“If the Ministry of Health proceeds with its intentions, Vila Nova de Gaia will lose specialized healthcare services, negatively impacting thousands of patients and families who will be forced to travel to Porto for consultations and treatments currently available at ULSGE,” argues the PS/Gaia.
In a statement, the socialists highlight the direct costs and travel time, expressing concerns that patients and families may experience a decrease in service quality.
The socialists, now in opposition in Vila Nova de Gaia, describe this as a “downgrading in favor” of Porto hospitals, specifically São João and Santo António.
According to PS/Gaia, the potential implementation of new ULS facilities could lead to “high demand and saturation with waiting lists in pediatrics.”
“This means that Gaia residents will face even longer waiting times,” they state, adding that they plan to bring up the topic in an executive meeting where they will present a motion.
The PS/Gaia also asserts in the statement that the measure is purely “in service of cost-saving” and claims that the Minister of Health “undermines and diminishes the reputation and good name of Gaia/Espinho professionals.”
