Nurses in Lisbon are taking a stand with a car caravan on August 20th, highlighting the severe shortage of healthcare professionals and the urgent need for investment in the National Health Service (SNS). The journey begins at Hospital Fernando Fonseca and concludes at Hospital São José, marking institutions most affected by the deficit.
The shortage of nurses in Lisbon, exacerbated by housing access issues, is the most critical in the country. Compared to better-staffed regions (themselves understaffed), Lisbon and the Tagus Valley need an additional 2,721 nurses in primary care and 4,403 in hospitals, totaling 7,106 nurses.
Overworked and underpaid, healthcare professionals are facing unsustainable conditions. The reliance on overtime, reduced shift staffing, and grueling schedules not only compromises patient safety but also leads to high burnout rates among staff.
The government's push towards privatization is seen as a threat to the SNS, with private entities already benefiting from more than half of the state health budget. Nurses are demanding:
- More hires to meet population needs.
- Regular work schedules that respect personal and family life.
- Professional valuation and problem resolution.
- Increased investment in the SNS.
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