Urgent Measures: Algarve and Almada Hospitals Suspend Non-Emergency Surgeries Amid Rising Respiratory Infections

Suspension of Non-Urgent Surgeries

Two Local Health Units (ULS) facing increased pressure on emergency services, specifically in Algarve (including hospitals in Faro, Portimão, and Lagos) and Almada-Seixal (with Garcia de Orta Hospital), have suspended non-urgent surgical activities. This decision aims to prevent overcrowding in wards and alleviate the burden on medical teams, as reported by the ‘Diário de Notícias’.

Contingency Plan Activation

This action marks the second level of a contingency plan in response to the high demand for emergency services due to respiratory infections. By suspending these surgeries, more beds and medical staff can be allocated to emergency care.

In a circular, ULS Algarve stated that, given the current context of increased demand for unscheduled care across various services, the Administration Board has decided to suspend all scheduled surgical activities requiring hospitalization, except in cases deemed urgent by the Clinical Directorate. ULS Almada-Seixal confirmed it made a similar decision on the 8th.

Expert Insights

According to Xavier Barreto, President of the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators (APAH), this is "the only solution" to ensure adequate responses to acute patients in emergencies. He noted that the suspension of non-urgent activity is outlined in all contingency plans and is activated during periods of high demand to free up resources for urgent care.

Tiago Botelho, President of ULS Algarve, mentioned that the situation is being evaluated daily and could be reversed once the flu season is under control. He emphasized the need to prevent ward overcrowding and maintain human resources, leading to the creation of 51 additional inpatient beds across various hospitals in the ULS. This includes activating 12 new beds in Lagos, 13 in Portimão, and 18 in São Brás de Alportel, specifically for post-surgical convalescent patients. An additional 8 beds have also been established in Faro for respiratory infections.

Current Situation

Hospitals in Algarve are currently managing around 200 emergency cases daily, predominantly respiratory infections. Botelho assured that the decision could be reversed at any time, but the additional beds created will remain in place until the end of February.

ULS Almada/Seixal highlighted the necessity of increasing the number of beds to relieve pressure on the General Emergency Service (SUG), noting a rise in patients awaiting care from the long-term care network, which continues to strain emergency services.