Prime Highlights:
Urgent patients in Portuguese hospitals face wait times over nine hours.
Hospitals in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Portimão report significant delays.
The National Health Service (SNS) cites high demand and workforce shortages as key contributors.
Key Background:
Patients requiring urgent medical attention in Portugal are facing alarmingly long wait times, with some hospitals reporting delays of more than nine hours. The situation, affecting numerous hospitals across the country, has prompted concern among healthcare professionals and the general public.
According to the National Health Service (SNS), hospitals in the capital, Lisbon, are particularly overwhelmed. The Amadora Sintra Hospital, located in the city’s outskirts, reported an average wait time of eight hours for urgent patients before they could see a healthcare professional. This delay is not limited to Lisbon, as hospitals in other cities, including Coimbra and Portimão, also experienced wait times exceeding nine hours for urgent care.
While the situation worsened early in the day, health officials in affected regions implemented contingency plans to alleviate pressure on the system. In Coimbra, for instance, more emergency rooms were opened, and additional inpatient beds were made available to accommodate respiratory patients. Local health authorities assured the public that despite prolonged waiting periods, all patients were eventually being attended to.
The delays are having a far-reaching impact, not just on patients, but also on other state services. Fire Brigade Commander Mario Conde from Amadora highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders, citing prolonged waits at hospitals that limit the effectiveness of their support. Emergency medical teams are finding it increasingly difficult to provide quick, efficient assistance as ambulances are tied up at hospitals for extended periods.
Contributing to the strain is the rising number of flu cases, particularly among those under 85, who are less likely to be vaccinated. As the flu season intensifies, healthcare officials, such as Gustavo Tato Borges from the Public Health Medical Association, have expressed concerns about the growing pressure on the system.
Despite these challenges, Portuguese health officials are working to manage the situation. Six emergency services were closed on Monday, and another 13 were reserved exclusively for internal emergencies. However, officials remain optimistic that additional resources and adjustments will help improve wait times in the coming days.