This July 2025, there are renewed concerns over the deteriorating conditions in gynecology and obstetrics at the Aveiro Regional Health Unit (ULSRA), with the obstetrics emergency department closed for almost half the month due to a shortage of specialist doctors, lamented the SIM in a statement.
On Wednesday, the ULSRA board confirmed to Lusa that the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service was closed following the resignation of the director, who stepped down “after submitting the July shift schedule, which shows a high number of closures.”
Hospital officials stated that the temporary closures are “justified by the complete refusal of specialist doctors to work extra hours,” a responsibility that the SIM disputes.
“All gynecologist-obstetricians at ULSRA have long exceeded the legally required annual overtime hours, and they cannot be blamed for the breakdown in specialized medical assistance in this area, the unfilled emergency shifts, or any lack of solidarity” with the health unit, asserted the union.
The union highlighted that medical human resources are “scarce,” comprising 20 specialists and 10 trainees who are still undergoing education.
Of the 20 specialists, due to age, illness, or parental leave, “only 11 provide emergency services, and of these, eight cover night emergencies,” the SIM noted, adding that four of the trainees do not work in emergencies as they are in the initial training phase or on internship at another institution.
“The lack of prospects for improving work conditions in the short to medium term raises fears of more doctors leaving the service, which would further worsen the deterioration of gynecological and obstetric medical care at the ULSRA,” warned the SIM.
On Thursday, PS deputies elected by Aveiro questioned the Health Minister about potential measures to prevent the obstetrics emergency department from closing at the hospital.
