Hospital emergency departments temporarily shut down during the weekend

The Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) has announced changes to the operation of Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency departments and pediatric emergency services in hospitals over the weekend. Some hospital emergency services for these departments will operate with reduced hours or altered schedules during weekends as part of a broader strategy to optimise healthcare resources and staffing.

These adjustments aim to ensure continued emergency care while managing operational challenges during non-weekday periods. The SNS advises the public to check specific hospital schedules, as some units may close or limit their services, directing urgent cases to designated hospitals with full emergency coverage during weekends.

While the exact operational details and which hospitals are affected were not detailed, the SNS has communicated these changes to inform patients and facilitate proper use of emergency services. For up-to-date and hospital-specific information, the SNS recommends consulting local hospital notices or contacting health service helplines to avoid unexpected disruptions.

On the weekend, a total of 130 emergency rooms are expected to open on Saturday, with 130 also open on Sunday as part of a pilot project. However, seven emergency rooms will be closed on Saturday, and six will be closed on Sunday. The Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency departments at Garcia de Orta Hospital, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hospital, and Santo André Hospital will be closed for the entire weekend.

The pediatric emergency department at Hospital Amadora-Sintra will be open for a total of 16 hours over the weekend, with operation hours between midnight and 8 am, and between 8 pm and midnight on both days. The department will only be accessible for emergency cases during these hours. It will also receive internal emergency cases, cases referred by the Urgent Patient Guidance Center of the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM), or cases referred by the SNS 24 line during the mentioned hours.

The pediatric emergency services at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures and Vila Franca de Xira Hospital will be closed for the entire weekend. The Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency service at the Amadora-Sintra Hospital will reopen on Sunday. The Gynecology and Obstetrics Emergency Department at Hospital São Bernardo, in Setúbal, will only receive women referred by INEM.

The SNS urges users to contact the SNS 24 line (800 24 24 24) before going to the emergency room to ensure proper care and guidance during these changes. These measures align with ongoing efforts in Portugal's healthcare system to provide efficient emergency medical care while adjusting to staffing and logistic constraints during weekends.

News regarding Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) reveals adjustments in Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency departments and pediatric emergency services hours.
In response to operational challenges, hospitals will operate emergency services with reduced hours or altered schedules over weekends.
The SNS emphasizes the importance of verifying hospital-specific schedules to avoid disruptions.
On Saturdays, 130 emergency rooms are set to open, although seven will remain closed.
Similarly, 130 emergency rooms are expected to operate on Sundays, with six closures.
Notable closures include Garcia de Orta Hospital, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hospital, and Santo André Hospital for the entire weekend.
The pediatric emergency department at Hospital Amadora-Sintra will be open for 16 hours over the weekend, focusing on emergency cases.
Conversely, the pediatric emergency services at Beatriz Ângelo Hospital and Vila Franca de Xira Hospital will be closed for the entire weekend.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency service at the Amadora-Sintra Hospital will reopen on Sunday.
The Gynecology and Obstetrics Emergency Department at Hospital São Bernardo will only accept referrals from the Urgent Patient Guidance Center of the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM).
The SNS encourages users to contact the SNS 24 line for proper care and guidance during these changes.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to optimize resources and staffing in Portugal's healthcare system.
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