Emergency Crisis in Portugal: Loures-Odivelas Health Unit Activates Contingency Level Due to Long Wait Times

Emergency Response Activated in Loures-Odivelas

The Loures-Odivelas Local Health Unit (ULS), which includes the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, has activated its second level of contingency due to severe pressures in emergency services. This decision was made after reports of patients, particularly those with yellow wristbands, waiting up to 18 hours for treatment.

Lusa/ Arquivo

The contingency level, marked as orange (the second most serious), is expected to remain in effect at least until January 13. According to a statement from the administration, the goal is to adjust the institution's capacity to meet the high demand experienced, especially at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital's General Emergency Service.

“The implementation of this measure aims to adapt the capacity of the institution to the high demand observed, especially in the SUG of the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital.”

Changes Under Contingency Level II

The activation of this contingency level includes:

• Increased allocation of doctors to the General Emergency Service.
• Expanded capacity for hospital admissions through contracting external solutions to accommodate patients who do not meet hospitalization criteria.

“The Board of Administration of ULS Loures-Odivelas reiterates its utmost commitment to pursuing solutions that ensure timely and quality healthcare.”

On the morning of the activation, a patient classified as urgent, wearing a yellow wristband, waited over 17 hours at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital to see a doctor, significantly exceeding the recommended wait time of one hour.

Long Wait Times for Urgent Patients

Patients with yellow wristbands are experiencing severe delays, with wait times nearing 18 hours. This situation has prompted the ULS Loures-Odivelas to advise individuals to contact the SNS 24 hotline before heading to emergency services to avoid overwhelming the system, especially amidst a rise in respiratory infections.

“To prevent overwhelming hospital emergencies at a time when respiratory infections are increasing, it is recommended to call the SNS 24 line before heading to emergency services.”