actual duration varies based on consumption levels.
Following a power outage, the consumption was strategically reduced in non-priority areas, and an urgent request was made to replenish the fuel supply to keep the generator operational, the statement further explained.
The ULS São José acknowledged that the most significant challenge was delivering fuel to MAC. However, this issue was resolved in a timely manner.
The ULS clarified that throughout the power outage, there were no critical moments impacting care at its facilities, which include MAC, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Hospital Curry Cabral, Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos, Hospital Santa Marta, Hospital São José, and Hospital Júlio de Matos.
Earlier today, the Minister for Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, mentioned on RTP’s Jornal da Tarde that MAC initially had generator fuel sufficient for just one hour.
Minister Castro Almeida noted that minister’s drivers were prepared to purchase and transport fuel to MAC, although this measure was ultimately unnecessary.
On Monday night, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged that managing power supplies to hospitals was the most complex issue during the blackout but confirmed that there were no extreme situations.
Portugal and Spain experienced a widespread power outage on Monday for roughly 10 to 11 hours, the causes of which remain unclear according to official authorities.
Consequences of the blackout included closed airports, transport disruptions, traffic jams in major cities, and fuel shortages.
E-Redes, the electricity distribution network operator, assured the public on Tuesday morning that service had been fully restored and regular operations resumed.
