Hospitals located on the periphery of major metropolitan areas, such as those in Gaia and Espinho, play a crucial role in the organization of medical emergencies due to their comprehensive facilities. “Located on the outskirts, transportation and mobility are significantly easier,” explained a local official, referencing the challenging traffic conditions on the Via de Cintura Interna and humorously noting, “I am surprised more women haven’t given birth on the Ponte da Arrábida.”
The official believes the government should definitively strengthen the versatility and emergency medical capacity of the Vila Nova de Gaia – Espinho Local Health Unit, which serves as a key hospital south of Porto.
In remarks made today before a meeting with current and former directors of the Gaia hospital, along with medical staff and Espinho’s mayor, Jorge Ratola, the Gaia official claimed responsibility for the decision to maintain pediatric services at the facility south of the Douro River.
The Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia/Espinho (ULSGE) recently announced their classified status as level IIb in the Pediatric Referral Network had been confirmed by the National Commission on Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescent Health, as of November 25.
This took place amidst preliminary findings from the commission regarding a public consultation process about redefining the referral network, a topic that raised concerns from Gaia’s mayor, Luís Filipe Menezes, and the opposition PS party in the Porto district’s municipal government.
“Honestly, I think our noise was responsible for this outcome… I won’t accept any other scenario,” stated the mayor emphatically, expressing similar sentiments regarding cardiology and other specialized services at Gaia Hospital.
The official emphasized the desire for enhanced services, improved investments in delayed projects, and upgrading to a university hospital standard, especially since Aveiro cannot independently manage a major university hospital center.
Luís Matos, chairman of the Gaia hospital board, noted a demonstrated commitment by the National Commission on Maternal Health to provide intermediate pediatric care by 2026. He assured there is written confirmation that pediatric services will maintain their current, appropriate level.
Matos dismissed financial concerns, describing the situation as a small-scale restructuring rather than complex or significant construction projects, with expectations for resolution by mid-next year.
When asked about pressing issues concerning the hospital, Matos highlighted the need to find resources for new facilities and complete the new Gaia Hospital.
In closing, Matos confirmed there had been no directives from the overseeing authorities, affirming that the Hospital de Gaia’s services remain secure.
