The Sete Rios medical center in Lisbon, one of about 190 that extended opening hours this weekend, is out of service this Saturday due to a doctors’ overtime strike, an official said.
A source from the Regional Health Authority of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo told Lusa that of the five doctors scheduled, none showed up this Saturday and only one team of nurses was working at the Sete Rios health center.
CNN’s reporting at the scene revealed that patients who were referred by SNS 24 to the Sete Rios medical center were not treated due to a shortage of doctors after receiving information that they were on strike.
An overtime strike by primary care doctors has been called by the Independent Doctors’ Union and will end at midnight on 31 December.
The Sete Rios health center is one of about 190 health centers that are open this weekend and New Year’s Day, similar to what happened on Christmas Day, to “respond in a timely manner to cases of non-emergency acute illnesses,” the ministry said. health in a statement released Friday.
According to the calendar, 233 clinics should open this Saturday, and 193 on Sunday.
On Monday, a public holiday, January 1, and Tuesday, January 2, 187 medical centers will be open.
The measure, as explained in the ministry document, is part of the Winter 2023-2024 Seasonal Health Response Strategic Plan, being implemented by health center groups and regional health departments in collaboration with the NHS Executive Directorate. Health (SNS).
The Ministry of Health says that in the event of a non-emergency acute illness, the use of alternatives available to emergency services, such as health centers and SNS 24 digital services, “helps reduce the burden on emergency hospitals by providing medical care.” this may be provided elsewhere in the NHS.”
“In non-emergency situations, such as mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, the public should contact SNS 24 for advice and possible referral to the nearest medical facility. In emergency situations, they should contact 112,” the ministry also warns, which “recognizes the special commitment of medical workers this season and wishes health to the entire population in the new year.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Tifany Hawkins, a professional journalist with years of experience in news reporting. I currently work for a prominent news website and write articles for 24NewsReporters as an author. My primary focus is on economy-related stories, though I am also experienced in several other areas of journalism.