The replacement of Sérgio Janeiro with Luís Cabral as the head of INEM has prompted a statement from the Portuguese Nurses’ Order (OE). The new leadership, according to OE President Luís Filipe Barreira, signifies a respect for the distinct competencies of nurses and is reflective of Cabral’s experience in pre-hospital emergency care, a model recognized internationally.
Under Cabral’s leadership in the Azores, initiatives included the implementation of the Manchester Triage System at the Urgent Patients Guidance Center (CODU) and the expansion of the Immediate Life Support network. These were part of a proposed Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM) to be presented by the Order in 2024.
OE acknowledged Sérgio Janeiro’s contributions and expressed readiness to collaborate with the new leadership to enhance the quality and efficiency of care. However, the potential appointment of Luís Cabral has faced criticism from the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians. The union has raised concerns about the method adopted in the Azores, where Cabral serves as clinical director of the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, questioning the scientific basis and cost-effectiveness compared to the mainland system.
