Shock Closure of Neonatology Unit at Dona Estefânia Hospital Sparks Outrage Among Medical Staff

Healthcare Crisis Deepens as Neonatology Services Face Restructuring

Doctors and nurses at Lisbon's Dona Estefânia Hospital were caught completely by surprise this week when they learned about the imminent closure of their neonatology unit, which provides critical care for premature babies. The sudden announcement has sent shockwaves through Portugal's healthcare community.

Official Confirmation of Service Changes

The Local Health Unit (ULS) of S. José confirmed on Tuesday that it is preparing to close one of its neonatology poles, following initial reports by Correio da Manhã about the planned service shutdown at Hospital Dona Estefânia. Medical professionals were expected to be transferred to the Alfredo da Costa Maternity facility as part of the reorganization.

"This unit currently operates across two poles, and we are evaluating the possibility of reorganizing and consolidating it into a single pole," stated the ULS in response to questions from CM. The health authority specifically denied "the closure of Neonatology within ULS," though CM had not originally reported a complete shutdown of neonatology services.

Health Minister Acknowledges Human Resource Challenges

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins, when confronted about the situation, confirmed that changes were indeed underway. "What is planned is, given that we have two neonatology units and due to difficulties with Human Resources - because we have Human Resources problems in the SNS, particularly in this service - there is a project to organize a single pole. But the project is still being developed," she explained.

The minister's comments highlight the ongoing staffing crisis within Portugal's National Health Service, which has been particularly acute in specialized areas like neonatal care. The consolidation plan appears to be driven primarily by the challenge of maintaining adequate medical staffing across multiple locations.

Impact on Premature Infant Care

The potential closure raises serious concerns about the continuity of care for Portugal's most vulnerable patients - premature babies who require specialized medical attention. The Dona Estefânia unit has long been a crucial component of Lisbon's pediatric healthcare infrastructure, and its restructuring could have significant implications for neonatal services throughout the region.