Health Minister Denies Closure of Dona Estefânia Neonatology, Reveals Reorganization Plan

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins has clarified that there is no planned closure of the neonatology unit at Dona Estefânia Hospital, addressing concerns raised by recent media reports. In statements to journalists in Beja, where she is touring Local Health Units (ULS), Martins responded to a news story from Correio da Manhã suggesting the service's shutdown. She emphasized that "no closure is planned," but rather a "reorganization" is underway.

The plan involves merging the neonatology services of Dona Estefânia Hospital and Alfredo da Costa Maternity into a single hub, driven by a shortage of human resources. Martins explained, "What is planned is that, with two neonatology units and due to the lack of human resources, there is a project to reorganize them into one hub."

Martins further noted, "There is a project for network collaboration between Estefânia and Alfredo da Costa Maternity," and stressed that "the closure of these hubs is completely denied by the ULS."

Dona Estefânia Hospital has denied the closure of its neonatal intensive care unit, but the ULS of São José confirmed to RTP that it is studying a "reorganization of services."

Adding to the uncertainty, health professionals at Dona Estefânia Hospital have not received work schedules for December, which is unusual less than 15 days before the month begins. Isabel Barbosa, a delegate from the Portuguese Nurses' Union and a nurse at the hospital, confirmed this in statements to Antena 1.

The Portuguese Medical Association has already requested clarifications from ULS São José regarding the situation.